Sergeant Owens is screaming something like, “Too close.”
Michael lets go, pulls his chute, and disappears far above me. I have a moment of panic as I realize we’re still falling. There’s a sudden jerk. My helmet knocks into Sergeant Owens'. The wind slows, and we’re drifting. I look up and see the canopy overhead. Our chute. We’re safe.
I scream in triumph, finally breathe, and enjoy the view. An almost spiritual calm comes over me. I look across what feels like the entire world below.
No future. No past. Just this moment.
The ground comes up faster than I’m ready. I remember to stay tucked while we land. Sergeant Owens runs forward, holding me up.
“You can put your feet down now. It’s solid.” Now that jump is over, he actually sounds friendly.
I put my feet down. Euphoria and adrenaline spark through my veins. I want to hug Sergeant Owens, but I’m still strapped to his chest.
Michael comes over, his face flushed and grinning. “You were awesome.” He gives me five and grasps my hand. Then he hugs me, Sergeant Owens still attached.
Sergeant Owens bawls Michael out for getting too close, still calling him ‘sir.’ Michael works to unbuckle my harness.
As soon as I'm standing on my own, my knees give out. Michael catches me. “What did I say? The best feeling in the world?”
“That was..." I struggle for the right thing to say, "beyond words!” I hold him tight. “Thank you.” I release Michael and turn around and give Sergeant Owens a big hug.
He turns from drill sergeant to affectionate parent. He pats my back. “You did really well, Jess.”
I pull away and blush. “Thanks.”
We gather up the chutes and gear and start heading back to the hangar. Michael stops me. “Wait, we need a picture.”
He pulls a camera out of his jumpsuit and hands it to Sergeant Owens. He drapes his arm over my shoulder, and I grin like an idiot while he snaps the picture.
Once the gear is put away, Michael walks with me back to the tarmac, holding my hand. The surreal euphoria from the jump hasn't faded. The sun is going down, a beautiful expansive sunset. Michael stops and wraps his arms around me. I look up. He's gazing down at me. “I was thinking.”
I should move out of his arms, but I can’t make myself do it. “What are you thinking?”
“I was thinking about what Gage said.”
“I try not to think about anything Gage says. It gives me a headache.”
He puts his hand under my chin, stroking my cheek with his thumb. “About the other guys you’ve kissed.”
My heart pounds against his chest. I can't move.
“I was wondering what I have to do to earn one of those kisses.”
I don't know what to say to him.
He holds me in his gaze. “Can I kiss you, Jess?”
I’ve never had a guy ask me if he could kiss me before. Usually, they just do it. I look at him for a long moment.
No future. No past. Just this moment.
"No."
twenty-one
Unforgetable
"No?"
