Scoring in Cedarwood Page 12

  He changed into his jersey. Early afternoon games were his favorite and the ones he hated the most. He had the rest of the day to ice his muscles and be with family—if the game went well. If the score wasn’t in their favor, then he had the rest of the day to mull over what he might have done better or done instead. Mistakes could last a long time when replayed over and over in his mind.

  “Ready?” Paul strode past him. “I’ve got a good feeling about today.”

  “Do you?” He closed his locker. “Me too. My gut says we’re going to win. It’ll be close, but a win.”

  “Awesome.” Paul grinned then walked away.

  How could the day not be a positive one? Tanner had Dane in his life, a solid team and his confidence had come back. What could go wrong?

  He trotted out to the field for stretches and warm-ups. The sunshine heated his shoulders. He breathed in the scent of hot dogs and burgers cooking.

  “Get off the field,” someone shouted.

  Tanner frowned. He didn’t see who’d offered the demand, but no one on the team or opponent seemed to be talking to him. Paul tossed the baseball in his direction. Tanner caught it then lobbed the ball at Andy. “Catch.”

  Andy snagged the baseball. “I don’t know who shouted, but ignore them. If they know you’re upset, they’ll continue and you’re better than that.”

  Did his irritation show? He caught the ball tossed in his direction. “Right.”

  “Get off the field, homo.”

  “No fags in baseball.”

  “Keep the sport pure.”

  Tanner still wasn’t sure who kept heckling him, but now they had company. Damn it.

  “Get out.”

  “Wildcats aren’t pussies.”

  Tanner straightened his spine and focused on his warm-ups. The trainer joined him for stretches. He’d rather scream or fight with the persons shouting at him, but instead, he allowed the trainer to twist him into position to loosen his muscles.

  A sign caught Tanner’s eye.

  No Gays in Cedarwood.

  Jesus. If he’d fucked a guy on home plate or made everyone watch him kiss another man, then he could’ve understood the anger. But no. Him existing was enough to whip up the crowd.

  A man stood by the railing. For a split-second, Tanner thought the man had a baseball he wanted signed. The man’s face flushed. “Foxy?”

  Tanner kept his distance. There were too many spectators and something didn’t feel right. He wasn’t sure where Dane was, but he hoped his boyfriend was a witness. This could be just another autograph request, but he wasn’t sure. “Yes?”

  The man sneered. “Drop dead, fag.” He tossed something in Tanner’s direction.

  Tanner sprinted out of the way and collided with Andy. Both men left the area. Tanner refused to look back. Whatever had been thrown was there for a reason and not because the guy wanted an autograph.

  “We don’t want you here,” the man shouted. “Go home.”

  A security guard and a cop bolted across the field in Tanner’s direction. Tanner hurried with Andy to the dugout. Guilt washed over him. This shit wouldn’t be happening if he were straight. Hell, if he weren’t gay, he could’ve gotten away with a lot of things. But he wasn’t and now he’d put the rest of the team in danger. He’d put the spectators in danger, too.

  “We get weirdos all the time,” Andy said. “Everyone is okay and the security team has this under control.”

  The words didn’t make Tanner feel much better. He shook his head. “I can’t believe this is happening. Jesus, this could’ve been worse.”

  “It could’ve been, but it’s not,” Andy replied. He grasped Tanner by the shoulders. “You’re smart to have run away and smart to be yourself. You can’t change people, but you also can’t be something you’re not.”

  Paul joined them and nodded. “The security team removed that spectator and are taking up position in the crowd.”

  He’d had enough and wasn’t sure what else to do.

  “But it wouldn’t be so bad if you’d just retire,” Zeppelin said. “Get the hell out of Cedarwood and be a gross old gay man somewhere else.” He notched his chin. “Face it. Foxy drew chicks in, but now that they know you’re gay, they don’t want you. You aren’t playing for shit, so we don’t want you either.”

  “I have skills,” Tanner snapped.

  Zeppelin rolled his eyes. “With Dr. Bloom? Please. He likes you because you live with him. Move out and see how long the relationship lasts. He’ll lose interest before you’re down the driveway.”

