Scoring in Cedarwood

by Megan Slayer

  What his former owner thought didn’t matter. Now he belonged to the Cedarville Wildcats.

  Tanner knew nothing about Ohio. What was in the state? So far, all he’d seen were cornfields, barns and cattle. Oklahoma had all those things, too. What made this state different? Nothing. He groaned. The longer he spirited down the road, the more it felt like being lost in the middle of nowhere.

  He spotted a sign in the distance.

  Cedarwood, Crestline and Danbury. Exit 1 Mile.

  He was close. Good. At the exit, he left the freeway and turned north in the direction of the sign for Cedarwood. He still had ten miles to go. He thunked his head on the seatback when he reached the stop sign. Christ. Ten miles seemed like an eternity. If he ever arrived in Cedarwood, he’d take a long nap.

  His phone rang. He tapped the button on the stereo display to connect the call and set it to speaker. According to the ID, Devlin Chase was on the line. Devlin Chase owned the Cedarwood Wildcats and had his hands in every facet of the running of the team. Shit. He had to pay attention and be professional.

  “Mr. Chase,” Tanner said. His hands shook on the wheel. “How are you?”

  “I’m great. You?” Devlin asked.

  “I’m doing well.” He turned right onto the two-lane road. “I’m about seven miles out. I should be at the offices soon.”

  “Good. When you reach the outskirts of town, let me know. I’ve got directions for you,” Devlin said. “I’ve also secured you a sponsor.”

  “You did?” He hadn’t expected that. He’d struggled to find a sponsor in Gary. No one wanted to open their home to a traveling baseball player. Instead, he’d spent the last six months lying about his home situation and working enough hours each week at an Italian restaurant to make the rent. He’d barely slept and all his money went to his housing situation or baseball. He snorted. His money and work situation had to be the root of his hitting issues.

  “Tanner?”

  Shit. He was still on the phone with Devlin. “Sorry. I’m driving. So I have a sponsor?”

  “You do. He’s a doctor.”

  “Doctor? An older guy?” The man had to be older. Tanner didn’t know any young medics. “Will he be a creeper?”

  “No,” Devlin said. “I think you’ll like him. He’s a few years older than you, but not by much. He’s a silver fox, though, and I know him personally. You should get along without incident.”

  Fuck me. He was going to hate this. “You know him. Are you kidding me?” The Fox with a silver fox? The pairing would never work. He’d rather be sponsorless than the object of ridicule on the team. “Maybe there’s someone better.”

  “Excuse me? I don’t expect you’ll be boinking my friend,” Devlin said.

  “Boinking?” How old was Mr. Chase? “I’m gay, but I’m not exactly broadcasting it. The guy might not know or care.”

  “I have the feeling you’ll be fucking sooner than later.”

  Tanner gritted his teeth. He wasn’t making a good impression on Devlin Chase. Normally, he’d be quiet and cooperative. It was only when he took the field that he let his ego control him. Now, he couldn’t seem to keep his mouth shut.

  “I put you with Dr. Bloom because he has the space, the money, a crazy schedule and no interest in you whatsoever,” Devlin said. “Do you understand?”

  “He’s straight.” Good.

  “No.”

  Damn it. “Oh?” He shouldn’t be intrigued by Dr. Bloom being gay, but his heart beat a little faster and his interest rose—even if the guy was older and a silver fox. Why? Because Tanner had been without a lover or boyfriend for too long. He needed to feel someone in his arms and someone holding him. Besides, he wanted to come out and be himself all the way—not just live up to his image on the field.

  “Tanner?”

  “Yes?” Time to focus. He spotted the city limits sign. “I’m at the edge of town. I should be nearing the offices, correct?”

  “Yes. Turn left on Park Street and follow it past the aluminum plant. We’re behind the factory. The lights are on around the stadium, so you shouldn’t be able to miss it,” Devlin said. “See you very soon.”

