Scoring in Cedarwood Page 10

  Chapter Seven

  Dane stopped in the corridor at the bottom of the steps. Where was he? The bowels of the stadium? He’d never been to this part of the facility. He wasn’t sure what he’d expected, but the lighting seemed darker and almost spooky. Maybe the odd element was the lack of people and noise. The images of the team mascot running and growling unnerved him.

  He stopped at the door labeled LOCKER ROOM. Devlin and Raji were right. He liked Tanner. He’d ignored the rules and should’ve had his head examined when he made a play for Tanner. But he’d been given approval to do so. Would he see Tanner differently now that the rule wasn’t in place?

  The door opened and Paul walked out to the corridor. “Doc.” He grinned and switched his bag to his left shoulder before sticking out his right hand. “How are you? I’m still so thankful you helped Delia out last year. Who knew she’d get the chicken pox at age two?”

  “She’s little and went to day care. It happens.” He steeled himself. He liked Paul Black. The man was pleasant and had a sweet family. He’d served as a physician to both of Paul’s children at one time or another. But he couldn’t shake the fear that Paul would want to talk about Tanner. He wasn’t sure why he’d make the connection, but still. “I’m glad your daughter is okay.” Should he ask about the incidents today? Keep quiet? “I missed the game today.”

  “You didn’t miss much. We weren’t great and I don’t want to talk about it.” Paul clapped Dane on the shoulder. “I like Dr. Raji, but I wouldn’t be upset if you were the team doctor.”

  That wasn’t going to happen. “I’m good at the practice.”

  Paul paused. “Are you touring the facility? Lost?”

  “I’m supposed to be meeting someone.” Did he sound lame? “And I’m a little lost.”

  “Who?” Paul blushed. “Sorry. Not my business…unless you want help locating someone.”

  What did he have to lose? Paul knew he was gay and still brought his family in for care at the practice. “I’m on the hunt for Tanner Fox.”

  “Oh, he’s still in there,” Paul said. “He’s cute. You should make overtures toward him.”

  Dane’s words were gone. He opened and closed his mouth without uttering a sound.

  Paul smirked then chuckled. “Say no more. Have a good evening and I hope you find him.” He winked before he left.

  Holy motherfucker. Dane fought the urge to rake his fingers through his hair. He needed to get a hold of himself and center. Paul was a smart guy. He had to know the obvious—Tanner and Dane had attraction. What could Dane do? He’d created the mess and he’d have to own it.

  He pushed the door open and stepped into the locker room. The scents of body odor, sweat and leather surrounded him. He steadied himself and kept going. He spotted Tanner’s open locker. Tanner’s things were still in the cubby, but Tanner wasn’t anywhere to be seen. He wasn’t sure where to look for the baseball player. He’d never been in the locker room before.

  “Doc.” Zeppelin Starr strode up to him. He stuck his hand out. “How the hell are you?” His towel barely concealed his lower half. His sandals squeaked as he moved. “You caught me fresh out of the shower.”

  “I can see that.” Did he seem scared? Because of Zeppelin? No, Tanner. “I’m good. How are you?” He shook hands with Zeppelin. “Did you have a decent game?”

  “I’m great. I got two hits and one run batted in.” Zeppelin smiled, but his tone became harsh. “What brings you to the locker room?”

  “A friend.” He slid his hands into his pockets to hide his trembling. He could hold his own with patients and fellow doctors, but Zeppelin unnerved him. Zeppelin was a shoestring member of the coalition and knew Dane was gay. “I’m allowed to have friends, aren’t I?” He’d only spoken to Zeppelin in professional settings, but he didn’t doubt the ballplayer would run to the coalition with any new information.

  “You can.” Zeppelin swept his gaze over Dane. His chest gleamed with water and his hair dripped. “You’d better not be trolling my locker room for a quick lay.”

  Good God. “No one said anything about sex—until you did.” Screw it. If Zeppelin wanted to make trouble, he’d face it head on. He refused to back down again. “Lay off.”

  “Why? The Wildcats were a great team until you joined as a sponsor. We let one standard sag and we ended up with Tanner Fox. Why couldn’t he be on another team? Everything’s going downhill,” Zeppelin said. “It’s ridiculous.”

