Page 15 of Zone Protection

She laughs. “Sorry, I guess it’s too soon.”

“You think? I need to try to get his number. I bet I could get it from Dan Smith, but then he’ll ask questions.”

“Smith is a nosy fucker; he would definitely ask questions. Most of those guys are bigger gossips than any girls I know. But I think I might know someone who knows where he lives.”

“You just want me to go in guns blazing and see him instead of texting him like a normal person?” I look at her, eyes wide.

She pulls me into her arms again. “Yeah, babe. You need to go see him.”

I tilt my head on her shoulder and see myself in the mirror, then look down at the counter at the three positive pregnancy tests. Yep, I guess it’s as real as it gets.

CHAPTER

FOUR

ARCHIE

I just got homefrom my last class of the day, and I’m in the kitchen, making a protein shake before I have to leave for practice. I think the other guys already left without me, and I know Charlie has her long day of classes today. So, I might just take my time and have my shake here instead of bringing it with me.

My cell rings over the noise of the blender. The ringtone is the Walker U fight song, and it’s loud as shit. It startles even me sometimes. I know it drives my roommates crazy.

I turn off the blender and walk over to the kitchen table, where I left my phone.Mama Bearshows on the screen. I swipe the Answer button and tap Speaker.

“Hey, Mama.”

“Hi, honey. How was class today? Did you find out what you got on that last test in your History class?”

My mom is the best. Seriously, the best. Three of my brothers are still at home, but she makes it a point to call me and Aiden every day to check in.

“Yeah, I got an eighty-four on it. Not too bad. I’m happy with it. Keeps me eligible.” I laugh.

“Okay, well, that’s good! It’s hard to believe this is pretty much your last semester, isn’t it? I know you plan to keep the house as your home base until the draft, but this is it, huh?”

I nod, even though she can’t see me. “Yep. I can’t believe it either. But I promised you and Dad that I would still get my degree, so don’t worry. I’ll either take classes online or finish when I’m not in training or in season. Might take me a while, but I do want a backup plan. You never know what can happen.”

“Archie, please don’t even say things like that. I know injuries can happen, but I’m practically in need of anti-anxiety meds as it is between you and your brothers. I swear you all think you’re indestructible.” She huffs.

“Mama, if you really think about it, it’s your fault. You raised us this way. Fearless, just like you.” I belt out a laugh. Not laughing because it’s not true. My mom is the most fearless woman I know.

“Ha-ha. So, there is actually a reason for my call. I, of course, wanted to do our daily check-in, but I wanted to let you know I can’t make it up for the game this weekend. I’m so sorry. Ace and Aston have a game on Friday night, and then Austin and Jesse have games on Saturday morning and afternoon. So, Dad is going to come up by himself, and I’ll cart the boys around here.”

I walk back over to the blender and pour my shake into a cup.

“Not a problem, Mama. It’s the busiest time of year for the Griffs. I get it. This game is gonna be a good one though.”

She sighs. “I know, and I really am sorry to miss it. I also need to be here for the ranch hands in case they have any problems while Dad is up there. We have a few horses that are due any day now.”

The doorbell rings before I can reply. “Hang on, Ma. Someone is at the door.”

I walk over to the door and pull it open to see Emma standing on the other side. The girl I’ve been thinking about for two months is on my freaking doorstep, wearing leggings, an oversize sweatshirt, and one of those messy buns girls like to wear. She doesn’t have on a stitch of makeup and is still the prettiest girl on campus.

I have to clear my throat and lift my chin to make sure I’m not looking like a total puppy dog in heat at the sight of her.

“Holy shit. Emma! What are you doing here?”

“Hey, Archie. Sorry to stop by like this, but I really need to talk to you. Is this a bad time?”

I shake my head, probably a little too much. “No, it’s great. Come on in.”

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