Page 12 of Sideline Sweetheart
The sound of heels on the floor alerts me, and I smooth my hand over my tie as I wait for the door to open. My breath catches as Mackenzie opens the door. If I thought she was gorgeous in her Generals uniform or the jeans she was wearing the night we met, she is absolutely stunning tonight.
The royal blue dress she’s wearing highlights her curves and makes her blue eyes even brighter. Her red hair hangs in soft waves and my fingers itch to dive into those tresses. My eyes return to hers and a smile tips her lips.
“Hello handsome,” she says shyly leaning against the door.
I swallow willing my voice to sound steady. “Hi. You are absolutely stunning.”
Again, she hits me with a smile. “Thank you.” She takes a step back opening the door wider, as her arm sweeps out inviting me in.
I step through the door, and she closes it behind me. I offer her the box of chocolates. “These are for you.”
She reaches out and takes the box from me, smiling as she looks through the cellophane window on top. “Thank you. First the flowers, now chocolates. I have to say Bryce, I’m impressed.”
I grin, noting the teasing tone of her voice. “Well, my mother taught me to not show up at a lady’s door empty handed, and since I’d already sent you flowers…” I say, letting the thought trail off.
“Your mother sounds like a wise woman.”
I nod in agreement. “She is.”
“Do we have time for a drink?”
I check the Longines watch strapped to my wrist. “We should probably go if we want to make our reservation. Maybe I can take a raincheck?”
Humor dances in her eyes as she steps closer to me, placing her hand on my chest. “We’ll see how the night goes first.”
I shake my head at her teasing as she turns to pick up her clutch and tucks her phone inside. I open the door for her to exit the apartment, closing it behind me, and wait for her to secure the lock. I place my hand on the small of her back and guide her into the elevator. Once the elevator door closes, I bend close to Mackenzie’s ear. “I was surprised to get your text.”
Her eyes search my face. “Really?”
“Mhmm, I was sure you’d claim it was against some ethical rule.” Her cheeks turn pink, and her focus drops to the floor before returning to me. I grin, pleased I was able to puzzle her out. “You did, didn’t you? You were going to turn me down. What changed your mind?”
“First,” she says, “I did turn you down.”
“Technically,” I reply with a grin. “You made me wait; there’s a difference.”
“Agree to disagree,” she says. “To answer your question, not what, who,” she says, a smile of her own curving her lips upward. “Luna, Jamie, and Allison convinced me to give you a chance.”
“I’ll have to thank them later,” I say as the elevator door slides open and we step into the lobby. I escort her through the entrance and down the sidewalk to my car. I open the passenger door for her and offer her my hand to assist her inside.
Placing her hand in mine she says. “An impressive car for an impressive man.”
I raise the hand I’m holding and place a gentle kiss on her ivory skin before she slides into the supple leather seat. After closing the door, I round to the driver’s side and slide behind the wheel.
Mackenzie is quiet while I pull away from the curb and out into traffic. The weight of her gaze on me causes me to glance at her. “What are you thinking over there?”
A smile teases her lips. “I’m trying to decide if all the girls get the sexy car and designer suit treatment when you take them out.”
“Only the ones who matter,” I reply smoothly.
Mackenzie laughs and shakes her head. “You are quite the charmer, aren’t you?”
“I wasn’t trying to be charming; I was being honest. Contrary to what you may have heard, I’m not the player some people think I am.”
“So, I’ve heard,” she replies softly.
I can’t help but grin. “Were you checking up on me, Doc?”
“Not exactly,” she says as I turn on Saluad Dam Road. “However, I was reassured you were one of the good guys.”