  “Are you saying gay men can’t play baseball? Or they can’t in Cedarwood?” Dane asked. “I’m getting the feeling you don’t like my money as sponsorship dollars, but you’ve had no problem taking the stipend—which is part of what I’ve helped sponsor.”

  “I’m not gay,” Zeppelin snarled.

  “Okay? That means nothing.” Dane shrugged. “No one expects you to be and besides, if you were, you wouldn’t be able to play ball in this town—according to your rules.”

  “Just get out.”

  Dane rolled his eyes. “You’re not in charge here, first of all. Second, I’m not leaving until I meet up with my friend. Third, I’m a sponsor and deserve respect. I’ve got access to the facility and it’s all business-geared, not social.” He stood tall and embraced his courage. “Fourth, whether I’m gay or anyone else is has no bearing on whether or not the guys on the team can play. You should be more worried about being a team player than anything else. If you win, you all win. If you lose, then it’s losing as a team. You think you’re the star, but it’s a team sport.”

  “I am after today. They saw the skid is still in place. He’ll be traded in three games.” Zeppelin curled his lip in a sneer then walked away.

  Damn. Dane scrubbed the back of his hand across his mouth. Arguing with Zeppelin was hard when the man made little sense. But Zeppelin wasn’t important to him. He could bitch all day long, but Zeppelin didn’t decide who was traded and who stayed. Dane turned on his heel to survey the room. Tanner stood in the doorway between the locker room and the corridor. He’d dressed. The jeans hugged his lower body in all the right places and the faded T-shirt showcased the power in his chest. His chunky boots added a touch of ruggedness to his look.

  “Sexy,” Dane murmured. “Hi.”

  “Hi.” Tanner didn’t move.

  Dane steadied himself. He wasn’t sure what Tanner had heard. “How long have you been standing there?”

  “Long enough.”

  Cryptic. Wonderful. “You caught every word, didn’t you?”

  “I did.”

  He had nothing to be ashamed of, but he wasn’t sure how Tanner felt about the situation.

  “You’re here,” Tanner said.

  “I am.” Why did this exchange have to be so tense? He wanted to gather Tanner in his arms and kiss him senseless.

  “You’re late.” Tanner rocked on his heels. “I thought you’d arrive earlier.”

  “I tried, but I had to get through my patient load.” The excuse was the truth, but it sounded hollow in his ears. “I’m sorry.” He lowered his voice. “I’ll make it up to you.”

  Tanner’s eyebrows rose.

  An uneasiness washed over Dane. “Don’t you want me to?” Dane whispered. “Or not here?” He expected Zeppelin to appear out of nowhere at any second. “I know we haven’t set boundaries or gone public.”

  Tanner crossed the space between them and cupped Dane’s jaw. Without saying a word, he kissed Dane.

  Dane couldn’t help the overwhelming rush of excitement. He moved on instinct and held on to Tanner’s hips. Anyone in the locker room could see him with Tanner and for the first time since he’d made a move, he didn’t care if he was spotted. Tanner appeared to be unbothered as well. So much for boundaries and rules. They were meant to be broken and he was ready to shatter everything.

  Tanner didn’t give a shit who saw him kiss Dane. Fuck everyone else. After the bullshit at the game and the garbage from Zeppelin, he needed the stability of Dane. He tangled his tongue with Dane’s and care
ssed Dane’s cheeks with the pads of his thumbs. Dane was just who he needed.

  Dane broke the kiss first. “Whoa.”

  “You’ve kissed me before.” Tanner bumped noses with Dane and kept him close. “Kind of nice to know I still blow your mind.”

  “It’s new.”

  “Feels like it’s been forever,” Tanner said. The weeks since he’d come to Cedarwood had both flown and gone so slow. “Or I’m finally home.” That’s what he’d guess was the answer.

  “You’re at the stadium,” Dane murmured.

  Tanner bit back his amusement. He liked having Dane so mixed up. “With you.”

  Dane’s breath caught. He said nothing and stayed tight to Tanner.