  “Shut up. This isn’t the major leagues. It’s a small-town baseball club. We might get to the big time one of these days, but most of us won’t. So what if I’m gay? So what if I’m in a relationship with someone? Why do those things make you feel so superior?” Tanner fought the urge to lunge at Zeppelin. “Never mind. I’m done with you.”

  “Are you done with the team, too?” Zeppelin grinned. “Can’t take the heat, can you? When it’s really tough, you want to run.”

  “I’ve been taking the bullshit you’re dishing out and doing so without complaining.” Tanner gritted his teeth. He remembered what he’d been told—not to let Zeppelin or anyone else see him crumble. But damn it, the desire grew tougher by the minute. “I care about Dr. Bloom.”

  “Enough to pick him over baseball?” Zeppelin asked. “You can stay with your sugar daddy and play house or you can play baseball. Which is it?”

  “Why choose?” He had the best of both worlds.

  “Because you can’t concentrate on baseball if you’re focusing on Dane. You’re a fucking distraction and you’re bringing people to the game who want to hurt us.” Zeppelin curled his lip again. “Or am I making that up?”

  “What’s that got to do with Dr. Bloom?” Andy asked. “This guy was an isolated incident. Not everyone in Cedarwood is anti-gay.”

  “We’ve got a gay cop, the bookstore owners, at least one teacher and now Dr. Bloom and Tanner. Big deal,” Paul said. “We’re a diverse town.”

  “So they can form a singing group,” Zeppelin replied. “Or move.”

  “Enough,” Tanner snarled. He appreciated Andy and Paul standing up for him, but this was his fight. “I’ve put up with your bullshit, Zeppelin, since I arrived and I even fended off your attempt to come on to me. You helped out me. I know you’re part of the coalition, so it wouldn’t shock me if you knew about the assaults or had some idea the protesters would show up at the game.” He lowered his voice. “I don’t want to sleep with you. Never have. I want to play baseball. Got it? I’m here for the team. Nothing else.”

  Zeppelin snorted. “Want to repeat that last part? Your boyfriend missed your declaration.”

  He turned and came face to face with the doctor. Oh God. Tanner’s blood chilled. He hadn’t said anything wrong, but maybe he could’ve chosen his words better. “Dane.”

  Dane stared at him and said nothing.

  “Dane.” Tanner tensed. He had no words.

  Zeppelin grabbed the door to the corridor under the stadium. “We don’t accept gays here. Sponsor or not, you can leave and both go to hell.”

  Dane sighed. “Why are you such an asshole?”

  Tanner stared at Dane. He hadn’t expected Dane to be so confident, but he loved it.

  “He’s talking to you, Fox,” Zeppelin growled.

  “No,” Tanner said. “You can hate me all you want. Trust me, you’re not the first person to dislike me. You can criticize my playing ability and insult my person, but leave Dane alone.”

  “Please.” Zeppelin groaned. “Just quit already.”

  “No.” Tanner stood tall. “Keep sending the rotten letters. Let people throw shit. I’m in charge of me and I’m tired of being scared. I’m not leaving Cedarwood or Dane. Call him my sugar daddy or whatever. I don’t care. Without him, I wouldn’t have a place to live—it’s true. But I also respect and care for him more than you know. He’s not just a body and a home—he’s my home. So fuck y
ou and the coalition. I’m not going anywhere.” His head ached and he wanted to punch someone.

  Andy, Paul, Dane and the rest of the team applauded. Tanner bit back the whimper. He hadn’t realized everyone was listening in, but how could they not?

  Coach strolled down the steps from the dugout. “Zeppelin, hit the showers.”

  “Coach,” Zeppelin protested. “Why?”

  “You’re tired and the heat’s getting to you,” Coach said. “Go.”

  “I’m fine.” Zeppelin didn’t move. “Really.”

  Tanner folded his arms. He’d had more than enough. “Are you?”

  “Yes.” Zeppelin’s glare intensified.

  “We are a team. If you can’t accept the differences of each player and insist on running men off the roster, then I don’t have a place for you,” Coach said. “I’m here to win games and I need the right pieces to do that. You don’t seem to fit. If you can sort yourself out and get your head on straight, I might reconsider, but right now, no.”

