“I’m pregnant.” The words tumbled out too fast, and the tears slipped down her cheeks even faster. “Trip will kill me. He told me not to get involved with Tate, and he’s not going to let me live this down.”

“Because of an accident?” Chris stood at his full height, then wrapped both arms around her. “He’s not that much of an ass.”

“Have you met him? He’s so overprotective, it’s crazy.” She wiped her cheeks and gasped. From her head to her toes, she trembled. Nothing cut her deeper than having to talk to her brother.

“I’m pretty overprotective, too.” He tipped her chin, looking her in the eye. “I’ll help you.”

“Why? You’re my friend, sure, but you’ve got a girlfriend. Won’t Missy be upset?”

“Missy is my sister. You saw her here at the club because she wanted to dance and meet people. But mostly so I could keep an eye on her.” He rested his forehead on hers. “I’m not afraid of your brother. He’s big and loud, but he doesn’t scare me.”

“You’re nuts.” He had to be. They knew each other from the club and talked from time to time, but to jump in and help her during her time of need? Come on. “I’ll just tell Trip. What’s the worst he can do? Disown me?” She’d gotten herself into the predicament, she’d get herself out.

“People have called me all sorts of things, but that’s the first time someone called me nuts.” He rubbed her shoulders. “What do you want to do?”

“He’ll kill me. I’m the baby. I’m not allowed to screw up. If I tell him it’s Tate’s... At least he likes you.”

“Whatever you want to tell him, I’ll back you up. How about we’ve been dating for two months and we’ve had a happy accident?”

“You’d do that for me?”

“Lace, I already like you. Maybe this is our chance to see if this friendship we share is meant to be something more.”

“You’re a crazy knight in shining armor.” She threw her arms around his neck and squeezed him tight. Maybe they could be more.