Page 2 of Scoring in Cedarwood

“You heard your brother. He dumped me because I couldn’t give him enough and you dumped me for being gone too much.”

“He’s a needy bastard,” Devlin said. “As for what I said, Dane, I was hurting, but I was also lashing out so you’d hurt, too. We had fun, but we needed to be real. I like a guy who’s around. You’re dedicated to your job—which is not wrong. It happens. Don’t beat yourself up because I wasn’t strong enough to understand who you are and because my brother is selfish.”

“I’m trying, but it’s not easy.” He’d never expected to hear Devlin apologize…ever.

“I hate to admit this, but my brother is a chump. He expected you to take care of him. You were supposed to be home and at his command.” Devlin sagged in his seat. “I told him you were dedicated to your profession, but he refused to listen. He knew the score.”

“I know.” He’d told Phillip many times that his work with his patients came first. Maybe he’d always known Phillip wasn’t his future, but he’d never seen the point of putting Phillip before his job.

“Life doesn’t work the way my brother wants—people aren’t pawns for him to use.”

“I know.” He shook his head again. “I couldn’t afford his tastes, either.” He’d gone into debt trying to make Phillip happy. He never wanted to work that hard for so little ever again.

“Which is why I encouraged him to move on,” Devlin said.

“You did?”

“Dane. I knew you were going through hell.”

“I’m stunned.” Now he’d seen a side of Devlin he hadn’t thought existed.

“Honey, I knew he’d never give up and he’d drive you to bankruptcy. He needed to grow up and go somewhere,” Devlin said. “He’s moved on with Brian, but he refuses to mature.”

He nodded. “I remember the night Phillip left. He shouted, raved and accused me of being cold. Imagine if he’d known I dated you first. He swore I’d never find someone better than him and I’d end up alone. Maybe he was right. I’m better off on my own.” But that didn’t dull the ache in his heart.

“He was drunk that night.” Devlin leaned forward. “I couldn’t let him do that to you. I should’ve said something before that night, but he’s my brother and I thought he’d change.”

The wind rushed out of Dane and he eased onto the closest chair. His head hurt. He’d tried so hard to be good for Phillip. He’d thought he was a horrible person because of Phillip. He’d thought he wasn’t good enough to be with anyone.

“You deserve better than my brother.”

“I did,” Dane said. “He’s in the past.”

“You do and past, present…it doesn’t matter.” Devlin toyed with his tablet. “See this player? This is Tanner Fox. When he’s off the ballfield, he’s quiet, shy and does his job. He’s the quintessential Gary Cooper type. When he’s in front of an audience, he becomes a different person. He falls right into the Foxy Fox persona. He’s one hell of a ballplayer, but he’s got to find balance. He needs to be part of a family and in a situation with someone who won’t cater to his ego but will make him mellow out. All he really needs to do is come in, have some food, go to practice, be at the ballpark and play baseball. He won’t make a mess and won’t throw parties. When he’s not in public, he keeps to himself.”

“I see.” Dane hesitated to answer. He felt imaginary hands pushing him. “Why do I feel like I’m being asked to adopt him?”

“You’re not.” Devlin laughed. He pointed to the photo of Tanner. “He needs a sponsor family and you’re perfect.”

“I’m not.”

“Yes, you are.” Devlin left his chair. He held the tablet in front of Dane. “See? He’s cute, young and not going to cause trouble.”

Dane perused the photograph on the tablet. In his headshot, Tanner did look cute, but so young. “He looks twelve.”

“He’s twenty-five. Promise.”

“He doesn’t look it. Does he shave? He can’t have more than three chin hairs.” Yet, he was drawn to Tanner. He wanted to see the rest of the player, but he wasn’t sure if sponsorship was in his plans.

“He’s twenty-five and yes, he shaves.” Devlin switched photos. “See? He loves to play to the crowd. The shrieks from the ladies ratchet up his ego and the way he works the male portion of the audience… He’s dangerous. He can hit well when he’s focused. If he’s got a stable place to live and feels secure, he’ll settle down.”

“Is he gay?” Dane blurted. Fuck. Tanner’s sexuality wasn’t his business.

“I don’t know.” Devlin sat on the edge of his desk. “Give him a chance. You might find you’re compatible.”

“Are you trying to fix me up? Or get me to sponsor him?” Dane narrowed his eyes. “You’re being rather persuasive.”

“You can’t date him.”

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