  “Yes.” He hung up and swung onto Park Street. The aluminum factory lumbered against the twilight sky. Was the factory abandoned? He’d have to ask Devlin. Behind the building, a gigantic Wildcats sign caught his attention. He couldn’t miss the neon lights. Despite the huge advertisement along the front of the stadium, the complex wasn’t large. He wasn’t sure why he’d expected bigger. None of the complexes were enormous, but this had to be the smallest stadium he’d seen. Then again, the town wasn’t large, either. They probably had a total of five traffic lights in the village.

  Christ. He deserved to be in a bigger market. He could play the game of baseball. His on-field persona, Foxy, drew in the crowds.

  Tanner turned onto the next road and continued around the complex to the parking lot. The town of Cedarwood might be underwhelming, but they had an interesting ballfield. Trees ringed the property and many of the walls were covered in artistic vines. There were even copious amounts of green space in the parking lot.

  “Not bad,” he muttered. He wouldn’t buy in until he stood in front of a Cedarwood crowd, though. He parked in the staff lot. Where were the guards? Security?

  A man strode up to the car. Tanner knew him right away. He rolled the window down. “Devlin Chase. It’s good to see you again.”

  “You made it. I knew you would,” Devlin said. He stood next to the driver’s side of Tanner’s vehicle. “Nice wheels.”

  “It was a bonus from a dealership next door to the Ferrell City Slickers. They offered a free Corvette to anyone who could hit thirty-eight. I hit forty home runs last year and got the car.” He turned the engine off and left the vehicle. “I could’ve had something more sensible, but it was a free ’Vette. I’m not turning down a free car.”

  “You won’t be offered anything like that around here, so it’s a good thing you took it.” Devlin nodded. “You might get free ice cream or your laundry done for nothing at the laundromat.”

  “I see.” There weren’t sick perks in Cedarwood? No wonder no one wants to play here.

  “You can’t be quite so entitled out here, but our fans are rabid,” Devlin said. “We’re a small venue, but our fans turn out. The businesses in Cedarwood will help you out, but on a lesser level than you’re used to. We don’t give away cars. Sorry.”

  He should’ve guessed. “I’m not going to be paid in chickens or kittens, right?”

  “Don’t be a jackass.” Devlin frowned. “I could cut you from the team before you even have a workout.”

  “Sorry.” His damn ego… He’d have to rope it in.

  “I got you a sponsorship, like I mentioned.”

  “Does he know I’m gay?” Tanner asked. He leaned against the rear fender. “Is it going to be an issue?” He’d been kicked out of two sponsor homes because of his sexuality. Although he’d tried to be understanding and didn’t flaunt being gay, the sponsors didn’t want him around.

  “Did you forget? Your sponsor is gay, too,” Devlin said.

  “You’re throwing us together and forbidding us to date. You do realize the sparks will fly.”

  “He’s your sponsor and isn’t interested in dating you. This is a place for you to stay.”

  Tanner sighed. He had to be honest with Devlin. “I’ve bent the rules before.”

  “I know.” Devlin gestured to the office building. “Come inside. We’ll talk.”

  “Let me roll my window up and lock the car.” He accomplished both tasks then followed Devlin. He drank in the view inside the complex. He appreciated the electric atmosphere. The scent of cleanser curled around him. The floors glimmered beneath his feet. He could see himself playing here for more than one season. Was that bad? Maybe not.

  “So.” Devlin ushered Tanner into an office. “I’ve heard the rumors. Are they true?”

  “Depends on which ones.” Tanner folde
d his arms and widened his stance. He’d be honest, but he wasn’t going to volunteer every detail.

  “You had a job while you played ball in Gary,” Devlin said.

  “I did.” He sucked in a ragged breath then exhaled. “I had no choice. If I wanted to eat and sleep in a stable place, I had to pay for it. Maddow Davis at Ciro’s allowed me to wait tables three days a week and live above the restaurant.”

  “Tanner.” Devlin groaned. He massaged his forehead.

  “I’d been tossed out of my sponsor family’s home because they didn’t want a gay baseball player living with them. What was I supposed to do?” Tanner asked. “I had to survive. I wanted to keep playing with the team, but I needed a place to stay.”

  “There’s not much you can do, but it still irks me.” Devlin shook his head. “I heard the rumors and now coming from you, the truth pisses me off, but it’s in the past.”

