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“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?”