Page 18 of Sideline Sweetheart (Greenville Generals #4)

Chapter Eighteen

Mackenzie

I place the cap on my lipstick as I check my reflection in the mirror one last time, as a knock sounds on my door.

I toss the lipstick on the bed next to my evening bag as I cross the room to open the door.

When I pull open the door, Bryce’s gaze drops down my body and then does a slow rise starting at my strappy gold sandals and up my olive-green jumpsuit.

His eyes linger on my chest, and I feel my nipples harden against the lace bra I’m wearing.

He quickly steps inside, hand going around my neck as the door closes and he backs me up against it.

“My, god you are beautiful,” he says as his mouth descends on mine.

I stop him with a finger to his lips. “Easy there tiger, this lipstick will be all over you, and I would like to make a good impression on your parents the first time I meet them.”

“Are you kidding? Once they see you, their going realize why I can’t stay away from you.”

I stretch up and place a soft kiss on his lips causing him to growl when I pull away. “You’re sweet.”

“Do me a favor and remember you called me sweet, because once we are back in the room for the night, I can assure it will not be the case.”

“I can’t wait,” I reply as I move to the bed to put my phone and lipstick in my bag. As unplug my phone from the charger, it lights up with a text message. I smile as I open it. “It’s Cassie. She says the ladies are meeting in the bar tonight around ten. Will we be finished with dinner by then?”

“Oh, yeah. My parents will be back in their room before then.”

“Do you mind if I join them?”

“Not at all. Besides I can get a table in the corner to make sure no one bothers you all.”

I send her a quick text letting her know I’ll be there and Bryce has volunteered to be security for us. Her reply is almost immediate, and I smile as I read it.

I tuck my phone into my bag and Bryce opens the door, allowing me to exit the room first. He places his hand on the small of my back and guides me toward the elevator. “What did she say?”

“She was excited I would be there and said to tell you Justice would be there to keep you company.”

Bryce chuckles as he pushes the call button for the elevator. “I should have known.”

When the elevator arrives, we step inside, and Bryce presses the button for the lobby.

As we descend, I lean into Bryce’s side, take a deep breath and release it slowly.

His hand finds mine and our fingers entwine automatically.

He raises our joined hands and kisses the back of my fingers.

“It will be fine, I promise. I probably should warn you, my mom is a hugger”

The bell alerts us when we have arrived, and the doors slide open.

As we step into the lobby, a couple turns toward us and though I’m meeting them for the first time, there is no doubt in my mind these are Bryce’s parents.

His father is an older version of his son and his mother’s eyes beam with pride.

She looks at me and her smile widens as she pats her husband’s arm.

When Bryce is in reach, his mom releases her husband and opens her arms to her son. “Oh sweetheart, it’s so good to see you.”

He wraps her in a tight hug, as he says, “You too, Mom.” Bryce kisses her cheek before turning to hug his dad, who squeezes his arm as he pulls away. “Good to see you, dad.”

“You too, son.”

Bryce reaches for my hand, and I move to his side. “Mom, Dad, this is Mackenzie Flynn. These are my parents Dean and Lola Coban.”

I smile easily as I greet them. “It’s so nice to meet you both.”

Bryce’s mother steps forward only to stop before reaching me and says, “I’m not sure if Bryce told you, but I’m a hugger, but if you’re not, I’ll respect your personal space.”

The hand Bryce has resting on my hip squeezes gently and I lean into his side in response. “Mrs. Coban, I’d be honored to receive one of your hugs.”

The tension in her shoulders ease and a smile lights her face as I step forward into her embrace. She gives me a tight squeeze before stepping back and then threads her arm through mine as she begins walking us to the entrance of the hotel. “Tell me, Mackenzie, how did the two of you meet?”

I glance over at Bryce, and he winks at me before he and his dad fall instep behind us. “Well, after my first day of work, some of the staff insisted I join them for a drink and Bryce walked in to pick up his dinner. He stopped by our table and one of the guys introduced us.”

Bryce and his father stand in front of us as he gives the valet the ticket and we wait for our car.

His eyes are locked on mine as I continue.

“What they failed to tell me was he was one of the players. So, you can imagine my surprise when he walked into my office when I was meeting with each member of the team individually.”

Bryce’s dad chuckles. “Oh, I can imagine.”

“In all fairness,” Bryce says as he moves to reclaim me from his mother. “They didn’t tell me she was the new doctor either.”

His dad moves to his wife’s side and they both laugh at their son's expense and the thought of him being pranked.

“I’m glad you both find it so funny,” he says amusement clear on his face.

Mr. Coban claps his son on the shoulder. “Well, son it looks like it worked out well enough for you.”

Bryce grins. “Yes, sir,” he says before hitching his thumb in my direction. “But she didn’t make it easy for me.”

“Oh poo,” his mom says giving me a devilish smile. “I find it hard to believe this sweet girl would give you a hard time.”

I fight a grin as Bryce’s mouth drops open. “Are you kidding me? You’ve known her five minutes.”

Mrs. Coban lifts her chin. “I’m a good judge of character young man.”

“Well, actually,” I say as the valet pulls the car up. “He asked me out once a week for a month before I agreed.” I lean in and mock whisper, “Your son is very persistent.”

She sighs and gives a slight roll of her eyes. “Oh honey, don’t I know it.”

I follow Bryce around to the driver’s side and he opens the back door for me. He wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me close. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

I smile up at him as I tease, “So much.”

Bryce grins and drops a kiss on my lips, closing the door behind me as I duck inside the car. He takes his place behind the wheel, pulls out onto the highway and navigates the car through the streets of Colorado Springs to the restaurant.