“I’m not sure. Can you with someone else in your bed?”
“What? And good morning. What is that about someone sleeping with me? I assure you I’m in bed alone this morning.”
I continued to tease. “But I might soon be there when you wake up in the morning.”
I heard the confusion in his voice. “Did San Antonio fire you, too?”
“No, Charlotte offered me a job.”
I pulled the phone away from my ear when Chase squealed into it. A few seconds later, he calmed down, and said, “But you didn’t say you accepted it. You are going to accept it, aren’t you?”
29
Chase
Two weeks later, I traveled back to Charlotte to stay. I did my best to leave the data on each player’s batting in excellent shape for my San Antonio successor. Harv sent me off with a jersey signed by the entire team and coaching staff.
Eric picked me up at the Charlotte airport late in the morning. He said the doctors recommended that Chase avoid driving for a few more weeks while the shoulder healed. Eric smiled ear to ear when he saw me. I threw my arms around him offering a huge hug.
Eric said “I can’t explain how happy I am to have you back. It’s not only because you’re a great friend, but I also happen to think you’re an outstanding batting coach. You’ll do so much more for us than Eckert, and I hope you hire a great assistant, too.”
“I already have some guys in mind. I’m a little surprised Chase didn’t ride with you to the airport.”
Eric shook his head. “He told me he had a few more preparations to finish up in his apartment. There’s some special welcome waiting for you.”
I laughed softly. “I wonder if Chase goes a little overboard on occasion.”
Eric poked me in the side. “And you love every bit of it. You can’t tell me that you don’t. I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going to drop you off at Chase’s building and not stay. I think the two of you need the time together. Maybe we can all go out after the game tonight. I’m sure Javier would be happy to see the two of you. I heard that you’re taking another week off before you start the new position.”
I said, “After everything that’s happened, I thought Chase and I could use some time off together. We’ve talked about possibly skipping town and going to the Outer Banks for a few days.”
“Well, ask him if he wants to go out tonight. We all miss him in the locker room and on the field. When we do see him, it’s usually in the press room, and he’s too busy to talk.”
“He does enjoy the radio work. He told me that he always liked being a player, but he loves being an announcer. I don’t know if I’ve ever heard anyone in the game say that, but then Chase is a unique guy.”
“You can say that again.”
Eric pulled up to the front of Chase’s apartment building, and I got out of the car and retrieved my luggage from the trunk. I said, “I’ll send you a text when I know the plans for tonight.”
Chase opened the door after I knocked a second time. His apartment living room was strung with brightly colored streamers, and I smiled when I heard Beatles music. It was the song “With a Little Help From My Friends.” Chase himself was shirtless and barefoot wearing only jeans.
He exclaimed, “Welcome home, sexy!”
I stepped inside, dropped my luggage and started to reach out for a hug. Chase pointed to the shoulder, and I gently wrapped him in my arms.
“I got the brace off yesterday. The doc said it’s healing well. It’s only sore now when the PT guy makes me stretch it to its limit, but he told me to be careful with it.”
I stared into his eyes with a wicked smile and asked, “Does that mean we have to be careful when we have sex?”
Chase grumbled, “It’s my shoulder, not my dick!”
In the next thirty seconds, we left a trail of clothing through the apartment until we both climbed onto Chase’s bed buck naked. I said, “Wow, this is a record for me.”
Chase said, “I suppose I should have offered you a drink or engaged in idle chit-chat first.”
I looked down seeing his hard cock pointed at me. I reached down and wrapped my fingers around it. “I think something here clouded your thoughts.”
Chase traced a single fingertip down the length of my equally hard cock. “Like yours allows for clear thinking.” He was right. Sex was the only thing on my mind.
As I pushed up close to Chase’s body, it felt like I’d arrived home. I burrowed my face into the side of his neck and kissed. He slipped a hand down and gripped our cocks together rubbing them slowly while I hissed and moaned.
Chase said, “This time I’m prepared. I’ve got what we need in the nightstand drawer beside the bed, and I’ve got a favor to ask.”
I raised an eyebrow. “A favor?”
“I have a uniform in the closet. Would you wear it for me? I know it won’t fit you perfectly. It’s a Ramblers uniform that I wore, and they never asked for it back. It would be so damn hot if I could pull down the pants and fuck my man in uniform.”
I chuckled softly. “You know that sounds crazy hot to me, too. I don’t think it’s because of the uniform for me. It’s because I know that it turns you on.”
Chase slid off the bed and walked across the room to the closet. A wave of nostalgia swept through my mind when I saw the Ramblers logo. As I buttoned up the jersey, I asked, “Is this what you expected?”
He rose from the bed naked and ordered me to bend over. Chase took me hard and fast. In between grunts and thrusts, he said, “I’ve never fucked a man in uniform before, but I’ve dreamed about it.”
My fingers balled up into fists gripping the sheets on the bed. “Now you can do it any time you want.”
