Caleb's Choice

by Sarah Hadley Brook

  Caleb’s lips quirked into a smile and his eyes crinkled. “You’re telling me that you hit yourself with the bat?”

  Lucas tilted his chin and blushed. “I hit the ball and accidentally threw up the bat and it…landed on my face.”

  “Holy cow! I’ll bet that hurt like a mother!”

  “Definitely. Anyway, my mom took me to the ER and I never played T-ball again.”

  Caleb smiled. “I guess my life could have changed if that happened the first day I played, too. Glad it didn’t.”

  “So, as you can see, I basically know nothing.”

  “No problem. We’re going to start with the basics. Let’s go over the positions in a team first. Okay?”

  Lucas nodded and listened as Caleb explained the positions, their locations on the field, their responsibilities, and more. Caleb’s enthusiasm flowed out in his voice and his animated demeanor, and it was contagious. Surprisingly, Lucas found himself learning and enjoying himself.

  Once Lucas understood the basics, Caleb put on a baseball game in the living room and gestured for Lucas to take a seat on the sofa. The man grabbed the remote, but sat at the opposite end.

  Lucas was surprised at the disappointment he felt, although it meant Caleb was respecting his wishes. If Caleb only knew that the more Lucas was around him, the more he wanted Caleb to kiss him again. But he needed to stick to his guns. He couldn’t hide who he was. Not for anyone.

  “Earth to Lucas. Come in, Lucas.”

  He jerked out of his thoughts and smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, I was…daydreaming.”

  Caleb cocked his head and narrowed his eyes, studying him. “Are you okay? Am I throwing you too much info at once?”

  “No. Seriously, I’m fine. You’re a great teacher,” he said in a rush, eager to get back to learning so he didn’t have to keep staring into Caleb’s sky blue eyes.

  Caleb didn’t look like he believed him, but he turned back to the television and started the game. “This is from last year’s World Series. It’s got some great plays.”

  * * * *

  They spent the next two hours watching plays, pausing and discussing the game, until they were midway through. Caleb paused it again. He rose from the sofa and stretched his arms toward the ceiling.

  Lucas tried not to stare at the skin that peeked out as Caleb’s shirt rode up. Tight, muscled skin that looked damned sexy. He glimpsed a line of hair that disappeared into Caleb’s waistband and he licked his lips. He nearly groaned when Caleb stopped stretching, but he couldn’t tear his eyes from the man’s body. His gaze traveled to Caleb’s fly and he swore he saw a bulge under that zipper. God, he wanted to slowly pull down that zipper, take Caleb into his mouth, and taste him.

  “See something, Lucas?” Caleb asked, his voice husky.

  Lucas lurched back and realized he’d been caught staring. His face heated and he couldn’t meet Caleb’s eyes. “Sorry. Wasn’t paying attention. Just…well, why did you stop the game?”

  Caleb’s eyes twinkled like he knew exactly to what Lucas had been paying attention, but thankfully he didn’t bring it up. “I was getting hungry. Want a turkey sandwich? Some potato salad?”

  “Sure. Sounds good. I’ll help,” he offered as he got off the couch and followed Caleb into the kitchen.

  “Great. Grab a couple of plates out of that cabinet.” Caleb pointed to the left of Lucas before he dug out the sandwich fixings. “Mayo, mustard, or both?”

  “Mayo. Thanks.” Lucas pulled out two yellow plates with little green leaves running around the edge. He set them on the counter and turned to find Caleb directly behind him, his hands full, gesturing for him to slide over. He stepped out of the way and Caleb plopped everything down.

  “Whole grain bread okay with you?”

  “Sounds great. Want me to get something to drink?”

  “I have pop in the fridge, or if you want, I can make some coffee or tea. Or ice water.”

  “Pop’s fine. I’ll grab it. You want one?”

  “Yeah. Why don’t you take them to the coffee table and we can eat out there while we watch the game. I’ll have the sandwiches done in a sec.”

  Lucas grabbed two pop cans from the fridge and some napkins he saw on the counter before making his way to the living room. He took a seat in his original spot and set the cans on the coffee table. He slid Caleb’s a little closer to him, hoping that might make the man sit more in the middle of the sofa than at the other end.

