Scoring in Cedarwood Read online

  Tanner groaned. He’d guessed at Dane’s appearance under those boxy dress garments and now that he saw the true man, he loved what he saw. No tattoos, dark curls surrounding his dick, pure muscle on a trim form…and those eyes. He could stare into Dane’s eyes forever and not tire.

  “You don’t have a tattoo,” Dane blurted. “Sorry.”

  “No.” Tanner blushed and the heat spread from his cheeks to his chest. “Never had the desire. What about you? I see you’re bare, too.”

  “I couldn’t decide on what I’d get. I’m not fond of permanent things on my body.” He stroked his dick. “But I’d love to have you on my body.”

  Fucking balls in heaven. If Dane continued to stroke himself, Tanner would get off on the visual. “I’ll go wherever you want.” Tanner crawled onto the bed. He pushed Dane’s legs apart. Instead of climbing on for a ride, he rested on his elbows and knees. He buried Dane’s cock in his mouth. He’d never tasted anything so good. Without a second thought, Tanner swallowed him to the root, then pulled back. No finesse. No toying beforehand. Just right into the action. He stroked himself in time with his sucking and humming.

  “Yes,” Dane murmured. “You’re turning my insides out.”

  Heat swarmed in Tanner. The urge to relax battled with the tension building. He liked to suck cock, but Dane made concentrating difficult. Dane palmed the back of Tanner’s head, the gentle urging adding to Tanner’s pleasure.

  Precum slid down Tanner’s throat. He had Dane right on the edge. Time to pull back a bit. Tanner sat back on his heels and wiped his mouth. “Yummy.” He stretched out on top of Dane and kissed him. His dick throbbed against Dane’s. “Like that?” The grinding of erection against erection turned him on. He slid one hand between their bodies and stroked both shafts in his hand. “Dane.”

  “Can’t think straight.” Dane bit back the rumble in his throat, but not the invasion of Tanner’s tongue on his. He slapped Tanner’s ass. The crack echoed in the room. “Want me inside you?”

  “Yes. I need it,” Tanner whimpered. “Now.” He wanted another one of those spankings. Being with Dane pleased him. He hadn’t felt this free or happy in a long time. Electricity shot through his veins. “Make it fast.”

  “I gotta prep you.” Dane slapped Tanner’s butt again. “Stretch out.”

  Tanner did as told and waved his rear at Dane. “I love how you punish me.” He didn’t have to think and instead just followed his base instincts. When he glanced over his shoulder, Dane was watching him.

  Dane crooked his eyebrow but said nothing as he retrieved the lube and a condom from the nightstand.

  Tanner pressed his face to the bedding and braced himself for whatever Dane might do. His skin sizzled and anticipation filled his brain. He flexed his asshole, listening for the click of the lube bottle and the crinkle of the condom wrapper. What was Dane doing?

  “Antsy?” Dane swatted Tanner’s backside.

  “Yes,” Tanner said. He hadn’t been penetrated, but he felt Dane in his soul. “Please?”

  Dane’s breath warmed Tanner’s skin. Dane rubbed his nose along one of his ass cheeks while he caressed the pucker of Tanner’s hole. Tingles shot through Tanner’s body and another whimper bubbled in his throat.

  Dane kissed along his lover’s back and spine. When Tanner groaned, Dane dribbled lube down the crack of his ass. The change in temperature cooled some of the fever in Tanner’s body, but not much. Tanner backed into Dane, encouraging Dane to enter him.

  “Needy.” Dane eased one finger into Tanner’s ass.

  The pressure and stretching resonated within Tanner. He moaned but didn’t relent. “More.”

  “I will.” Dane resumed kissing Tanner’s lower back. He pushed his finger in deep, then pulled most of the way out to prep him. Within moments, he worked into a gentle rhythm.

  Tanner rocked against Dane’s digit. He couldn’t think straight, nor did he want to. He appreciated the lightheadedness of the moment.

  “Ready?” Dane added a second finger. He scissored his digits until he relaxed Tanner.

  Something within Tanner snapped. He embraced the excitement and buried his face in the blankets. He panted. Blood rushed to his erection and he longed to touch himself. Jesus Christ, he wanted to come. Dane had him right on the edge, but not ready to go over.