Chase raced toward the edge grunting and moaning like a feral beast. I expected him to ride the tension, but instead, he barreled right over the cliff. I heard him gasp for breath as the orgasm swept over his body. Seconds later, his sweaty body draped across my back. He pushed me forward onto the bed with his left hand, and I lay flat on my back with a massive grin on my face.
I whispered, “You didn’t wait for me.”
With his face resting on my chest and his fingers toying with a nipple, Chase said, “I couldn’t. I lost control. You’re too damned hot!”
30
Aaron
One of the last things I expected out of life was to be the subject of a special segment on a local Charlotte morning TV show. They sandwiched Chase and me in between advice on getting the best back-to-school clothing deals and a cooking segment on North Carolina barbecue.
I was nervous, but Chase ate it up. As we waited backstage, he said, “Look at all of this. I watch these guys when I’m perched on the couch at home trying to pry my eyes open. They are so perky and cheerful. Eventually, I have to wake up.”
“Don’t you mind having your personal life on display for the entire city? It’s not only Charlotte but also most of the rest of North Carolina and a big chunk of South Carolina, too.”
Chase reached his arm around my waist and pulled me close. “I don’t care at all when my personal life is as wonderful as it is. I have the best man in the world at my side, and I want everyone to know about it. You were right about what a relief it is to be out.”
I said, “You take the lead. I’m still feeling nervous and shy about it. I love that we can be a couple, and it doesn’t matter who knows, but it’s still personal, and that’s still a TV show.”
We watched three cute little kids parade in front of the hosts on their comfy couch. They wore the latest in school fashions, and I laughed when a little boy pranced around striking his best model poses.
Julie Simmons, one of the two hosts of the show, asked the expert shopping guest, “Are these clothes all affordable? Because the kids look awesome, and I would love it if everyone could look this good.”
The guest responded, “Yes, they are very affordable, and details on where to get these great outfits are available on the station’s website. You can buy th
em in store, or you can order the shirts, dresses, pants, and shoes online.”
The two hosts and their guest applauded as all three kids reappeared to take a final bow for the audience. Julie stared into the camera and said, “Don’t move from your TV. You will all want to see our next guests, Coach Aaron Beck from the Charlotte Yellowjackets and his adorable partner. I have to admit that I had a crush on him, too, when we met backstage. They are on next!”
I looked at Chase, and he was showing a massive smile. I asked, “Why am I not surprised a straight woman has a crush on you?”
Chase shrugged. “What can I say? Everybody loves me.”
While the show paused for the commercial break, Julie helped us settle onto the couch. We were between her and the co-host Carl Swinton. He was more handsome in person than he was on TV. Carl had a stunning head of silver-grey hair. I elbowed Chase when I caught him staring.
Julie said, “Now relax, guys. We won’t ask any tough questions. We’ll chat about baseball, dating, and what lies ahead in the future.”
I smirked and said, “I’m glad you’re leaving out the tough questions.”
Julie winked at me, and the director started counting down until we were live on the air. On cue, the studio audience applauded, and Julie spoke to the camera.
She said, “Welcome back everyone. We don’t often get to have local sports heroes with us here on the show, and I’m doubly excited because these guys are just great fun to have around.” She introduced us both and asked, “Are you dating? That’s the rumor I heard.”
Chase spoke up. “It’s a lot more than a rumor.” To my surprise, he turned toward me, grabbed my chin and kissed me on camera. The audience broke into applause again.
Julie waved a hand in front of her face and said, “Oh, it’s getting steamy in here.” The director standing behind the cameraman gave us a thumbs up.
Chase blushed and said, “I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist it. Look at him. Do you blame me?”
Julie laughed. “I don’t blame you at all. You’re an adorable couple.”
I was still in shock staring out at the audience. Chase elbowed me and then turned toward Julie ready to answer her questions.
She asked about innocuous things like where we grew up, how hard it is to hit a baseball, and our favorite place for a getaway weekend. Then Julie said, “Now I want to get a little more serious. Chase, we’re all sad that your shoulder injury brought an end to your career on the baseball diamond, but you seem to take it in stride. How can you drop the game so easily? Wasn’t being a baseball star your life dream?”
She gave Chase the perfect opportunity to be his eloquent self. I reached out to take his hand while he spoke directly to the camera.
He said, “I didn’t drop it easily. In fact, I was shocked when the doctor’s prognosis started to sink in, but there was something else. When I was a little kid, I asked my dad what it took to become one of the sports announcers on the radio and TV. I was fascinated by them, and soon I wanted to be one of them.
“Jerry Green recently gave me that opportunity, and I’m having the time of my life. Baseball will always be a significant part of my life as long as I’m with this man to my right, and I hope that’s forever. As an announcer, it’s a brand new ballgame, and it’s always been my biggest dream. People used to tell me I was going to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York someday. I will be, but it will be as an announcer winning the Ford Frick Award beside the greats like Red Barber, Harry Caray, and Jack Buck.”
