Hector (Season One: The Ninth Inning #3) Page 9

  I grab my phone, hoping I’m not cooking for nothing. After finding her contact, I call her and wait for her to answer.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey,” I smile. “Please make me the happiest person on earth by telling me you aren’t working tonight and will come over for dinner. So, am I going to be happy or will I have to cry myself to sleep?”

  She’s quiet for a moment, probably so I’ll be on the edge of my seat waiting for an answer. “I can come over. What time?”

  “As soon as you can get into the car. I’ve already started cooking.”

  “I’ll be there shortly, then.”

  We hang up and I place my phone off to the side on the counter. A smile is stuck on my face. Even though I had to suffer through the horrible idea of fun called skydiving, Carissa is a huge fan of Zoey’s, as am I. I’m always pretty happy, but when Zoey’s around, I’m practically overflowing with it. Dinner is close to being done before she finally knocks on my door.

  “Come in!” I shout, pulling some rolls out of the oven. I hear the door open and shut and turn around just in time to see her coming into the kitchen.

  “Something smells mouthwatering.”

  “I hope so. I don’t cook actual meals often. How does pork chops and mixed vegetables sound? Oh, and rolls.”

  “Well, it sounds fatty and delicious. What’s the occasion?”

  “I missed you, but I’m also feeling a little lazy, so I didn’t want to go anywhere for dinner.”

  “I missed you too. Are you always this busy toward the end?”

  “Yeah, pretty much. It’ll get even more so the closer it gets.” I grab some plates and silverware, loading them up with food. “Want to fix some drinks?”

  “Sure. What do you have?”

  “Water and beer. I might have some tea bags if you want that.”

  “I thought you meant there was a full bar hiding somewhere.” She laughs. “Beer is good.”

  I chuckle. “Nope.” She grabs the beers while I take our plates to the table. A moment later, we’re seated and digging in. “How’s your day been?”

  “Good. I finished a painting.”

  “What of this time? How do you decide what to paint anyway? Could I watch you one time?” I spill all the questions on the tip of my tongue.

  “Um, I’m not going to tell you about it. Mainly because I actually like it. When I’m done with it, I’ll show you. Why would you want to watch me paint? It’s probably boring for you.”

  “You’ve seen me play and you enjoyed it. I’m positive it would be anything but boring. Why do you like it? What makes this particular piece something better than crap on a cracker?”

  “It’s something I’ve never done before. I don’t know why this one is special, it just is.” She shrugs, taking a bite of the meat.

  “And you’re sure you don’t want to tell me what it is? I’m even more curious about it now.” I’m already itching to see it.

  “No. Not yet. Soon, I will show you. I promise, okay?”

  “Okay, I can be happy with that. Thanks again for taking Carissa to the airport for me. I’m pretty sure she’ll visit more often just to hang out with you.”

  Zoey smiles. “I had a blast with her, and it wasn’t a big deal to take her to the airport. We had a good talk along the way.” The touch of sadness in her voice confuses and worries me. Carissa told me about their little talk and honestly, I’ve been worried about it. My mom’s a hard pill to swallow, even without meeting her, and I worry Zoey will go running.

  “Sure it was good? She said she brought up my mom.”

  “She did.” Zoey pushes the veggies around with anxiety keeping her gaze down for a moment. She takes a deep breath and lifts her eyes to mine. “Okay, I’m just going to say it: is this, whatever this is, going to lead to me meeting your parents?”

  I take my own deep breath. “I hope it does, but I’m hoping I can keep you to myself for a while. I won’t lie to you, Zoey. It probably won’t be fun with how my mom is.”

  “Then why are you wasting your time? If your family won’t like me, and you’ve already told me how important they are to you, then what’s the point?”

  What’s the point? Is she kidding me? Has she met herself? She’s fucking amazing. Something in me knew that from the moment I saw her, and I’ll be damned if a difference of views is what’s going to break us apart. “I’m not wasting my time or yours,” I tell her firmly and with all the conviction I can muster. “My family is important to me, but ultimately, it’s my life and if Mom sees that I’m happy, she should eventually come around. I don’t date for them; I date for me.”

