Page 21 of Sideline Sweetheart
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 aroundmy 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.
Chapter Thirteen