  Did Dane understand? Today hadn’t been Tanner’s idea of fun. He’d hated being pelted with wrappers and wasn’t thrilled about the nasty things shouted at him, but he’d seen children in the stands. The boy who’d caught his homerun ball had sought him out after the game for an autograph. The excitement in the child’s eyes gave him hope and reminded him why he loved the game of baseball. Being with Dane, in a solid home with him, completed his life. He had everything he wanted—save for love, but that would come eventually. He had faith. They were still feeling each other out, but the start of what they shared was strong.

  “Get a room,” Andy Keene shouted. He laughed. “Hey, Doc. Tanner, is this the guy?”

  Tanner tensed but didn’t let go. He slid his hands to Dane’s chest. He wanted to introduce Dane to the team as his boyfriend, but not in this exact moment. “Hi.” He wanted to shout, yes, this is the guy, but he wanted to be sure Dane was okay with going public first.

  Dane sighed. “Hi, Andy.”

  “Did you see the game?” Andy asked. “Were you in the stands?”

  “I missed it. Had to work,” Dane said. “I wish I could’ve been here.”

  “Next time.” Andy grinned again and shook his head. He lingered a moment. “See you at the next game. Oh, and Tanner? Bring him along.” He waved before leaving Tanner and Dane alone again.

  Dane met Tanner’s gaze.

  Tanner braced for Dane’s questions. He doubted Dane would let this go without asking something.

  Dane didn’t speak right away. “What did he mean?” He shrugged away from Tanner, putting space between them. “Tanner?”

  He glanced about, ensuring he and Dane were alone in the locker room. He didn’t want to have an argument with witnesses around. “Why don’t we go?”

  Dane massaged his forehead. “Yeah.”

  Tanner scurried over to his locker to get his bag. He checked he had his phone, wallet and keys, then chased after Dane. He’d rather not have someone overhear the conversation. Did he care if the team knew he was gay? No, but he wanted things with Dane to come out when Dane was prepared, not before. “I’m ready.”

  “Sure.” Dane left the locker room. The tension and anger in his body were visible from a mile away. He didn’t stop until he reached the car and slid behind the wheel.

  Tanner’s stomach lurched. He’d help create this mess and he hadn’t given Dane a chance to ask any questions. “I was invited to a barbecue. The guys said to bring my boyfriend and they know I’m homosexual.”

  “Everyone knows,” Dane said. “I heard about the game. They threw things at you.” He faced Tanner. “You could’ve been hurt.”

  “I’ve got a doctor who can heal me,” Tanner said. He half grinned. When Dane didn’t relax, Tanner’s smile fell.

  “That’s not the point.” A frown marred Dane’s handsome face. “You were in danger.”

  “I’m not going to hide who I am.” He reached for Dane. “You’re the reason I’m not backing down.” He had to say something to make Dane understand and save the situation. “I have everything I want right here.”

  “You’re being attacked.”

  “So what? Bigoted people are everywhere. The Cedarwood group is no different. I won’t give them the honor of letting them see me break. Fuck ’em. I like where I am—even after one game and a couple of weeks here, I’m happy. I’ll take a few wrappers in my direction if that means I don’t have to hide.”

  “But—”

  He slid his fingers across Dane’s mouth. “But nothing.” He caressed Dane’s bottom lip. “Unless you’re worried. Are you?”

  “I am.”

  “About?” He’d pushed and forced. Despite his heart sinking, he needed to give Dane a chance to speak. “I’m listening.”

  Dane spoke around Tanner’s fingers. “I’m concerned about how they’re targeting you. The fliers they’ve been sending are pieces of paper but can be ignored. The stadium being defaced isn’t cool but could be chalked up to silly juvenile graffiti. But you having things thrown at you… It wasn’t just wrappers. They threw plastic cups. What if that escalates?”

  “To what? They assaulted me already and I stood up,” Tanner said. He could caress Dane forever. “I can handle myself, but I like knowing I’ve got you in my corner.”

  “I am,” Dane whispered.

  Had his voice cracked? “Then what? Are you afraid they’ll damage your house? Car? Practice?” Or his heart?

  “Not those things.”

  “Your reputation?”

  “No.”

  “I don’t understand.” Tanner dropped his hands to his lap.

  Dane held on to Tanner’s wrist. “There are haters everywhere. I realize it doesn’t go away because you tell it to. I’ve tried to keep things positive, but that hate finds me.”