  “Is that what we’re doing? Are we dating?”

  “Yes,” I answer simply.

  Surprise flares in her eyes before she tampers it down. “Oh, okay. We’re dating, then?” she repeats.

  “Unless you don’t think so? Tell me what you’re thinking because I think you’re thinking too much.”

  She’s quiet for a moment, and I take that as a sign I was right. I’m tempted to high-five myself because I’m finally able to read her and part of that is because she’s let me in some. “I’m not the type to give my heart to anyone. I’ve had boyfriends before, but they’ve never lasted long. I’m…nervous and that doesn’t happen often.”

  Freaking Carissa and her scaring her with all the talk about my mom. “Don’t be so nervous. As long as you want me around, then you know I’ll be here. I’m too determined to walk away.”

  She uses the opportunity to cut her pork chop to look away from me. I can see the wheels turning in my head as she thinks. It seems to take her forever as we finish our meal. I wait with baited breath for her agreement or denial. “Okay, we’re dating.”

  I grin. Yes! Zoey Reyes is mine.

  We stand and put the dishes in the sink. “I’ll get them later. Let’s watch TV.”

  I take her hand, lead her to the couch, and make sure she snuggles into me when we sit down. I hold one of her hands in mine, using my other hand to trail my fingers over the tattoos on her arm. Her voice causes me to look over at her.

  “Have you ever thought about getting a tattoo, Hector?”

  Chuckling, I shake my head. “No, I haven’t. Could you see me with one?”

  “Yeah.” Zoey reaches up, her fingers brushing my skin as she lifts my necklace with the cross out from underneath my shirt. “Something like this is what I could see you having.” She rubs her thumb over the silver.

  Her focus is on my necklace, but it slowly lifts to my mouth. I cover her hand in mine, close the distance between us, and press my lips to hers. How could I not when she’s this close and when it’s been days since I last saw her? Zoey moves to straddle my lap, wrapping her arms around my neck. If it were up to me, I would be carrying her into the bedroom right now. My body is wrung tight with the need to have her. A need that’s been brewing within me since the day I laid eyes on her, growing every moment I am around her, and consuming me even when I’m not.

  But something tells me she’s going to need more time before that happens. She’s making it unbelievably hard. With every meeting of our mouths, she digs her fingers a little harder into my neck. When I slip my hands underneath her shirt, not able to resist touching her skin, she releases a moan into my mouth.

  Zoey shifts in my lap, causing me to groan. I tug her lower lip into my mouth, biting down gently and it’s like Zoey loses control. Her hands start gliding down my chest. I pull away, keeping a smile on my face before she gets too low and I lose what little control I have left. She rests her forehead against mine, taking a deep but shaky breath.

  I pull my hands from under her shirt and cup her face before letting my fingers dive into her hair. I kiss her softly on the lips, once on the tip of her nose, and then once on her forehead.

  “You, Zoey Reyes, are beautiful and amazing, and I’m so happy you’re finally mine,” I whisper.

  She smiles before kissing me again.

  I KNOCK ON the open door t
o alert Sofia of my presence before I step into her office and close her door. She smiles when she sees me.

  “Hey, Hector. What can I help you with?”

  “Hey, Sof. Think you can use those hands to make me moan like Tanner? Maybe accidentally call Blake when you do it and see how long it’ll take before he busts up in here?”

  Sofia laughs. “I don’t think so.” She washes her hands and says, “What really brought you in here?”

  “My left arm and shoulder,” I answer, taking a seat on the table and removing my shirt. Practice lasted longer today than usual and my arm is screaming in protest. “Be honest,” I start when she comes over to feel out the muscles I’m complaining about. “How badly does Grumpy miss me coming over all the time?”

  She laughs again. “I actually think he misses you some, but don’t tell him I said so.”

  I grin. “Thought so.” She starts massaging the tense muscles. “How’s he really doing with everything?”

  By the quick flick of her eyes, I know she realizes I’m asking about the situation with his mom and dad. Sofia doesn’t answer right away. “Better than I expected. He still has his days, but since his mom is happy and safe, he’s happy and relaxed. Zoey seems nice,” she says to change the subject.

