Page 12 of Sideline Sweetheart (Greenville Generals #4)

Chapter Twelve

Mackenzie

The moment we step into Bryce’s apartment we are greeted with the most delicious aroma. “You cooked?”

Bryce laughs and kisses my cheek. “Don’t sound so surprised, Mom made sure I knew how to cook a few things before I left for college.”

“Well, whatever she taught you to make smell delicious.”

“Thanks,” he says as he walks into the kitchen. “This is chicken cacciatore. Would you like a glass of wine while I make the polenta?”

“Yes, please,” I say as I take a seat at the breakfast bar, while he pours me a glass of red wine. Bryce sets the glass of wine in front of me, and I take a sip. “Can I help you with anything?”

“No, this won’t take long, I had the stock warming while I came to pick you up.”

“I would have been happy to drive over so you didn’t have to interrupt your cooking.”

He glances over his shoulder at me as he stirs the polenta. “But then I’d have to say goodbye to you sooner.”

A boldness I’ve not had before fills me as I run my finger around the rim of my wine glass. “Who says I would have left?”

His eyes fly to mine as he reaches a plate to dish up the polenta. “Don’t tease me, Mackenzie Flynn.”

I school my expression to the most innocent I can muster. “I would never.”

Bryce hums as he eyes me suspiciously and rounds the corner with a plate in each hand. I pick up my wine and his glass of water and I follow him to the table. “This looks delicious,” I say as he sets the plate on the table and pulls out my chair.

I take a seat and Bryce leans into my ear as he scoots it back in. “Wait until you see what I have planned for dessert.”

A shiver rolls through me as his warm breath tickles my ear. I turn and with his mouth is dangerously close to mine I can’t help but wet mine in anticipation. “I can’t wait,” I whisper as my eyes dance back up to his.

“Me either,” he replies before dropping a brief kiss on my lips and then taking his seat across from me.

I pick up my utensils and run my knife through the most tender chicken I have ever had. I load my fork with polenta and a saucy bite of chicken and slide it into my mouth. A moan escapes me as the flavors explode in my mouth. “Oh my god, Bryce, this is delicious.”

His grin is immediate. “I’m glad you like it.”

“Like it is an understatement. I think you need to cook for all our dates.”

Bryce chuckles as he glances over at me. “All our dates, huh?”

“Yep, and if your mother taught you how to cook this well, I can’t wait to meet her.”

We make small talk through dinner, and once we finish eating, I help him clean up. Bryce places the last of the dishes into the dishwasher, closes the door, wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me close. “Thank you for dinner, it was amazing.”

“You’re welcome.” Bryce leans in leaving a trail of kisses along my jaw “Are you ready to see what’s for dessert?”

My eyes flutter closed at the feel of his lips on my skin. “Yes,” I whisper breathlessly.

He takes my hand and leads me down the hall, past a bedroom and into what appears to be a media room.

We step inside and I take in the space. A large flat screen television hangs on one wall with a black leather sofa in front of it and multiple recliners are situated behind it.

Along the back wall is a counter stocked with candy and snacks, both salty and sweet displayed.

Underneath the counter is a small glass door refrigerator stocked with everything from beer to soda to water.

To the right of the counter is a movie theater grade popcorn machine.

The movie lover inside me is absolutely giddy with excitement.

I whirl around to face him. “You have a popcorn machine?”

Bryce smiles and I see his shoulders relax as if he’s nervous to how I would react. “I do. It’s a recent addition.”

I put my hand on my hip and cock my head at him. “Bryce Coban, did you buy a popcorn machine specifically for our date?”

He glances at the floor before sheepishly grinning at me. “Maybe.”

I can’t help the bounce in my step as I pop up on my toes and throw my arms around his neck. “I think you are the sweetest guy ever.”

His arms wrap around my waist as he pulls me closer. “A distinction I am honored to accept. Would you like to try it out?”

“Yes, please!”

He takes my hand, leads me over to the popcorn machine and flips a switch. “This is going to take a few minutes, so how about we pick out a movie while we wait.”

I smile up at him and shake my head. “I already know what movie I want to see.”

His gaze tracks over my face, clearly trying to figure out what I’m going to say. “You do?”

“I do,” I say as the popcorn begins to pop. “After all, you bought a popcorn machine for our date, so I think there’s only one movie we should watch.”

“And the lady chooses?”

“I believe it’s called, The Fast and The Furious .”

He pulls back, seemingly stunned by my choice. “Really?”

“Yes. I like you Bryce, probably more than I should in the short time we’ve known each other. So, if meeting your parents and watching your favorite movie means I get to know you a little better, then I’m choosing one of your favorites.”

His hand slides into my hair as he tilts my head back and looks into my eyes. “Do you have any idea how incredible you are?”

I give a little shrug and smile. “I try.”

His mouth descends on mine, and I melt into him.

Bryce licks along the seam of my lips, and I don’t waste any time giving him access.

Our tongues do a sensual dance as we tease and taste each other as the smell of popcorn fills the air around us.

As the kiss slows, Bryce kisses first one corner of my mouth and then the other before resting his forehead against mine.

“How set are you on watching the movie? Because I could probably think of one or two things we could do instead.”

“I think the movie can wait.”

“Thank god,” he says as he captures my mouth once again while lifting me into his arms. My legs wrap around him as he carries me down the hall to his bedroom.