  “Fuck me,” Tanner bit out. “Can’t wait.”

  “I will.” Dane continued to pump into Tanner. “Need you so close.”

  “I am.” Tanner shivered. He slid his knees farther apart. If Dane kept this up, he’d never be able to hold back.

  Dane withdrew his fingers and left the bed.

  Tanner missed his lover’s warmth. He let go of the blankets with one hand and wrapped his fingers around his shaft. If Dane wouldn’t give him relief, he’d find it on his own. His balls ached. Damn it. He needed to come.

  “Oh no you don’t.” Dane grasped Tanner’s hips. He rubbed his cock between Tanner’s ass cheeks. The tiny move caressed his hole.

  Tanner groaned. When Dane added lube, another set of shivers struck. He squeezed his eyes shut and tugged on his cock.

  “Now you’re ready.” Dane lined his erection up with Tanner’s hole. Inch by inch, he sank into Tanner’s body.

  A fresh groan emanated from Tanner. “So full,” he mumbled.

  “You’re holding me tight.” Dane leaned over him and kissed Tanner’s shoulder. He wrapped his arms around Tanner. “So good.”

  Tanner wanted to respond, but the words evaporated. His nerve endings were on fire. He gasped. “Dane.”

  Without another word, Dane released him enough to hold on to Tanner’s hips again. He moved, slow at first, but building into a frenzy. In and out, to the hilt, then most of the way out. He swatted Tanner’s ass with each push.

  Tanner writhed beneath him. He loved being this full and needed. He backed into Dane once more, sending him deeper into Tanner’s body.

  “Mine.” Dane dug his fingers into Tanner’s skin. He pistoned into Tanner, the sound of skin slapping skin echoing in the room. “Stroke yourself. Want to see you come apart.”

  Tanner planted his hand in the sheets and braced his knees. He hadn’t needed any encouragement to masturbate, but he liked complying with Dane’s demands. He wriggled on Dane’s erection, loving the feeling of fullness and completion. His senses were on high alert and nothing mattered besides this moment and Dane.

  Dane reached around him and pinched one of Tanner’s nipples. The streak of pain made him happy. The orgasm was right there. One more good push and he’d come apart. Hell, one more pull on his dick would send him over the edge.

  Despite wanting to last longer, Tanner let go of his inhibitions and embraced the moment of joy. His balls ached and he shuddered. “I’m coming.”

  “Yes,” Dane murmured. He shifted his hips and his dick caressed Tanner’s prostate.

  Tanner’s resistance shattered. He jerked forward as the climax hit. Holy shit. For a split second, he felt weightless. Nothing ached and the world centered on Dane. Cum splattered on the bedding beneath him. He tensed, despite shivering. Once he’d gathered his bearings, he glanced over his shoulder and met Dane’s gaze.

  “Beautiful.” Dane increased his speed. He surged into Tanner and his cock throbbed. “Fuck.”

  Tanner flexed and gripped Dane from within. He rode the fresh orgasm from Dane. He wasn’t ready to let go of his lover. He’d rather be cradled in Dane’s arms then leave when the morning came.

  “Damn.” Dane brushed his lips across Tanner’s shoulder. “That happened way too fast.”

  “It was just right,” Tanner whispered. So they’d moved rather fast. They could make up for it and practice slowing down next time.

  “You’ll wear me out.” Dane kissed Tanner’s shoulder a second time and pulled out of Tanner’s ass.

  “You’re not that old.” He wished he had Dane’s warmth and connection all the time. He rolled onto his back and panted. “You’ll like being worn out
.”

  “I will,” Dane said, his voice low. “I already do.” He left the bed long enough to remove the spent condom. Perspiration shimmered on his skin. He reminded Tanner of a statue come to life. “I’m rather fond of you.”

  Then the connection isn’t one-sided? Good.

  “I don’t know what to do,” Dane said. He rested his hands on his hips.

  Tanner panted and parsed through the things Dane had said. He needed a few more minutes to understand. Dane wanted to be here, but they’d crossed a hundred lines tonight. They’d fucked a lot up. But he didn’t care. “Going so soon?” He wanted Dane to stay more than anything.

