Page 16 of Scoring in Cedarwood

“Same goes for me,” Raji said.

“Don’t let the coalition break you.” Devlin grasped Raji’s hand. “We’re trying not to capitulate to them. It’s tough.”

“I can see why.” Tanner held tight to his bag. “Thanks for the information. I’ll speak to Coach about what I’ve learned, but I’m guessing he already knows.”

“He does, but he’ll appreciate your candor,” Devlin said.

“Good luck,” Raji said.

“Talk to Coach. We’re all sick of the coalition. Coach just wants the Wildcats to play ball. If you can jumpstart the change and prove you’re a ballplayer no matter who you sleep with, then do it. We need to shake things up.”

“Agreed.” He slung his bag over his shoulder. “Thanks and see you.” He needed to be somewhere else and knew just where he wanted to start the shaking.

* * * *

Dane sat in his car and listened to the silence in the garage. His brain buzzed. Every time he’d thought he could settle down and his schedule would even out, something else hit, causing turmoil. The strain of flu making the rounds in Cedarwood hadn’t died down at all. His appointment schedule had been filled and double-booked at times. He loved his job, but if he didn’t have to listen to another hacking cough for at least twelve hours, he’d be happy.

He noticed the empty spot in the garage. Tanner wasn’t back yet.Huh.He probably had a later practice. That had to be the case. What else would a handsome man, a single one at that, be doing on a Friday night? Not sitting alone in a damn garage.

He sagged in his seat. No matter what he did, he would never shed his dorky image. He had no life outside work. He’d convinced himself all he needed was his work… Who was he kidding? He wanted to be loved and held—not to be alone.

Dane left the car and headed into the main part of the house. His stomach growled. He wished he had some of the pasta left over. He could order a pizza, though. Where was the menu for Maddel’s Pizza?

He flattened his palms on the counter.Damn.He’d reverted to dorkiness again. He’d be alone with his pizza on a Friday night. Sure, he had to work in the morning and be on call through the weekend, but he deserved a few hours out…tonight?

He picked up his keys, then glanced down at his attire. A dress shirt, slacks and open necktie weren’t proper club threads. He should change. He yanked his tie from underneath his collar and unbuttoned his cuffs, then the rest of his shirt. He kicked out of his shoes, then padded upstairs to his bedroom. Deciding to treat himself to a few hours at the club both freed and scared him. He hadn’t gone out for a night on the town in almost three years. Even Phillip hadn’t wanted to club with him.

He removed his shirt and threw it as well as his tie onto the bed. He tossed his undershirt onto the pile. Chilly air kissed his nude torso and he shivered.Well, fuck.What should he wear to go out? He scratched his belly and surveyed the garments in the closet. Nothing screamed club clothes, but what did he know? He was so out of practice.

“Dr. Dane?”

Dane froze. Tanner? Dane darted toward the hallway but stopped in the doorway when he collided with a solid wall of man. He grunted.

“Sorry.” Tanner grasped Dane’s biceps. “I wasn’t sure if you were home. I saw the car, but it’s so quiet.” He didn’t let go. “I figured you might be on a date.”

Dane settled into Tanner’s hold. Being in Tanner’s arms, even at a distance, pleased him. He couldn’t think straight. “Uh, yeah…” Wait, he didn’t have a date. “I mean, no.”

Tanner grinned. “You look frustrated—by your lack of a date? Or because you have one?”

God damn it.How could he say he was just horny without sounding like a jackass? Blood rushed to his dick and fever filled his body. He stared at Tanner’s mouth. If he leaned forward, he’d be able to kiss him.

“Dane?”

“Yes?” He met Tanner’s gaze. “Sorry.”

“Do you run around half-naked often?” Tanner asked. “Do you have a date?”

“Yes. No.”Fuck.“I was changing.”

“For that date you may or may not have?”

“No.” Shame washed over him. He wanted to feast on Tanner’s mouth. The scent of Tanner’s cologne soothed him. Yet, he couldn’t act on his urges.

Tanner tipped his head. He still hadn’t let go. His grin widened and his eyes sparkled. “So you don’t have a date?”

“I don’t.” Confession might be good for the soul, but it was hard as hell on the ego.

“But you’re changing?” Tanner caressed Dane’s biceps with the pad of his thumb.

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