“Wow,” said Julie. “That’s quite a story. I think I can speak for everyone in the room when I say we wish you all the best. What about you, Aaron? Do you have any particular goals?”
I turned toward Julie and tried to speak. My mouth felt like it was full of cotton. Fortunately, Chase squeezed my hand and spoke for me. “He’s only going to be the top baseball manager of all time. Look for him in the World Series. It’s not a question of if, it’s a question of when.”
Julie said, “That is wonderful. I have so many more questions that I could ask, but we’re running out of time. I thank both of you for taking the time to visit with us here.”
Chase held up a finger and thumb spread slightly apart. He asked, “Can I make one tiny additional comment?”
“Sure, go right ahead,” said Julie.
I didn’t know what Chase wanted to say. I gripped his thigh tight as he spoke again. “There are more guys out there in the league like us who are afraid to come out. When they make the decision, and they do, please welcome them as warmly as Aaron and me. Let’s show them it is a brand new ballgame.”
Epilogue - Chase
I expected the phone call. It was the first Christmas that I chose to spend away from my family. They weren’t particularly happy about my decision. Celia called at 6:00 a.m. on Christmas morning. I grabbed the cell phone off the nightstand and slipped out of bed. Wiping my eyes with one hand, I stumbled out into the living room and tensed myself for a rant.
“Merry Christmas little brother!”
I stopped rubbing my eyes and listened. She sounded cheerful. I said, “Merry Christmas to you, too! You aren’t upset that I’m not there?”
“No, I had a chat with mom and dad last night, and we all decided you are right where you should be. You missed the gifts last night, though. We’re shipping all of yours down there to North Carolina.”
“Aw, that’s sweet of you. I thought I’d have to pick them up sometime in February.”
“Is everything good there?” asked Celia.
“Everything is perfect here. The only thing better would be if all of you were here on the beach, too.”
“Maybe next year. I asked mom and dad about that, too, and they sound willing to travel. You’ll have to convince the cousins, too.”
I stared out the massive living room window at the waves lapping at the shore. “Celia, I hope all of you have a wonderfully amazing Christmas morning and tell everyone I love them. When I think about it, I can practically taste Mom’s turkey dinner. I’ll definitely miss that. Tell everybody they are welcome down in North Carolina, and I’ll give them free baseball tickets. I think I’m here to stay for awhile.”
“Okay, little brother. Everyone’s waking up now, and they are restless for the gifts. I’ll talk to you soon, and give that special man a big hug for me!”
“I’ll give him an enormous hug for you. Love you all!”
The call ended, and I breathed deeply as I watched the waves. Then I turned back toward the bedroom. It was time to climb back in bed and start my Christmas celebration.
I slipped between the sheets and scooted up close behind Aaron. He was still sound asleep. Wrapping my arms around his body, I felt the warm skin beneath my fingertips. As my fingers crawled up the trail across his abs and chest, Aaron moaned softly, and he whispered, “Merry Christmas, Chase.”
I grinned as he rolled onto his back and blinked his eyes staring up at me. I said, “Merry Christmas to you. You’re awake!”
“It’s Christmas morning. My family usually wakes up by 5:00. This is sleeping in.”
I couldn’t imagine a better Christmas gift than waking up next to Aaron on the Outer Banks. I said, “This is all like a dream come true.”
Aaron smiled and reached up to comb my hair back from my forehead with his fingers. He whispered, “It’s not a dream.” Then he pointed with his free hand. He was aiming at the nightstand. “I think there might be a gift with your name on it in there. I know there’s plenty of stuff under the tree in the living room, but let’s start with this one.”
I wrinkled my forehead in confusion. “A Christmas present in the nightstand? I didn’t see it last night when we were…” My voice trailed off. I remembered Aaron saying the condoms and lube were on the other side of the bed the night before.
I’m crazy about Christmas presents. I know it’s all supposed to be about giving, but I love to get them, too. I climbed on top of Aaron and reached for the nightstand. I tug
ged it open to see a small box wrapped with a silver bow on top. I looked at him and asked, “What is it?”
As he said, “There’s only one way to find out,” I pulled it out and set the little box on his chest.
“It’s so adorable.” After appreciating the wrapping job for about five seconds, I tore it open. I bit my lip when I saw that it was a small box for jewelry. I asked, “Is this…Oh my God!”
“Open it already,” whispered Aaron.
I couldn’t stop myself from squealing and yelling. It was a gold engagement ring. Tears began rolling down my cheeks immediately. I said, “I...,” and then I stopped when Aaron held two fingers to my lips.
He said, “I would get down on my knees, but you know, there’s this hunky, handsome man holding me down.”
I chuckled and kissed his chest. I wiped at my eyes as he continued.
“Chase O’Rourke, will you marry me?”
“Yes, a thousand times yes!” No more words were necessary, and they would have been drowned anyway in the sweetest kiss that I’d ever known.
Thank you for reading A Brand New Ballgame. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it for you.
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