  “I had to… Wait. You’re okay with it?” Tanner asked.

  “Let me show you something.” Devlin gestured to a door at the side of the office.

  “Are you going to throw me out?” He stuffed his hand into his pockets and followed Devlin. When he stepped through the doorway, his breath lodged in his throat. The ballfield. He marveled at the pristine turf, the bright colors and welcoming spirit in the stadium. “Damn. This is nice.”

  “We have few complaints.” Devlin faced Tanner.

  “I can see why.” He leaned against the retaining wall and the weight of the moment hit him hard. “When is practice?” He paused. “You’re letting me practice, right?”

  “You start tomorrow, but after you meet your sponsor.” Devlin notched his chin in the air. “I don’t like what you had to do to keep playing ball. That’s not fair. You should’ve been able to focus on playing. How you conduct your personal life, as long as you’re not doing anything illegal, isn’t anyone’s business. I’m sorry you had to go through that, but I hope this experience with Dr. Bloom is better. We need you in the line-up.”

  “I’m happy to be here and will do my best to live up to your expectations. I’ll do my best to stay in my sponsorship situation as well.” He’d thought he’d hate it here, but now that he’d stepped onto the property and seen the field, he wanted to stay in Cedarwood.

  Chapter Two

  Dane finished cleaning the spare bedroom and stepped back to inspect his work. Devlin had shown him one photograph, but the more they talked, the more Devlin swore Tanner was better looking in person. The man was handsome in the image…how could he be better in person? Dane shook his head. He had a feeling Devlin wanted to mess with him. Dane preferred order and to know what would happen next. Surprises chafed him and Devlin loved to keep him on his toes.

  Dane straightened the comforter then scrubbed his forehead with the back of his hand. He’d been away from his office all day, but he had to be sure his player was someone he wanted in his home. What if Devlin had read the guy wrong and had hired a dangerous man? Probably not, but still.

  According to the last email from Devlin, the ballplayer, Tanner Fox, had been given the keys and directions to Dane’s home. The very thought of allowing a stranger into his home bothered Dane. He checked the clock. Devlin had said Tanner would be there by nine. He had ten minutes or he’d be late.

  Dane left the bedroom and headed to the kitchen. When he’d bought the house, he’d considered the ground-floor bedroom with exterior door a silly feature. He wasn’t planning on having guests over much and why did they need their own exterior exit? But he’d loved the layout of the home otherwise and kept the guest room door locked at all times.

  The doorbell rang and Dane froze. Tanner? He checked his watch. If so, the man was punctual. Score one for the ballplayer.

  Dane strode through the home to the foyer. The door opened. Shit. He’d forgotten about the agreement including Tanner having keys to his home.

  “Hello.” Dane waited across the foyer for Tanner to enter. His heart beat faster and the temperature in the room had to have spiked. His throat ran dry. “Hi,” he managed.

  “Hi.” Tanner offered his hand. “I’m Tanner Fox. I’m also known as Foxy. Per the directive from Mr. Chase, I’m yours for the season.”

  Dane nodded. He wanted to speak, but his tongue felt sixteen sizes too big for his mouth. Plenty of handsome men had come and gone in his life. He’d had his share of relationships, but he’d never had anyone stay with him just to have a roof over their head and something to eat. He could’ve sworn the earth stopped moving when he met Tanner’s gaze. The man was gorgeous. Tall, slender, seemingly healthy and oh so off limits.

  “Are you Dr. Bloom?” Tanner asked. “Are you his roommate?” He paused then waved his hand in front of Dane’s face. “Are you okay?”

  Oh fuck. He’d been caught staring. “Sorry. I’m Dr. Dane Bloom. It’s nice to meet you.” Did he sound ridiculous? Probably.

  “Right.” Tanner didn’t appear impressed. He dropped his duffel bag on the floor.

  Dane wanted to kick himself. He was a respected member of both the medical community and the community in Cedarwood, and an adult. He could conduct himself in public with ease, but the moment a handsome man walked into his home, he’d forgotten himself. He needed to screw his head on straight, but the feat was so hard because of Tanner.

  “Do you have a space for me?” Tanner crinkled his eyebrows. “What should I call you?”