  Tanner breathed a sigh of relief. Coach had his back.

  “Do you understand?” Coach asked. “Showers. Now.”

  Zeppelin stormed toward the other end of the room. Coach signaled to the guards then turned to the rest of the team. “I don’t give a fuck about who you fuck. I want to win games. If you can’t accept one another, then tell me now. Otherwise, it’s time to warm up. Chillicothe looks tough this time around.”

  The team surged onto the field. Coach stopped Tanner. “The man who threw the ball at you has been escorted off the property by the police.”

  “It was a ball?” Tanner asked. “Not something else?”

  “He had a softball, which he threw, and a rosin bag filled with an unknown substance. The police have both and are testing them. Any other interruptions, which I don’t expect to happen, will be handled post haste. Now, talk to your guy and get out there for warm-ups.” Coach massaged his temples. “I’m getting too old for this shit. I hate drama.”

  Tanner nodded. He wasn’t fond of drama either. Once Coach left them alone, Tanner inched over to Dane. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”

  “You were strong and brave,” Dane said. “Nothing to be ashamed of.”

  “You’re not my sugar daddy.” He hated the way Zeppelin had thrown the words around.

  “I’m your sponsor and that’s a lot like a sugar daddy. I pay for your room and board. All you have to do is play ball.” Dane shrugged. “It’s a good deal.”

  “But…” He didn’t like that name for Dane.

  “I’m fine with our roles. You need to focus on your game and I can help with your dream. It works out,” Dane said. “I’m happy to be your sponsor.”

  “But I care about you and it’s a lot to want.” He wasn’t sure he deserved it all. He wobbled on his feet and held his breath. If Dane said he’d had enough, Tanner wouldn’t argue. Many other people would’ve left him long ago.

  “You’ve got everything you desire.”

  “Dane?” He’d heard Dane right. He knew it. Dane wasn’t backing down. No quitting or demanding Tanner leave. Still, he needed to know Dane wasn’t bullshitting him. “Are you sure?”

  “We’re still finding our way, but I’m happy with our decisions. You play ball, be famous and get everyone to love the game of baseball. I’ll take care of the illnesses and injuries. We’re a good team. No coalition can take that away from us.”

  “You’re right,” Tanner said. He’d fallen hard for Dane, but now, even more so.

  “Oh, and Tanner?” I know it’s early, but I trust my heart. I’m in love with you.” Dane’s eyes flashed and he smiled. “No doubts.”

  “Good thing, because I’m in deep for you, too.” He crossed the space and kissed Dane hard. “I’m in over my head and I don’t care.”

  Dane patted Tanner’s ass. “Get out there and warm up. You’ve got a game.”

  He’d heated up more than any practice would offer. Blood surged to his dick. It was good that his athletic supporter hid the erection. He’d hate to have to explain his predicament to the team. “Will do.”

  “Good luck, Foxy.”

  Tanner didn’t move. “I don’t need it. I’ve got you. That’s the best luck in the world.” He trotted out of the dugout. “I’m already a winner.”

  Luck had nothing to do with his situation. His life and playing career were finally in balance. Tanner caught the first ball lobbed his way. Bring on any obstacle. With Dane in his corner, he could handle anything.

  Chapter Nine

  Dane stretched then sipped his coffee. He praised his forethought in having scheduled a break. After the day he’d had, he needed a few moments to think. So many things had changed since June. The temperature had dropped, being as it was September, and the leaves had started turning. But he and Tanner were still together. They’d gone to many barbecues, get-togethers and other gatherings. He liked to tease Tanner as to who was on whose arm at the events.

  Being in public didn’t bother him and the baseball community seemed to have embraced him and Tanner. He and his boyfriend had created a solid relationship built on equality and mutual admiration.

  “Dr. Bloom?” Sandra opened the door to his office. “You’ve got visitors.”

  “Me?” He placed his coffee cup on his desk. “Patients?” Sandra knew better than to send patients to his office. That was his personal sanctum away from everyone else.

