Page 9 of Sideline Sweetheart (Greenville Generals #4)
Chapter Nine
Bryce
The drive back to Mackenzie’s apartment took far less time than I’d like. Conversation flowed easily between us and when the need to touch her became too much, I reached over to take her hand and settled it on my thigh for the duration of the drive.
I pull up to her building, park along the curb, and then turn off the engine.
My thumb swipes over her hand giving it a squeeze before I exit the vehicle and make my way to the passenger side.
Opening her door, I offer her my hand and she steps up onto the sidewalk as I close the door.
With her hand in mine, we enter her building and wait for the elevator.
When the doors slide open, we step inside, I move to the back corner while Mackenzie pushes the button to her floor.
The air around us sizzles as the elevator begins to rise and I wrap my arm around her waist dragging her back against my front.
I trace a line from her wrist to her shoulder gently moving her fiery locks to reveal the creamy column of her neck.
I lean forward and drop a gentle kiss on Mackenzie’s exposed shoulder and a shiver courses through her.
A smile tilts my lips as she takes a shuddering breath and relaxes back into me.
The ding of the elevator announcing our arrival to her floor makes her sigh and I suppress a chuckle.
I slowly slide my hand around from her stomach to the small of her back to guide her to her door.
There is a slight tremble to her fingers as she finds her key and unlocks the door.
Mackenzie’s hand trails up my chest as sapphire blue eyes meet mine. “Would you like to come in?”
“Yes, I would.” I caress her cheek with the backs of my fingers, and her eyes flutter closed. “But I promised myself, I’d be a gentleman and say goodnight at the door.”
A sigh escapes her and when she licks her lips it is almost my undoing. “What if I don’t want you to be a gentleman?” Mackenzie asks, her voice barely above a whisper her eyes focused on the center of my chest.
I slip a finger under her chin forcing her eyes to meet mine again. “Then Mackenzie Flynn, you’ll have to agree to a second date.”
A soft giggle bubbles out and she smiles. “Bryce Coban, no one warned me you were so sneaky.” Her hand is still on my chest, so I cover it with my own. “Thank you for a lovely evening.”
I smile seeing the sincerity in her eyes. “Thank you for agreeing to go out with me.” Lifting her hand, I place a soft kiss on the inside of her wrist and open the door to her apartment. “Goodnight, Mackenzie.”
“Goodnight, Bryce,” she says as she steps inside, closing the door behind her. I wait until I hear the lock click into place before making my way to the elevator and then to my car waiting at the curb. I climb behind the wheel, start the engine, and head home.
Monday morning, I head to the training facility and hit the weight room bright and early. I’m in the middle of my second set of leg presses when Felipe, Reed, and Leo approach. I can’t help but laugh as they form a wall in front of me, arms crossed over their chests.
“Morning, fellas. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
Reed rolls his eyes at my question. “Damn it Coban, are you going to make us ask?”
I push the plate my feet are settled on and the weights behind me rise once again. “You can ask whatever you want, doesn’t mean I’m going to tell you anything.”
Felipe relaxes his stance. “Fine, you don’t have to tell us anything. We’ll find out everything we need to know from our wives later.”
Usually quiet and reserved, Leo jumps right on the gossip train. “Let’s not forget it was our wives who talked Mac into giving your ass a chance in the first place.”
I finish my set, stand from the bench and drape the towel around my neck.
“Damn, you all are worse than a bunch of gossipy old women.” I pick up my water bottle and take a long drink as the three of them stand there stoically waiting for me to tell them about my date with Mackenzie.
I shrug, “I hate to disappoint you, but there isn’t a lot to tell.
I picked her up at her place and we had dinner at The Lake House.
We enjoyed a delicious meal, had a great conversation, and then I drove her home and walked her to the door like a perfect gentleman. ”
The three of them trade looks as if they are trying to decide if I’m telling them the truth or not. Felipe’s arms drop to his sides. “So, nothing else happened?”
“Nothing I’m going to share with you three stooges.”
Reed huffs incredulously. “Well, are you taking her out again?”
I fight to hide a smile, because these guys are seriously invested in finding out everything they can. “If you’re asking if I’ve asked her out again, the answer is no.”
“Why the hell not,” Leo asks, his face etched with confusion.
Trying not to give too much away and still trying to remain honest with them, I say, “In case you didn’t notice, it’s six-forty-five in the morning, I haven’t seen or talked to her this morning.
” I did send her a good morning text before heading into the weight room, but it’s not something they need to know.
“But don’t worry, when and if I ask her out again, I’ll be sure to let you all know. ”
With my weight training complete, I stroll past them and head to the treadmill to get my cardio workout for the day.
Once I finish my run, I head back to the locker room.
Stopping by my locker, I check my phone and smile when I see a simple reply from Mackenzie.
I grab my shaving kit and head to the showers before dressing out for practice.
My eyes scan the sidelines as I enter the practice field. Mackenzie stands near the thirty-yard line, tablet in hand. Head down, I jog in her direction, slowing as I reach her side. Her focus remains on her tablet, her lips hint at a smile as I say her name.
“Mackenzie.”
“Bryce,” she replies warmly.
“Did you face the same inquisition I did this morning?”
She tosses a quick glance my way, brow raised. “No, but thanks for the warning.”
I chuckle. “You’re welcome. I figured you deserved a heads up.” A whistle blows and I put my helmet on. As I secure the chin strap, I lean in to make sure I’m heard. “In case you were wondering, I only gave minimum details. What happened at your door, I’m keeping between the two of us.”
Her eyes catch mine and I see a flash of heat as she smiles. “Good to know you won’t kiss and tell.”
“Never,” I whisper, tossing her a wink before I run out on the field.