Page 18 of Zone Protection

When I look at the screen, I see a text from Beck, asking where I am, and then I look at the clock to see I have ten minutes to get to practice.

“You need to go, don’t you?” she asks.

“I’m sorry, but I do. You aren’t leaving without giving meyour number this time. Oh, and by the way, do you have my T-shirt from that night?”

She smirks. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Darlin’ … I think you do.” I laugh. Glad to be able to laugh too. “Can I drop you at yours on my way, or do you have a ride?”

“Oh, no, I’m good. I parked on campus for class, so I’ll just go grab my car before I also have to get to practice.” She stands from my lap.

“I really don’t want you to go. I feel like we should talk some more. Plug your number into my phone, and I’ll call you later? Maybe we can grab dinner or something and talk some more?” I hand her my phone.

“Sure, we can probably do that. And, Archie, can I ask you not to say anything to anyone? Only one of my roommates—who is also my best friend and a teammate—knows, but my other two roommates don’t know yet. I just want to figure out how to deal with my scholarship before I tell anyone. And because I don’t know your friends, can I ask that you keep it between us for now too?”

She’s looking up at me, and I see vulnerability in her eyes.

“You got it, darlin’. I’ll call you later, and we’ll figure out a plan.” I take her hand and lead her to the door.

“Thanks, Archie. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m feeling a little less scared now.”

We stop at the door, and she glances up at me.

I open the door for her; she walks out, and then I follow. I don’t want her to leave. I want to keep talking to her, spending time with her.

“I’m glad you feel better. I think it’ll take a minute for it to settle in, but I know everything will be okay. Besides, whether it’s a boy or a girl, this is gonna be one good-lookin’ kid. Am I right?” I wink at her, trying to lighten the mood again.

She laughs and steps off the porch stoop and down the walkway.

When she reaches the sidewalk, I call out to her, “Oh, wait, Emma! What’s your last name?”

She stops and turns toward me. “Tucker.” She smiles and starts walking away.

“I’ll call you later, Emma Tucker, and you’d better answer!” I know I’m shouting now, but I don’t really give a shit.

She waves a hand over her head and turns the corner. Once she’s out of my sight, I rush back into the house to grab my shake and my bag.

As I’m running toward my room, Liam calls my name.

Fuck.

“Duuude, Arch. What in the actual fuck? You’re gonna be a dad?”

“Pitzy, why aren’t you at practice right now? I thought I was here alone.” I go into my room and grab my bag, then turn and walk back out.

“Bro, are you not gonna answer me? I was taking a little siesta, and my alarm clock didn’t go off—which thank fuck I heard you out here, or I would have missed practice. Then I opened the door, just as I heard, ‘I’m pregnant.’”

Pitz reaches down and grabs his bag while I pass.

I stop in front of him and try not to smile. “Look, she doesn’t want anyone to know. Like, at all. So, you have to promise me you won’t say a word to anyone. We still don’t know for sure anyway. Give me your word you won’t say anything. This is bigger than gossip. Her scholarship is at risk with this.”

“Damn. No, of course you have my word. I’m just … speechless. And why aren’t you freaking out? I would be toast if a chick came in, telling me she was pregnant!”

I shrug. “Because I’m not freaked out. If she’s pregnant, I’m gonna be a daddy. If she’s not, I got her number.” I wink and walk away.

“Arch, I gotta say, I’m a little nervous about how you’re acting here,” he says from behind me.

I pull open the front door, and we walk out to my truck that is sitting in the front of the house on the street.

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