  Dane tipped his head. He expected to come into contact with Tanner often, but he had to be cordial right now. He couldn’t hide from Tanner during the duration of his stay. “Dane.”

  “Uh-huh. Dane. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Tanner smiled. “I’m glad you offered your home for my use.”

  Dane slipped into his professional attitude. “I do have a place for you to stay and I’m glad you’re here. Do you need help bringing your belongings in?”

  “I’ve got another bag, but I’ll manage. My gear is back at the ballpark,” Tanner said and scooped up his bag. He walked with a swagger and his ass filled the jeans out a little too well.

  Dane fought the urge to drool. He’d bet Tanner would be dynamite in the sack. “Okay. Well, your room is down here.” He directed Tanner to the guest suite. “There’s a bathroom with shower connected to your room.” He pointed to the exterior door. “This goes outside and I usually keep it locked. I don’t go in here often, so you don’t have to worry about my intrusion.” He tapped the doorframe. “The fridge is always stocked, but if there’s anything you want—something particular—let me know. I’ve got a space in the garage for your car as well.”

  “Nice.” Tanner dropped his bag on the bed. “It’s not frilly. The last home I stayed in involved so much lace.”

  “I like clean lines and modernity,” Dane said. “Lace isn’t my forte.”

  “Yet you live in a remodeled Victorian home.” Tanner grinned. “I love what you’ve done with the place.”

  “One can keep a contemporary look on the inside and have the original exterior. I like a few antique touches along with my cool modern lines.” Dane hooked his thumbs in his front pockets. He’d worked hard to make his home inviting and clean, yet still fit within the Victorian framework.

  “Sure.” Tanner sat on the bed. “I’m guessing you have rules, too?”

  “A few.” Are rules bad?

  “Like?”

  “Besides the ones in your player contract, I expect you to observe quiet hours from around eleven p.m. to six a.m. I expect you to be discreet as well. Don’t bring people over and no parties while I’m not here,” Dane said.

  “You’re no fun.”

  “I like my privacy.”

  “So no big bashes. Got it.” Tanner nodded. “Makes sense.”

  Dane swallowed his irritation. Tanner’s swagger and attitude would be the death of him. The guy knew how to be cool yet aggravating.

  “Anything else?” Tanner asked.

  He’d lost track…shit. “No guests, parties, observe quiet hours…lock up and don�
��t leave a mess in your wake. I don’t clean messes that aren’t mine.” He shuddered to think about scrubbing someone else’s bathroom.

  Tanner nodded again.

  “So you know, I’m gay and proud,” Dane said. “While I don’t care that I am, there are those in town who do. Some folks would like to make my life miserable because I’m not straight. In case they get bold and decide to rob me—or anyone decides to really—I’d prefer you lock up and use the security system. If someone really wants to rob me, I’m sure the system and locks won’t mean much, but they give me peace of mind.”

  “Understood.”

  He paused. “I’m sorry. I’m being overbearing, aren’t I? I’ve never had a baseball player live with me.”

  “Have you had anyone live with you?” Tanner frowned then chuckled. “You could have all the players you want.”

  Dane froze and replayed what Tanner had said. Oh shit.

  “I meant, sponsored ones.”

  He shook his head. “When I get nervous, I can’t stop talking and I sound pompous. That’s not what I meant. I’m trying to be welcoming, but it’s not working.”

  “I’m tripping you up.” Tanner laughed. “I’m not known as Foxy for nothing. I’m not here to date you, but I’m all for a little attention. I’m also all for following rules. I respect you and your home and I’ll do what you want to give you that peace of mind.”

  “Thank you.” He hesitated again as he considered the first half of what Tanner had said. “You know I meant sponsorship—not dating.” Jesus. He could handle himself in the office and with patients, but not a handsome baseball player.

  Tanner snorted. “I’m teasing you to get you to loosen up. I’m not going to get wild and crazy. I won’t open your house up to everyone who walks by. I know boundaries and even though I should feel insulted by the rules, I understand. You’re a guarded person. That’s cool. Rest assured I’ll treat you with respect. You won’t know I’m here.”