  Caleb appeared, carrying two plates piled high with turkey sandwiches, potato salad, and apple slices. He passed a plate to Lucas and winked. “Bon appetite,” he quipped as he took a seat.

  Lucas bit his bottom lip to stop the smile when Caleb sat in the middle of the sofa. Close enough to touch. He bit into his sandwich and Caleb turned on the game.

  They ate in silence as the next inning began. Before Lucas even realized it, his plate was empty. He must have been hungrier than he’d thought. He turned to offer to take Caleb’s plate into the kitchen and his breath hitched in his throat.

  Caleb was watching him and Lucas had no trouble deciphering what was on his mind. Desire. Lust. Caleb’s blue eyes had grown dark, and his jaw was set. Lucas slid his plate onto the coffee table, not breaking their gaze, before he instinctively leaned forward.

  Caleb leaned forward at the same time, sliding his hands into Lucas’ hair and pulling him closer until his mouth landed hard against his. Caleb took control of the kiss, instantly pressing for opening into Lucas’ mouth.

  Lucas whimpered and invited him in, then moaned as Caleb’s tongue twirled and tasted all that Lucas would give him.

  Lucas melted against Caleb, snaking his arms around Caleb’s waist and letting his hands roam the man’s muscled back. Caleb kissed a trail to Lucas’ jawline before continuing down his neck, and Lucas shivered.

  “You like that?” Caleb asked, his voice gravelly.

  “Mmm-hmm,” Lucas murmured, lost in the sensations as Caleb’s hands traveled down his backside, until they cupped his ass and pulled him closer. He gave in and climbed onto Caleb’s lap, straddling him so they could kiss again and press their bodies together.

  He felt Caleb’s hands on his ass again, and Lucas moaned, thrusting against him.

  “Fuck, you’re so hot, baby. I’ve wanted to….” Caleb let out a growl when Lucas lightly bit his neck.

  “Tell me, Caleb. What have you wanted to do to me?” Lucas whispered huskily. “Tell me what you want to do to me now.”

  “Oh, God. You like some dirty talk? You’re killing me.”

  Lucas felt the flush spread across his face. He bit Caleb’s neck again and licked over the pain as he thrust against him. “Tell me. Please?”

  “Ever since I saw you, I’ve wanted to touch you. Kiss you. I thought about you last night in bed. And when I woke up this morning.”

  Lucas pulled back. “You did?”

  Caleb nodded. “I couldn’t stop myself. I jacked off thinking about you.”

  Zings of desire traveled down Lucas’ spine, directly to his dick. “I wish I’d been here.”

  “Me, too, baby,” Caleb admitted, sliding his hands under the waistband of Lucas’ jeans and under his boxers until his hands touched skin.

  Lucas moaned. “Yes, touch me, Caleb.”

  “That’s all I can think about. I want to bend you over this sofa and fuck you until I’m buried inside you and you’re begging for me to pound you harder and harder.”

  “Fuck, yes,” Lucas cried. “That’s what I need. I need you inside me. Taking me.”

  Caleb kissed him again and they were soon gyrating against each other, moaning and close to losing complete control.

  Caleb pulled back and Lucas looked down at him through heavy-lidded eyes. “Damn, you’re beautiful,” Caleb whispered as he brought up a hand to stroke Lucas’ cheek. But suddenly, he closed his eyes and removed his hand.

  “What? What’s wrong?” Lucas asked.

  “Nothing. Not really.”

&nb
sp; Lucas blinked a couple of times before noticing Caleb’s inactivity. He climbed off Caleb’s lap and slid over. “What? Did I do something wrong?” He felt like an idiot. Never give in to a jock!

  “No,” Caleb said and grabbed Lucas’ hand. “I did. First, by lying to you this morning.”

  Lucas tugged away his hand. “What do you mean? When did you lie to me?”

  Caleb grabbed the remote and paused the game while he shifted on the sofa, facing Lucas. “I told you I was only looking for a fun time. That I wasn’t looking for a commitment.”

  Lucas’ heart pounded. “And that’s not true?”

  “No. It’s not. I mean, it used to be. I’ve always thought I would find time for love and relationships once I made it to the Show, but what if that never happens? And what if…what if I meet the right person before that happens?”

