The Mane Attraction
Page 84

Nothing. Just a lot on my mind.
Any of that have to do with our Sissy?
Mitch didnt see a point in lying. Yeah. It does.
You in love with her?
Ducking his head, Mitch focused on his food. Some might say.
Is she in love with you?
God, Mitch muttered, reaching toward the pie to cut another slice, I hope not.
And like that, the pie was pulled away. What do ya mean, you hope not? You trying to tell us our Sissy isnt good enough for you?
Mitch let out an annoyed sigh. Of course Im not telling you that. If I had my way, Id give Sissy anything she wanted. Do you think I want to end my time with her? There are so many things I want to do with her, but thats just not possible.
If you could do anything with Sissy, Janette asked, what would it be? And keep it clean.
Mitch smiled. Anything? Id take her on a date. Weve never been on a date.
Mitchell, darlin, I dont understand what the problem is. Francine huffed a little. This whole thing with you and thesewhat did you call them the other day?
Scumbags.
Yes. These scumbags. That cant go on forever. Theyll catch whoever tried to hurt you.
It wont make a difference, Miss Francine. When this is all overwhen I leave hereIll be going into Witness Protection.
Francine sat up straight. Youre doing what?
I really thought you knew. I thought I told you. Mitch rested his elbows on the table. Maybe I didnt. I dont know anymore. Theres so much going on right now. Someones trying to kill me, Im in love with your niece, the game is coming up
A big slice of pie was pushed in front of him and another glass of milk.
Francine reached over and petted his cheek. I want you to tell us everything, darlin.
Sissy ignored Dees laughter as she showed off her new leather jacket. Look, heifer, fringe will never be out of style.
She yanked the jacket off, unceremoniously shoved it back into the bag, and snatched a beer out of Ronnies hand.
Dee glanced at Sissy as she sat down next to her on the bleachers. Rumor is, her cousin murmured beside her, whoever tried to kill Mitch may be heading this way.
May be. No one knows for sure. But the sheriffs department and the Elders are on alert. Sissy looked at her cousin and blinked.
What?
Sissy thought for a moment and then realized it couldnt hurt to ask, You know, they say its a lioness who didthis.
Yeah? And?
Dez thinks shes military.
Dees gaze moved across the field, and she asked, Is that right? And what makes her think that?
The shot this female made, nailing Mitch from where she didshe had to be well-trained. But other than her scent, shes left nothing. No hair, no fibersnothing that our kind can usually find when no one else can.
Sissy knew she was touching on a sensitive subject here. She hadnt asked her cousin about what shed done for the military because she already kind of knew from Bobby Ray. Dees unit handled full-humans who knew of their kind and made hunting them a sport. They were usually rich, secretive, and extremely dangerous. Not only to those they hunted, but to Sissys kind in general. And Dee hunted the hunters. She was very good at what she did, but the last time Sissy had seen her, she could tell the whole thing had been wearing on her cousin.
Reallythere was only so long a body could do that job and keep her sanity.
Dee nodded. Ill make some calls to old friends.
Thanks.
Her cousin grunted as Travis called a break and sent them off the field. Mitch came right over to her, but before Sissy could stand up and drag him away to her chosen spot, he crouched in front of her, pulling off his helmet.
Hey.
Hey. She smiled. Look, I found a place
I was thinking we should go on a date tonight.
Sissy stopped talking abruptly, her words tumbling to a halt. Uhwhat?
A date. You and me. Itll be nice.
Nice? And Sissy couldnt keep the disgust out of her voice. I dont do nice.
Would it kill you to try?
Possibly.
Mitch grinned. Ill pick you up at your parents house. Well go out to dinner, so dress nice.
I dont dress nice.
Start. He kissed her cheek and headed back to the other players and Gatorade.
Did he just ask me on a date?
Ronnie nodded. Sounds like it.
Well, whats going on?
Why are you asking me? I was with you until practice started.
Dee-Ann? But Dee had done her ghost thing and was nowhere in sight. Sissy would have to find out how she did that.
Are you gonna go? Ronnie asked, taking Sissys beer and gulping down half of it.
I guess. I meana date? Me?
We better leave now then. Who knows what well have to put together to get you dressed proper.