Page 16 of Sideline Sweetheart
“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.
Chapter Ten
Mackenzie
Wednesday after practice,more than a few players end up in the treatment room. A tweaked knee, a bruised elbow, and a dislocated shoulder were a few of the ailments I diagnosed and created a treatment plan for. After giving instructions to the medical team, I head back to my office to add notes to each player’s chart. I’m in the middle of reviewing an x-ray when my phone alerts with a text.
I flip my phone over and smile when I see a message from Bryce.
Busy this weekend?
Nothing set in stone, why?
I have an idea.
I can’t help but laugh as I type my response
Should I be worried?
No. Well, maybe. Gotta see if my idea pans out. Talk soon.
I laugh and shake my head as I toss my phone back on my desk. As I turn back to continue reviewing the x-ray, I see Jamie watching me from the doorway.
Jamie steps inside and notices my grin still firmly in place. “I’m going to go out on a limb and say it’s Bryce putting a smile on your face.”
Instead of confirming I counter, “What makes you say that?”
“Because I grin the same way when Reed texts me too.”
“I guess there’s no use in denying it then. Yes, it was Bryce.”
Jamie takes a seat and raises a brow as she asks, “So, is there another date in your future?”
I move behind my desk and take a seat. “Evidently, he’s trying to put something together for this weekend. I’m not exactly sure what it is, but I find it sweet he’s taking the lead on planning dates.”
Jamie nods. “It is sweet. When we were dating, Reed planned most of our dates too.”
I tilt my head as I watch her eyes sparkle when she mentions her husband. “Is he still the primary date planner?”
