Hector (Season One: The Ninth Inning #3) by Lindsay Paige, Mary Smith

the open door. Carissa already told them she wanted to go first.
    I watch as she and the instructor push off and leap into the empty air. We continue to the edge and I glance at Hector. He still looks bad. I wink at him as the instructor pushes us off and we begin to fall. I try to keep my mouth closed because I’m scared of a bug flying in. I squeal as the wind is burning my cheeks and my limbs are fighting for control as the air keeps beating me around.
    I stare at the view around me and it’s stunning. The bird’s eyes view is indescribable. The bright green of the land below and the scattered homes paint the ground. I can see the Memphis skyline clear on the other side of the flat land. There’s no paint in the world that can compete with Mother Nature’s rainbow of colors.
    I look farther out to my left, and I see Carissa’s shoot pull. I can’t see Hector and I’m not sure if he jumped. I know the parachute will be pulled soon and I feel the quick jerk before we shoot up. As soon as the parachute opens completely, we begin to float down. I take a deep breath and memorize the horizon. I wish there was a way I could paint it. However, it never looks as beautiful.
    I see the ground coming closer. Carissa has already landed. I feel the instructor tugging on the ropes to steer us to the grass patch near the airport. I lift my legs up as we’re about to land, but the instructor slips and we both land awkwardly on the ground.
    “Are you okay?” he asks with concern.
    I’m laughing hard, but nod. We’re both able to maneuver to our feet and he unhooks me as Carissa comes bounding toward me.
    “Oh my God, that was the greatest thing I’ve ever done.” She nearly chokes me when she hugs my neck.
    “It’s amazing, right?”
    “Better.” She lets me go and we look up at the sky as Hector is about to land.
    He did it. He really skydived. I have to say I’m shocked because I was sure he would chicken out. Once he lands and is unhooked, we run over to him. He’s on his knees with his face in the grass.
    “Hector, are you going to be sick?” Carissa asks. I lean down to him and rub his back.
    “I’m kissing the ground. I love the ground, and I think I’m going to marry the ground.” He rolls onto his back.
    “Stop being a sissy and man up.” Carissa kicks his shin. “You can’t tell me you didn’t enjoy it.”
    “I hated every single second of it,” Hector groans.
    “Well, Zoey and I will leave you at home the next time we do it,” Carissa says and we both help him to his feet.
    “I’m fine with that.”
    I laugh at him, but I’m glad he didn’t pass out and the color is returning to his face. Carissa hugs him and he instantly melts. He loves her and you can see he’ll do anything for her. When she lets him go, I lean over and kiss his cheek. He hugs me close to him and we walk back to the office to change out of our jumpsuits.
    Hector takes us out to a small Italian restaurant. Carissa continues to go on and on about the experience. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who talks so much. We eat, laugh, and I don’t remember having this much fun with any of my other boyfriends.
    Boyfriend?
    What happened to taking it slow, Zoey?
    “Do you want to hang out with us some more? We’re just going to relax at my house.”
    “I’ve intruded on your whole day. I should go home.”
    “No, you shouldn’t,” Carissa jumps in. “I’m having a blast with you and Hector. Come over. Seriously, all we’re going to do is watch movies and Hector’s going to make popcorn.”
    “She’s right. Plus, I skydived for you, so you kind of have to do something nice in return.” Hector’s brown eyes pin me.
    “How long are you going to hold that over my head?” I quip.
    “For the rest of your life. So, are you coming?” He grins.
    “Sure. I’ll come hang out with you both.”
    I thought Hector would live in a small mansion, but I am pleasantly surprised to see he lives in a simple, modest home.