  I don’t get the chance to respond before there’s a knock on her door and Blake’s voice on the other side asking for entrance. I moan loudly as Sofia tries not to laugh. “We’re in the middle of something, Grumpy. Come back later.”

  He pushes open the door with a glare. “You’re a pain in the ass, Hector.” He closes the door and hops up onto the table next to me after giving Sofia a quick kiss.

  “Sof was just telling me how much you miss me.”

  Blake glances at her. “I’m sure she was.”

  “What’d you need, Blakey?” Sofia asks as she puts more pressure on my muscles, causing me to wince. “Sorry.”

  He shrugs. “Nothing.”

  “Aw, you just wanted to see her. Who knew Grumpy could be sweet?” I annoy him with my teasing.

  “Shut the hell up. Maybe I just don’t want to discuss it in front of you.”

  I chuckle. “If you say so.”

  Sofia shakes her head at us. “How does it feel now, Hector? You may want to ice it when you get home just to be safe.”

  “Better. Thanks.” I hop off the table. I want to push Blake more, but I decide not to. “I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone now.”

  “Thank God,” Blake grumbles, already tugging Sofia over to stand between his knees. I can’t help but turn into a chick and smile as I walk out. It’s good to see my best friend happy.

  The time seems to fly by until the next night when it’s time for our game. My arm is still a little tense and tight, so I make sure to stretch and work it well before the game. I love night games. These are the games that remind me the most of playing when I was a kid, the games that couldn’t start until later in the evening because of school and work schedules.

  The games where those tall lights shone brightly on the field, making it easy to forget it was night unless you looked up at the bugs swarming around them or past them to dark sky. After those games, my coach would feed us hot dogs from the concessions stand since we’d missed dinner. We got nachos with them if we won.

  Those were the nights I lived for, the same nights I live for now, except on a bigger scale. The atmosphere is different, the crowd rowdier, the smells and sights enhanced.

  Or maybe I’m a little crazy.

  My blood seems to pump faster with every sound. The bats hitting balls, the umpire shouting his calls, the pounding of cleats on clay, they give me way more energy than any day game. The guys just shake their head at me when I slap them on the shoulders more than usual, giving them more pep talks, and having too much fun.

  Hell, even the other team scoring doesn’t affect my mood. Not even when they get ahead. Night games are magical, if you ask me. We hold on, keep our composure, and with every hit into outfield, our guys throw it in. We get our outs one way or another, and we start bringing in the runs. Trent is a freaking beast tonight with his home runs and I faintly wonder if his family is here watching him.

  Then I find myself wondering if Zoey is paying any attention to the game at home. The girl has me so wrapped around her finger she has me thinking about her during my favorite part of my job. And I don’t mind one bit.

  I’m already a goner.

  “TURN LEFT RIGHT up here,” Zoey says, directing me to the driveway leading to her aunts’ house.

  The dirt driveway isn’t too long and at the other end is a simple white house surrounded by plenty of Lanny’s flowers. We hop out of my Jeep, and I take Zoey’s hand as we walk toward the front door. Before we can reach it, Minnie and Lanny are opening it with big smiles.

  “Hey, y’all,” Lanny greets us.

  “You two look cozy,” Minnie adds with a grin.

  “Stop it,” Zoey firmly states. “We’re here for the food.”

  “I’m here to see y’all, not just for food.” I smile sweetly.

  “See, this is why I like you, Hector. You’re a charmer.” Minnie smiles and leads us into the house.

  “Hector, I hope you like what we whipped up. It’s nothing fancy. We’re more down home cooks here,” Lanny explains.

  “I’m sure I’ll love it. How have y’all been since I last saw you?”

  “Busy.” Minnie grins. “Lots of people are talking about the new up and coming artist, Zoey Reyes. Did you see the article?” she asks.

  “I didn’t bother him with it,” she answers before glancing at me and reassuring me, “It’s not a big deal.”