  “Stay with me tonight,” Dane whispered. “Just like this.”

  “I need to set an alarm.” Tanner dragged the blanket over their bodies. “What time do you have to get ready for work?”

  “I’m on call, so I should be up by five-forty-five.” Dane caught Tanner in his arms. “I’ve got the alarm on my phone set and the one next to the bed.”

  “Well, okay. I don’t have to be up until seven.” He breathed in the scent of Dane and kissed his lover’s throat. Words he’d kept silent until now teetered on his tongue. “My best friend killed himself because he was made fun of for being gay. He hid who he was and let everyone get in his head. I say I’m tough and I want to be a role model, but I’m not always comfortable in my own skin. Jesus. I shouldn’t feel alienated, but I do.”

  “Tanner.” Dane held him closer. “You’re always going to have people disagree with you, but you’re a role model. There’s a reason you’re on the Cedarwood Wildcats and it’s not because you’ve got a nice ass. It’s because you can play. Because you’re an individual. You’re bigger than a group of jerks trying to take your happiness. Fuck ’em.”

  “Dane.” He kissed Dane’s throat. He’d never had anyone quite like the doctor in his corner. He didn’t feel confident, but he’d claimed he wanted to shake things up. He’d done that and more by sleeping with Dane. Still, his poise had taken a hit.

  “I’d bet your teammates would have your back if you’d let them in. They know you’re gay and the more players who are out and not worried about who cares that they are, the better for everyone. That kid, afraid to come out but loving baseball, will see you and them. That kid will see a person who isn’t afraid to be himself and love himself. You may never meet that kid, but you’ve made a difference. You’re opening a door for others who want to come to Cedarwood and play ball. I support you. There is so much more to you than your team persona. You’re smart, funny and great at your sport. When your playing days are over, you’ve got a future in sportscasting. I bet you’ll be great.”

  “You think so?”

  “I know so.” Dane sighed and rubbed Tanner’s back. “I’m behind you all the way. Be yourself and be proud. There’s nothing wrong with you being you. There’s nothing wrong with who you are. The haters are wrong.”

  “Thanks, Dane.” Tanner clung to Dane. “I needed everything you’ve given me and more.”

  “I know,” Dane murmured. “We’ve all been there—the confusion, fear…but you’ve got a support system. You do.”

  Tanner closed his eyes. He’d grown closer to Dane than anyone in his life. Less than a week was enough time to realize he cared for the doctor more than as his sponsor. He needed Dane always. He wanted him as a friend and lover.

  “Stay tonight. When I get up in the morning, I’ll reset the alarm so you won’t be late for your game,” Dane said. “Keep the rest of the world away for a few more hours.”

  “I’m yours all night.” His stomach growled, but food was the last thing on his mind. He embraced the happiness he’d found. He wasn’t going anywhere. For a little while, the pressures of baseball, the coalition and being himself weren’t so hard. His only problem? He wanted to stay awake and allow Dane to fuck him all over again. Too bad he couldn’t keep his eyes open. At least he had the rest of the season with his doctor.

  * * * *

  Dane woke with his alarm the next morning and stretched. He hadn’t slept so well in forever. Because he wasn’t alone? Yes, but mostly because Tanner had stayed. They’d forged a bond deeper than he’d thought possible. He liked Tanner. The night before he’d thought they’d never take the relationship to the next level. Now he knew better. He also understood Tanner. The man embodied strength and resiliency, especially on the field, but he needed reassurance, too. Tanner wanted to belong and have a safe place to rest. Dane could give him those things—maybe not the confidence, but he’d never judge him.

  Tanner reminded him of Ashton. Both men cared deeply and craved attention. Tanner wanted to be strong and rise above. He had the power within him to be a great player and leader in the community. With the right push, he could achieve anything. Ashton hadn’t been so determined. Ashton had wanted a relationship with Dane that involved sneaking around and lying. Life had to be easy for him—if he ran into roadblocks, he couldn’t deal. The struggle of being gay in a community notorious for being anti-gay had been too much for him.

  What about Tanner? With the right reinforcement, Tanner could take on anything and come out stronger on the other side.

