Page 5 of Gentle & Broken

Walking slowly to the main path, she sank into a comfy, padded bench and waited for Teresa and Bucky to appear again. She hoped they wouldn’t think she was stalking them but the night air was mild and she’d rather be alone in this garden than hiding in a crowd full of people. Especially if Mack wasn’t coming tonight.

* * *

Mack arrived at the Super Bowl celebration party later than he’d wanted. Atlanta traffic could be horrible sometimes and he’d been caught in a traffic jam heading out to Marietta. When he arrived, he greeted fellow players but his eyes searched the spacious ballroom for Hyde Metcalf. He hoped Lily and maybe even Sariah would be here tonight. Since Hyde had rebuffed him from pursuing Sariah, for the second time, he’d stewed about what to do. He’d decided to try to get Sariah’s sister, Lily, alone and get her take on the situation. Maybe he could soften her and get her approval and maybe even Sariah’s phone number.

As his eyes finally found Hyde, his stomach hopped when he realized Hyde wasn’t talking to Lily but to Sariah. Her long, dark hair swooped over her right shoulder, covering her neck. Her knee-length pale blue gown fit her beautiful shape perfectly. It was an interesting dress with a high neckline, long sleeves, and no back or chest exposed. It made Mack appreciate Sariah all the more. Her beauty was unequaled and she didn’t need to be showing off skin to anyone.

Sariah strode away from Hyde and out a patio door. Hyde returned to Lily’s side, talking to the Rocket and his wife.

Mack felt like a sneaky teenager, but he knew this was his first and maybe only opportunity. He would be very cautious not to make Sariah uncomfortable, but he needed to know if he had any chance with her. He respected Hyde, but still felt Sariah was an adult who should be able to decide who she associated with.

Staying on the outskirts of the ballroom, he approached the rows of exterior patio doors from a different direction, keeping an eye on Hyde and Lily. Neither of them glanced his way.

As he exited the ballroom, he found himself on the back patio. He searched around the pool area and couldn’t see Sariah anywhere. Walking slowly, he finally saw her at the entrance to the main garden path. She sat on a bench, facing the opening of the path. He couldn’t see her face clearly but he would recognize her thick, dark hair and perfect shape anywhere.

Mack increased his pace, his breath coming quicker in anticipation. If Sariah waiting for him on a garden bench wasn’t a sign from above that she should be in his life, he didn’t know what was.

CHAPTERFOUR

Sariah didn’t mind waiting for Teresa and Bucky. Hushed conversations from the garden floated to her, along with some giggles and laughs. Obviously, more couples than Teresa and Bucky were enjoying a stroll, or more. It made Sariah smile. If only she could be one of those couples, with Mack. She shook her head. He hadn’t come to the party. She’d pinned all her hopes of truly connecting with the man she’d been staring at all season on this party. It felt like her last chance. If she didn’t see Mack tonight, she might not see him until next fall. The offseason for the players had officially started. Google had informed her that Mack had a condo in Atlanta and a home near his parent’s place in Newport, Rhode Island. She didn’t have any way to contact him. Maybe she could follow him on Instagram, comment on his every post, and hope he’d contact her. That was dumb. He surely had someone hired to manage all his social media, and protect him from star-crazed women like her.

Footsteps approached. Fear filled her and the horrid memories resurfaced of being held underwater until she wanted to die. She shook that off, stood quickly, and whirled to face the threat head-on.

Mack Quinn strode determinedly toward her. All fears disappeared. He looked magnificent in a tailored tux that made him look like a buff international spy instead of a football player.

Sariah’s breath caught in her throat. He stopped a couple of feet away, as if worried he would overpower her or frighten her. A slow smile grew on his handsome face. “Hi, pretty girl,” he said softly.

Sariah hid a laugh and returned his smile, happiness filling her. “Is that your standard line for every girl?”

Mack shook his head. “You’re the only girl I’ve ever said it to.”

Sariah wanted to rush into his arms, but that would be insane and much, much too pushy. “Come on, I can’t believe that. I have social media. I know you date a lot of pretty girls.”

“I’ve never dated anyone as beautiful as you.” Mack’s blue gaze seemed to deepen and he took a couple steps closer to her, close enough she could smell his soft cologne—sandalwood and lavender. It fit him, tough but kind. “I’d better fire my social media people if they’re making me look like a player.”

Sariah tilted her head back so she could hold his gaze, tucking her hair against her neck just to make sure. “You’re even bigger than I thought.”

He smiled at that but then he sobered quickly. “Sariah,” her name on his lips made her knees quiver. “Did a man hurt you?”

Sariah backed up a step, but ran into the bench and almost fell down onto it. Mack reached out and steadied her with his hand. His palm wrapped around her waist and she felt small and desirable under his touch. But why would he ask something like that? Did he know about Tyler? All the horrible memories resurfaced and she remembered why it wasn’t smart to fall for someone high-profile like Mack, but how could she resist him? His blue eyes were tugging her in and his large frame shouted protection to her. There was nothing to fear from Mack. All she wanted was to forget Tyler ever hurt her and lean in closer to Mack.

Bravely, she did lean closer. It was obvious he was waiting for an answer to his question, but his grip on her waist tightened and he bent toward her. Breathing became difficult as she focused on his handsome face and the depth in his blue eyes. He wanted to be with her, but he was very concerned about who had hurt her in her past. She didn’t want to think about her past right now. She wanted to lift up onto her tiptoes and wrap her arms around his broad shoulders.

Voices approached and she tore her eyes from Mack’s handsome face to see who was emerging from the garden. Horribly for her, it was Teresa and Bucky.

“Mack Quinn,” Bucky’s loud voice sang out. He stuck out his hand. “There’s my favorite offensive lineman.”

Mack chuckled, released his grip on Sariah’s waist and shook Bucky’s hand. “Nice to see you, sir.”

“It’s a great night, Mack. We’d better head in, they’re going to be doing some sort of awards and singing your praises I’m sure.” He winked at Teresa and grinned at Sariah. “Can we escort you lovely ladies inside?”

Teresa shook her head. “We’ll enjoy the night air for a bit longer. You go on in.”

Bucky nodded. “I wish I could extend our time, but duty calls.”

“Of course,” Teresa murmured. “Thank you for the stroll.”

“My pleasure. I hope to see you again soon.” He tipped his nonexistent hat to her and turned, slapping Mack’s shoulder. “Ah, offensive linemen are the best. What are you, three hundred pounds?”