  “It’s life.” He tipped his head but didn’t pull away from Dane, his lifeline. “But?”

  “What you and I have is new. Super new.”

  Tanner hated awkward pauses, but he couldn’t believe Dane had used the word super. His stomach soured even more. “Are you rethinking us?” Or us being in the same house? Damn it. His thoughts shouldn’t have gone to the negative or even being thrown out, but he’d been down this road before. He couldn’t handle being abandoned again.

  “No.”

  Then what? He tried to process what was happening. “You’re worried you won’t be able to handle the baggage I’ve got?” His anger bubbled within him. “Or you don’t want me to mess up your ordered life?” He needed to keep his frustration in check. “Tell me.”

  “I never said that. Any of it.”

  “I don’t understand.” Tanner sighed. “Help me.”

  Dane sagged in his seat. “I don’t open up to many people. If Devlin hadn’t conned me into sponsoring you, I’d still be in my little self-imposed prison.”

  “We haven’t done much.” But his fears quieted and hope blossomed in his chest. Dane sure seemed to be melting. “Go on.”

  “But I want to do more. I haven’t gone out since I split from Phillip.” Dane paused. “I want to do a lot of things and most involve you.”

  “Sounds good to me.” The hope grew bigger. Giddiness swarmed him. “I’m home when I’m with you.” He had to get his mood swings in check, though. “I am.”

  “What’re you going to do when you get traded?”

  Tanner shrugged. “I just got here. I’d like to stay.” With the way the sport progressed and his age being a factor, he’d probably end up being with Cedarwood for another year before being forced to retire.

  “What about next season? Don’t you get new sponsors every year?” Dane asked.

  “I guess.” He’d never been with a team long enough to find out what happened with his sponsorship from one year to the next. “What does it matter?”

  “You might find someone hotter and better than me,” Dane said. His voice cracked and pain resonated in his eyes.

  Fuck. Now he understood and had come to the wrong conclusions. He hated himself for being wrong. “That’s what Phillip did, isn’t it?” He wanted to hold Dane. Jesus. The man was handsome, strong, sweet and a doctor, too. He was a bona fide catch. Tanner would’ve fallen for him, no matter what Dane did for a living. The connection between them was deep, even afte
r a short time. He cared more than he’d ever imagined. He wanted to kick Phillip for his callousness. “I’m not like him.”

  “No, you’re not.” Dane drew into himself. “You’re young, handsome, popular and I’m lucky to know you.”

  “I only want one guy,” Tanner said.

  “For now.”

  Tanner scooted as close as possible until he was a whisper away from Dane’s mouth. He didn’t want Dane to misunderstand him. “I don’t care about being popular. Handsome fades and strength goes away when you stop working out. Stop trying to push me away. You think you’re safer when you’re alone. You might be insulated from the world, but you’re not happy.”

  “Tanner.” His breath warmed Tanner’s cheeks.

  “I understand. I’ve been in your shoes. I tried to keep anyone who wasn’t part of the team out of my life so I could focus on the game. I thought if I had a force field around me, letting only a few fans in, I’d be okay. I wasn’t. I came off as a big jerk. Yeah, the fans liked me because I was cute, but the team hated me. I couldn’t get a guy and I wasn’t playing for shit. I’d lost my sponsorship situation and was being traded. I thought, fuck me, this is low. Then I came here. Trust me. On the road to Cedarwood, I thought I’d hate it here. Then I met you and I couldn’t help but open up. You brought me out of myself.”

  Dane’s eyes widened. He toyed with the front of Tanner’s shirt.

  “Let’s go home. I’ll show you how I feel and how much I want to stay open. I don’t want to go back to how I was. I’m truly happy.” He kissed Dane. Passion ignited within him. His dick hardened behind his zipper and he slid his palm over Dane’s thigh. He’d thought the adrenaline from the game had dissipated, but he’d been wrong. Every cell in his body screamed to go back to the house and fuck until they both collapsed. “I want you inside me.”

  “Yeah?” Dane panted.

  “Yes.” He caressed the bulge in Dane’s pants. “I want to see you out of those clothes, naked and perfect in my bed. I want to lick you everywhere, then feel you stretch me. Maybe a nice shower together and to nibble whipped cream off your abs.”