  Dane left the bed and hurried into the bathroom. He showered and shaved before dressing. Once ready to walk out of the door, he reset the alarm for Tanner. He admired Tanner’s nude body in his bed. He’d been lucky when he’d agreed to sponsor a baseball player.

  Tanner inhaled and rolled over. When he exhaled, he opened his eyes. “Dane.”

  “Right here.” Dane sat on the edge of the bed. “Sleep. It’s early and you need your rest. I’ve got to get to work.”

  “I’ll let the front office know you may come to the games. They’ll have a ticket waiting for you.” Tanner grasped Dane’s hand. “I hope it’s a super slow day and you’re able to see my debut.”

  “Why see the first game when I get to see every inch of you when you come home?” He kissed Tanner. “I can’t guarantee anything, but I’ll do my best.”

  “That’s all I can ask for.” Tanner closed his eyes and snuggled in the sheets.

  Dane left his lover alone in the bedroom and headed down to the main floor. He snagged his phone from the charger and checked his messages. Devlin had called, but no notifications from the office. Good. He’d call his friend later on the way to work. He gathered his phone, keys, wallet, tablet and tucked all but the keys into his messenger bag. Before he strolled out of the kitchen, he rifled through the stack of mail on the counter. He’d have to thank Tanner for bringing the pile in.

  A flier fell out of the stack. He snorted. A pink tri-fold advertisement. He tended to ignore these kinds of bulk mailings, but the desire to open the page overwhelmed him. When he read the words, he gasped.

  Stop Gays in Cedarwood. Protect Our Children.

  He massaged his forehead then glanced over at the corridor leading to the second story of his home. At least it was a bulk mailer with no addressee names on it. Tanner had his first game today and Dane didn’t want him to see this kind of trash. Neither he nor Tanner had time for hate.

  Dane picked through the rest of the mail, separating the bills and magazines from the ads. He’d found someone good and now had that man in his life. Yes, Tanner had moments of fragility, but there was more to him than that. Dane carried the bills to his office, then locked up before heading to the kitchen to retrieve his bag. He made his way to the garage. Within ten minutes, he’d backed out of the garage, closed the door and started down the street to work.

  Instead of calling Devlin, Dane drove straight to the office. He pulled into his usual spot. When he walked up to the staff door, he checked the mailbox. The same pink flier had been mixed into the other envelopes.

  “They just don’t quit,” he muttered. He went into the building. Sandra, the head receptionist, waved. She’d already assumed her position at her desk.

  “You’ve got a full schedule,” she said. “Oh, and you need to phone Devlin Chase. It’s not urgent, but
he’d like to speak to you.”

  “It’s six-fifteen in the morning.” He placed the stack of mail on her desk. “Did he call you or was it a message with the answering service?”

  “I just got off the phone with him.” She laughed. “Something is bothering him. I haven’t heard him this irritated in a while.” She handed him a tablet and pointed to the schedule. “You’re booked solid through noon. I’ve got ten calls from the answering service line asking for time during our walk-in hours. If we get out of here before six, I’ll be shocked.”

  “Thanks.” He didn’t mind busy days, but he’d wanted to attend Tanner’s game—one of them at least. “I’ll call Devlin once I get to my office.” He paused. “Hey, Sandra? Did you get a pink flier in the mail yesterday?”

  “That horrible anti-gay one? Yes.” She crinkled her nose. “I threw it away. Why? Did we get one here, too?”

  “We did and I got one at the house, as well.” He knocked on the doorframe. “I wish they’d stop.” He hated the group hell-bent on destroying lives just because some residents of Cedarwood happened to be homosexual.

  “Considering you take care of so many of the members of that group, they know you’re gay and also that you’ll heal them. They shouldn’t complain.” Sandra flipped through the stack of envelopes. “If we get another one of those fliers, I’ll have it returned to the sender and notify the post office we don’t want those pieces of mail.”

  “Thanks. I appreciate the help.” He nodded once. “I’ll be in my office, calling Devlin.” He left the front of the building and went into his private space. He placed his bag on his chair then withdrew his phone. He dialed Devlin.

  After three rings, his friend answered. “Dane.”

  “Devlin.” He closed his office door. “What’s so pressing you had to call my phone and the practice this morning? Sandra just gave me the message and I haven’t had time to listen to your voicemail.”