  “No.” She shook her head. “I don’t mix work and pleasure. These are visitors. Not patients.”

  “Is it urgent?” He’d only penciled in half an hour for his break. “Tanner?” He wasn’t sure what to think and couldn’t help but jump to conclusions. Back in July, Tanner had moved from his bedroom suite downstairs to Dane’s bed, making it their room. They shared everything, but Tanner kept some boundaries—mainly, he never visited Dane at work.

  “It’s kind of urgent.” Sandra stepped out of the way.

  Devlin strode into the office. “Dr. Bloom.”

  “Devlin.” He worked hard to hide his confusion. “You’re here.” He sank onto the edge of his desk. “What’s going on?”

  “First, thank you to you and the entire practice for your sponsorship this year and for your commitment to next season.”

  Dane frowned. “It’s, like, nine months until the next season. We could have a baby in that time.” Why did it matter that Devlin thanked him for something that hadn’t happened yet? “Has the coalition made a scene?”

  “Not yet. I hear there’ll be a community fair soon and we’re trying to get a space to promote the team. According to one source, the coalition is putting the fair on. Another source claims it’s not them. But they have tentacles everywhere, so my guess is they know.” Devlin shrugged. “But don’t worry about them.”

  “Sure.” The coalition might have retreated a bit in the last three months, but that didn’t put him any less on edge. He didn’t trust many people beyond his circle of friends and kept an eye out for anything the coalition might be doing. He swore something big was in the works. The fair? He wasn’t sure.

  “So second, thank you for being a player sponsor this year. Tanner Fox couldn’t have had such a breakout season and set records without your support.” Devlin beamed. “I know he’s pleased.”

  “I’m happy to support him and the team.” Dane folded his arms. “Tanner had the talent all along. I simply gave him a place to stay.”

  “And it made all the difference.”

  “Well, you’re welcome.” But he still wasn’t sure where Devlin was going with this.

  Devlin rocked on his heels. His smile widened. “Ticket sales increased through the season, we’ve gotten exposure and the next season will be even brighter.”

  “That’s great. How’s Raji taking the news? He’s going to be very busy, isn’t he?” Dane asked. “Or is the rumor true that you’ve split?”

  “We moved in together.” Devlin sobered. “We had one fight—like everyone does—and people saw it. But we
’re good.”

  “Then wonderful.” He tipped his head. He knew Devlin too well. The man was leading up to something. “Okay, you’ve stalled long enough. What’s going on?”

  “Nothing,” Devlin said. “Well, not nothing. I thought you’d be pissed.”

  “Why should I be? I’m with Tanner. You gave us your blessing.” He leveled his gaze at Devlin. “Or is there something else?”

  “There isn’t anything else.” Devlin paused. “Okay. I’ll go. I just wanted to thank you in person for being so generous.”

  “You’re welcome.” Dane checked his phone. He had a few more minutes until his next appointment, but he hadn’t looked at the charts yet. “Anything else?”

  “No, not with me.” Devlin winked then left the office.

  Dane stared at the empty space Devlin had just occupied. “I wish I understood what was happening. The man doesn’t stop moving,” he muttered.

  “It’ll all make sense in a second.” Tanner stepped into the doorway. “Hi, babe.”

  “Hi.” Ever since Tanner had come to town, Dane’s senses had been heightened. He ached for Tanner’s touch. He longed to have Tanner in his bed again and was thrilled to see him. If he had a few more minutes, he’d stretch Tanner across his desk for a quickie. “What brings you here today?”

  “You.”

  Dane paused. “Are you sick?” He stood and brushed his hand across Tanner’s forehead. He didn’t detect a fever. “You don’t appear hurt.” He stepped back and swept his gaze over his lover. Everything seemed to be in working order. “What’s wrong?”

  “I needed to see you.” Tanner ventured into the office and closed the door. “We need to talk.”

  His confusion rose again. Things were going well between him and Tanner. “Are you unhappy?”

  “Me? No,” Tanner said. The corner of his mouth quirked in the beginning of a smile.

  Dane’s stomach tightened. “Okay?”

  Tanner tipped his head. “You’re going to jump out of your skin. Are you okay?”