Page 81 of Zone Protection

After cleaning up in the bathroom, I come back out to find Archie lying on the bed with his phone in his hand. He’s got a smile on his face.

“Whatcha looking at?”

I climb on the bed and curl up next to him. He lifts his arm so I can tuck myself closer and rest my head on his chest.

“Just looking at some of the guys’ stories on Instagram. Casey and Liam are fucking hammered. Looks like they went out to some bar, and there are girls hanging all over them. Maybe Casey will actually get laid tonight.”

“I thought you mentioned a girl at the Christmas party with him.”

“Oh, they claim they’re just friends, but he’s completely obsessed with her.” He shakes his head. “She’s got someboyfriend—or she did. Not really sure. Anyway, they spend a lot of time together, but they aren’t a couple.”

“Well then, I hope he does get laid tonight. He’s got a lot to celebrate. That touchdown he scored was awesome. I’m sure he could have his pick of girls too. He’s a good-looking guy.”

“Hey now. That’s my friend. I don’t want to have to kick his ass because you think he’s hot.”

“I didn’t say hot; I said good-looking. Besides, I have my hands full with you.” I slide my hand up his chest and move it back and forth.

“That you do, baby. I am a lot to take in. And by that, I mean?—”

I cover his mouth. “I know what you mean.” I giggle. “I heard about Liam transferring. How do you feel about it?”

“It’s kind of a weird feeling. I knew it was a possibility, and I’m not even gonna be there, but knowing he won’t be at Walker just makes me feel sad, I guess. I understand why, and I do think it will be good for him from a future career perspective, but I don’t know. I guess I’m always the one to leave, and any kind of change is usually by my choice. But knowing we’ll be far apart and our schedules won’t sync—I don’t want our friendship to end.”

“I get that. But like you said, you’ll be gone, starting your own adventure. In more ways than one.” I rub my belly. “And just because he won’t be playing at Walker doesn’t mean he won’t still be your best friend. You guys just have to make the effort to be there for each other when you can.”

A soft smile lights his face. “You’re right. I’ll just miss him, and I think that’s harder for me to admit than I thought it would be. And today, we played our last game together. It all came crashing into me, you know?”

I tilt my head and place a kiss on his jaw. “Makes sense. The last goodbye is never easy.”

We lie there in silence for a few minutes, and then he yawns and stretches his arm that I’m not lying on to the side.

Then he looks at me and smiles. “I can’t believe you’re here. You really have no idea how much this means to me. And I meant it when I said I love you. I really, really do.”

“I couldn’t have missed it. And I really, really love you too.”

We lean into each other and kiss.

And I do mean it. I couldn’tnothave been here for this beautiful man who shows me every day that he’s there for me and the baby. He’s a special man, and I need to make sure I continue to showhimhow much he means to me.

CHAPTER

EIGHTEEN

ARCHIE

After the championshipgame before the banquet, Liam told me privately that he was going to leave Walker once the transfer portal opened. Now that the celebrations around campus for our win have come to a close, Liam informed the coaches that he has decided to transfer to Michigan. We’re at the field house, cleaning out our lockers today. Watching him pack up his personal belongings is a little tough, even though I won’t be here next year either. It just feels like so much is changing all at once.

I pack up the rest of my things and toss what I don’t need into a bin. Most of it will get thrown out, but they will sometimes take things out and wash them for memorabilia. Almost all of my stuff needs to be burned or shredded.

I turn around and see Liam sitting on the bench in front of his locker, looking into it. As I walk over to him, I sniffle.

I set a hand on his shoulder and squeeze. “You okay, brother?”

He shakes his head. “I don’t know. I just never pictured leaving here until I was done, but I just can’t sit on the bench fora year, and I know that’s what would happen. Callaway won the season for us. And I know I had some good games, but there’s no way I’d see time on the field next year if I stayed here.”

As much as I hate to agree with him and don’t want to see him go for the sake of our team and friends, I do think it’s a smart decision.

“I know, man. But you have to do what’s best for you and your career. You need to give yourself the best chance to get drafted. And you know we’ll all stay in touch. A bond like ours doesn’t just end when we go our separate ways.” I ruffle his hair.

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