  Lucas swallowed hard. It was too early for Caleb to say that. It was too rash. “But you’re right about a couple of things. We did just meet. And—”

  “And you don’t date men who aren’t out,” Caleb finished for him.

  Lucas nodded and ran his fingers through his hair. “Wow. We kind of lost it for a little while there, huh?”

  Caleb smiled. “So, I guess we have a lot to figure out. I didn’t want to go any further without being honest. And then I don’t want to take advantage of you. I’m still sure I don’t want to out myself yet. I’m not…not ready. And to be honest, I’m not sure it’s only because of my dream to make it to the Majors.”

  Lucas’ hope for a chance with Caleb dissipated, but he wanted to be supportive. “Look. Coming out is a very personal thing, Caleb. I can’t make you do it, nor would I want to. Only you will know when it’s the right time. I can’t help you with that decision.”

  Caleb nodded. “I guess this means we need to cool things down.”

  Lucas tilted his head and studied the man next to him. He was definitely drawn to him, and not just physically, either. He liked that Caleb was being honest. “What if I said we could just take things very slow?”

  Caleb grinned. “I’d like that.”

  Lucas twined his fingers through Caleb’s. “Okay. Back to work. There’s a game tonight and I need more tutoring. Teach.”

  Caleb laughed and unpaused the game, then they settled in, still holding hands.

  * * * *

  Several more hours passed until it was time for Lucas to head out.

  “Wait!” Caleb ran to his room, returning with a baseball and a glove. “Take these and get used to the feel. It’s just an old practice set I have. You need to understand what it’s like to hold a baseball.”

  Caleb spent a few minutes showing Lucas how to wear, use, and hold the glove. Lucas had to admit, Caleb was right. It did make it more real when he had the items in his hand.

  “This has been fun,” he conceded as he packed up his laptop.

  “I know. You’re a fast learner, Landry.” Caleb clapped him on the shoulder.

  A shiver ran through Lucas and he tried not to remember their hot make-out session. Or the fact that while they’d watched the rest of the game, they’d sat side by side, thighs occasionally brushing against each other, still holding hands. It took all his willpower to keep from running his fingers through Caleb’s hair.

  Caleb’s phone rang and he pulled it out of his pocket. “Dodson.”

  Lucas watched as Caleb paced the room. God, the man was solid. His thigh muscles flexed under his jeans and carried him effortlessly across the room.

  He turned away when his cock started twitching. The longer he was around Caleb, the more Lucas wanted him. There was something about Caleb that drew Lucas to him. An invisible pull that he couldn’t fight—didn’t want to fight, if he was honest with himself. Shit, he needed to get the hell out of Caleb’s apartment. He couldn’t think clearly.

  “Thanks, see you later at the stadium.” Caleb ended his call and turned to Lucas. “That was Coach Newberry. Johnston just sprained his ankle. He’s out for now.”

  “I’m sorry. What happened?”

  “Idiot was skateboarding with his son. Fell off the damn thing.”

  “Ouch. What part did he play?”

  “Position,” Caleb corrected. “It’s not a part, it’s a position.” He gave a small smile. “He’s an outfielder. Plays center. Nice guy.”

  Lucas swallowed hard. The way Caleb looked at him heated his skin.

  “Anyway, Newberry said that Johnston offered to sit with you tonight and help you report the game, so we may not need any more tutoring sessions.”

  Lucas’ heart fell to his stomach and his gaze flew to Caleb’s eyes. Did he see disappointment there, too? He looked away and headed to the door. “Oh…well, thank you for the lesson.”

  Caleb met him at the door and pulled it open for him. “See you tonight?”

  Lucas nodded and stepped out into the sunshine. He had a lot to remember for tonight. He didn’t have time to sort out all his feelings for Caleb. Right now, he just wanted to do a good job and get reassigned to the news.

  * * * *

  The second game in the series against the Lions went much better, but Caleb felt disconnected all evening. He had hoped to see Lucas before the game started, but no such luck. Now every time he heard the man’s voice over the speakers, his damn heart did little flips and his skin buzzed with anticipation.

  At least they won the game. Barely. When they were shaking hands afterward, Juan looked at him quizzically.

  Caleb just shook his head and mouthed, “Can’t.” He didn’t explain that if he hadn’t met Lucas, he would have been all in.

