Piper wet her lips. “You don’t have to…” Her voice came out rusty. “I misunderstood…” She rubbed her arms. “What are…”
Mikah waited for her to get the words out, his expression still but attentive. The sound of giggling children echoed through the fair but grew louder in their area.
Mikah shifted toward the sound and chuckled.
Pouring out her soul here. What was taking his attention? Piper turned.
A man-sized unicorn was headed their way.
Oh no. Piper covered her lips. “No.” Piper spun back to Mikah. “Do you see that?” She snapped a photo and did the upload. She pumped her fist in the air, extra credit achieved, whoop.
The unicorn kept coming despite the children running beside his sparkling hooves. He bowed before their table.
Piper took the opportunity for an excellent closeup.
“We’re even,” the unicorn said to Mikah in Rookie’s voice. He patted the heads of the hovering children with his sparkly hoof and trotted off. Well, he walked. But in her mind, he trotted away under the Texas sun.
Mikah had done this for her, to ensure she’d get her credit. Her heart warmed and expanded. No matter where they’d been or where they were, he’d made a sweet day even better. Piper leaned over and kissed Mikah. He tasted of apple mead and a glorious gesture.
Piper pulled back. “Thank you.” She touched her lips. “That was a friendly thank you.” They both knew that was a lie.
* * *
Mikah led the guys into the locker room.
Captain stood at the end of the bench. “Huddle up, men.”
Team members filled the center benches while others leaned against the lockers, but all were facing their team leader. Captain nodded. “I’ve been following your progress with the purity program. As is my style, I’ve stayed out of it. You’re men and can do as you like with regards to your chastity.”
Snickers and a mild slew of cheers greeted Captain’s words. “Here. Here.”
Captain was good like that, staying out of their business unless they needed him.
Captain’s expression was stoic. “My girlfriend and I have parted ways, so I’m on the single side of the fence. Therefore, now the program affects me. We’re shutting the controlling aspects of this scheme down.”
“Here. Here.” More agreement from the peanut gallery.
“Going to be a problem with Mikah hooking up with the Purity Minder at every opportunity?” Kiernan asked. “On every field.”
Bro. Mikah shook his head.
Captain frowned and his expression showed his distaste. “Players shouldn’t mess with the front office.” He narrowed his eyes “That going on, Mikah?”
They needed the hell out of his business. “That’s not going on, Captain.” Men, making him define a relationship. Who the hell raised them? “We’re two single people who hang out sometimes.”
“You’re never clear on Piper. Have you called dibs or not?” Kiernan showed way too much interest.
Mikah gave him the look, but the dude was spewing his inquiries from the other side of the locker room so he couldn’t elbow him. Where was he going with this?
Liam frowned. “Will your ideas affect the app?”
“Uninstall it, or stop using it,” Captain said without sympathy. “All of you.”
That got grumbles.
Had the app hurt Captain Ronan in some way?
“Will you let the owner know you’re shutting down our use?” Rookie asked.