  I immediately don’t believe her. She has work-esteem issues. “Sounds like a huge deal. I didn’t see it, and I’m upset you didn’t show me, Zoey. Do you have a copy I could read, Minnie?” Looks like if I really want to know what’s going on, I’ll need to keep in contact with Minnie.

  “Of course, I do.” Minnie retrieves it from the other room. “I think it’s amazing. They really talk her up and I had nothing to do with it.” That last bit, she directed at Zoey who was about to frown.

  “She really didn’t. This was all because of Zoey’s talent,” Lanny reassures.

  I quickly read it. They weren’t kidding. This article makes Zoey sounds like the best thing since sliced bread. I angle myself toward her with a grin. “I think I should get your autograph now, so I can say I knew you before you were famous.”

  “Shut up, Hector.” She shakes her head at me. “Let’s not make a big deal out of this. It’s a little article.” She shrugs, trying to play it off. For some reason, I’m surprised to learn she doesn’t like the spotlight on her. I think that’s a big part of her reactions to these things. I can’t help what I reply to her.

  “Maybe you don’t think it’s a huge deal, but it is a big deal. Smile, be happy we’re happy for you, and stop pretending you didn’t get excited about it when you saw it.”

  “See, that’s what I said!” Lanny exclaims.

  “Me too,” Minnie adds. “I’m liking you more and more, Hector. Now, how is the baseball world treating you?”

  “Not too bad. I think we’re doing decent for it to be our first season together. I like nights like this because I get a little break from being so busy.”

  “Hector, what do you do in your spare time? Are you a hidden artist?” Lanny asks.

  I laugh. “No, I’m afraid my only talent is baseball. I hang out with Zoey or my teammates in my spare time.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with that,” Minnie says with a smile. “You’re an artist of a different level, that’s all it is. Now, Zoey told us you went skydiving.” My stomach drops and feels ill with the simple reminder. “Did you love as much as I did? Or did you scream like a little girl, like Lanny?” She giggles.

  “Hey, I jumped didn’t I? I did it once and never again,” Lanny defends herself.

  “I’m with you, Lanny. I never planned on doing it to start with, but be
tween Zoey and my sister, I didn’t have much choice. I didn’t scream, but I’m surprised I didn’t pass out or die from fear.” I shake my head to clear it of the terrible memories. “Never ever again.”

  “It’s unnatural jumping out of a perfectly good airplane,” Lanny agrees with me.

  “It’s a thrill,” Zoey jumps in. “Grow up. You both lived.” She rolls her eyes, trying not to smile.

  “Don’t sass us,” Lanny firmly states. “Hector, is your family coming soon? Zoey had so much fun with your sister. I wish we had met her. Oh, maybe if you’re family comes, we can have a lunch? Maybe grill out?”

  Why are they so adamant about meeting them? Any other time, I would be jumping to make it happen and solidify a step in our relationship, but I’m not ready for the bliss to end yet. “I don’t know if they’re coming soon or not. I know if Carissa can get away again, she’ll probably visit. If she does, we’ll definitely have to get together.”

  Minnie looks at me for a moment, making my stomach twist as I feel as if she’s peeling away my layers and seeing what I’m worried about. “You know, Hector, we’re no strangers to the way people judge us. Zoey gave us some insight about your family, even though she hasn’t met them yet. You don’t have to feel obligated to accept the invitation.”

  “Sorry,” I say, feeling a bit of guilt. “My parents and I don’t see eye-to-eye on a lot of things, but I haven’t really gone against them before. I’m not sure they would accept the invitation,” I confess.

  “It’s hard when families don’t see eye-to-eye, Hector.” Lanny pats my hand. “How about we skip the invitation and enjoy tonight? Have you seen Zoey’s new painting?”

  Zoey gasps. “No, don’t show him. Wait, you have it here? How do you have it?” She says in disbelief with annoyance thrown in.

  “Oh, I took it from your apartment. I’m taking it to the gallery tomorrow,” Minnie says as if it’s no big deal.

  “No, not yet. I’m not done with it, and please don’t show Hector.” I admire the blush that colors her cheek, which makes me even more intrigued about this painting.