  Juan gave him a half-smile and shrugged, clearly disappointed.

  As Caleb headed back to the locker room, Jamie caught up with him, removing the head of his costume as soon as they disappeared from view. He wasn’t allowed to take it off in front of the fans. His brown hair was matted to his head and sweat dripped off him. He grinned. “Sorry for the stink. It’s hot as hell in this thing.”

  Caleb laughed. “Well, you do make it look fun. The crowd loved it when you kicked the stuffed carrots into the stands.”

  “Yeah, that was my idea, too. They ordered a bunch of felt carrots and I pretend to munch them and then toss them to the kids,” he explained, his lips curving into a smile. “Did you see that little guy who ran after one of the carrots? He wanted one so badly, I climbed into the stands and gave him one.”

  “You’re a good kid, Jamie,” Caleb said as he slapped him on the back.

  “Kid? I’m nineteen,” he shot back defensively. “You’re only…what, twenty-four? Twenty-five?”

  “Twenty-four.”

  “See, not that much older.”

  “Old enough. And wiser, too. I’ve already been to college, worked several jobs, and traveled the world.”

  Jamie cocked an eyebrow at him.

  “Okay, not the world, but I’ve been to South America,” Caleb conceded.

  “Well, I’m a college freshman, you know. I’m not a child. And I’ve been to Europe,” he said, a little indignantly.

  Caleb stopped walking and noticed the blush on Jamie’s cheeks. Fuck. It dawned on him that Jamie had a crush on him. “Still, Jamie, I am older,” he said gently.

  Jamie looked away and nodded, clearly understanding what Caleb meant.

  They entered the locker room and headed their separate ways.

  “Guys,” Coach Ibarra called, “a quick meeting.”

  They all filed to the end of the room and took a seat. Caleb scanned the area, hoping he’d see Lucas, but once again, he was out of luck.

  “Good game! Not great, but much better than yesterday,” Newberry told the guys. “Glad to see your attitudes were better today.” He waved over Coach Ibarra and slung his arm around his shoulders. “Coach has a favor to ask. I’ll let him fill you in.”

  “Thanks, Sean,” Ibarra said and faced the group. “Look, you all know I volunteer at the Rain Valley High School. I was talking with the baseball coach and w
e thought it might be good for them to come out in two weeks on Saturday and spend the day working on their techniques. I know that a Saturday is a rare day off for us and those of you who don’t want to participate don’t need to. This is completely voluntary. They’re still in school, so it really needs to be on the weekend and that particular Saturday is one of the only days we have off for a month.”

  “Count me in,” someone shouted from the back.

  “Me, too,” Caleb called.

  Ibarra held up his hand. “Thanks, guys. I’ve got a sign-up sheet.” He held up a clipboard. “Sign it if you want. Again, this is a volunteer opportunity. Not mandatory.”

  Caleb was happy to help. He would have loved to work with a professional team while he was in high school.

  After the meeting, he showered, then made his way to the parking lot. He was glad they’d won, but couldn’t shake the disappointment of not seeing Lucas. Caleb pulled out his phone, then shoved it back into his pocket.

  He was irritated with himself. He was acting like a lovesick teenager. They had decided to take things slow. Whatever the hell that meant.

  “Caleb?”

  He saw Lucas striding toward him. He couldn’t stop the grin spreading across his face. “Hey, Lucas.”

  “Thought that was you. Great game tonight.”

  “Thanks. I wouldn’t call it ‘great,’ but we definitely played better. You, however, did do a great job tonight.”

  Lucas smiled. “Thanks. Watching the game with you and understanding the process really helped. Of course, having a baseball player sitting in with me didn’t hurt,” he added, chuckling.

  “Where are you parked?”

  Lucas pointed to a car a few rows beyond Caleb’s, so he couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

  “I’m over there, too,” he said and headed in that direction.

  His arm brushed against Lucas’, and Caleb trembled as electricity jolted him.

  They walked in silence until they reached Lucas’ car. Caleb waited for him to unlock the door, then pulled it open for him.

  Lucas smiled and stood between the door and the front seat. “Thanks,” he whispered.

  Caleb moved closer and put his arm on top of the door. “Lucas.”