Page 22 of Scoring in Cedarwood

“Tanner.” Dane held him closer. “You’re always going to have people disagree with you, but you’re a role model. There’s a reason you’re on the Cedarwood Wildcats and it’s not because you’ve got a nice ass. It’s because you can play. Because you’re an individual. You’re bigger than a group of jerks trying to take your happiness. Fuck ’em.”

“Dane.” He kissed Dane’s throat. He’d never had anyone quite like the doctor in his corner. He didn’t feel confident, but he’d claimed he wanted to shake things up. He’d done that and more by sleeping with Dane. Still, his poise had taken a hit.

“I’d bet your teammates would have your back if you’d let them in. They know you’re gay and the more players who are out and not worried about who cares that they are, the better for everyone. That kid, afraid to come out but loving baseball, will see you and them. That kid will see a person who isn’t afraid to be himself and love himself. You may never meet that kid, but you’ve made a difference. You’re opening a door for others who want to come to Cedarwood and play ball. I support you. There is so much more to you than your team persona. You’re smart, funny and great at your sport. When your playing days are over, you’ve got a future in sportscasting. I bet you’ll be great.”

“You think so?”

“I know so.” Dane sighed and rubbed Tanner’s back. “I’m behind you all the way. Be yourself and be proud. There’s nothing wrong with you being you. There’s nothing wrong with who you are. The haters are wrong.”

“Thanks, Dane.” Tanner clung to Dane. “I needed everything you’ve given me and more.”

“I know,” Dane murmured. “We’ve all been there—the confusion, fear…but you’ve got a support system. You do.”

Tanner closed his eyes. He’d grown closer to Dane than anyone in his life. Less than a week was enough time to realize he cared for the doctor more than as his sponsor. He needed Dane always. He wanted him as a friend and lover.

“Stay tonight. When I get up in the morning, I’ll reset the alarm so you won’t be late for your game,” Dane said. “Keep the rest of the world away for a few more hours.”

“I’m yours all night.” His stomach growled, but food was the last thing on his mind. He embraced the happiness he’d found. He wasn’t going anywhere. For a little while, the pressures of baseball, the coalition and being himself weren’t so hard. His only problem? He wanted to stay awake and allow Dane to fuck him all over again. Too bad he couldn’t keep his eyes open. At least he had the rest of the season with his doctor.

* * * *

Dane woke with his alarm the next morning and stretched. He hadn’t slept so well in forever. Because he wasn’t alone? Yes, but mostly because Tanner had stayed. They’d forged a bond deeper than he’d thought possible. He liked Tanner. The night before he’d thought they’d never take the relationship to the next level. Now he knew better. He also understood Tanner. The man embodied strength and resiliency, especially on the field, but he needed reassurance, too. Tanner wanted to belong and have a safe place to rest. Dane could give him those things—maybe not the confidence, but he’d never judge him.

Tanner reminded him of Ashton. Both men cared deeply and craved attention. Tanner wanted to be strong and rise above. He had the power within him to be a great player and leader in the community. With the right push, he could achieve anything. Ashton hadn’t been so determined. Ashton had wanted a relationship with Dane that involved sneaking around and lying. Life had to be easy for him—if he ran into roadblocks, he couldn’t deal. The struggle of being gay in a community notorious for being anti-gay had been too much for him.

What about Tanner? With the right reinforcement, Tanner could take on anything and come out stronger on the other side.

Dane left the bed and hurried into the bathroom. He showered and shaved before dressing. Once ready to walk out of the door, he reset the alarm for Tanner. He admired Tanner’s nude body in his bed. He’d been lucky when he’d agreed to sponsor a baseball player.

Tanner inhaled and rolled over. When he exhaled, he opened his eyes. “Dane.”

“Right here.” Dane sat on the edge of the bed. “Sleep. It’s early and you need your rest. I’ve got to get to work.”

“I’ll let the front office know you may come to the games. They’ll have a ticket waiting for you.” Tanner grasped Dane’s hand. “I hope it’s a super slow day and you’re able to see my debut.”

“Why see the first game when I get to see every inch of you when you come home?” He kissed Tanner. “I can’t guarantee anything, but I’ll do my best.”

“That’s all I can ask for.” Tanner closed his eyes and snuggled in the sheets.

Dane left his lover alone in the bedroom and headed down to the main floor. He snagged his phone from the charger and checked his messages. Devlin had called, but no notifications from the office.Good.He’d call his friend later on the way to work. He gathered his phone, keys, wallet, tablet and tucked all but the keys into his messenger bag. Before he strolled out of the kitchen, he rifled through the stack of mail on the counter. He’d have to thank Tanner for bringing the pile in.

A flier fell out of the stack. He snorted. A pink tri-fold advertisement. He tended to ignore these kinds of bulk mailings, but the desire to open the page overwhelmed him. When he read the words, he gasped.

Stop Gays in Cedarwood. Protect Our Children.

He massaged his forehead then glanced over at the corridor leading to the second story of his home. At least it was a bulk mailer with no addressee names on it. Tanner had his first game today and Dane didn’t want him to see this kind of trash. Neither he nor Tanner had time for hate.

Dane picked through the rest of the mail, separating the bills and magazines from the ads. He’d found someone good and now had that man in his life. Yes, Tanner had moments of fragility, but there was more to him than that. Dane carried the bills to his office, then locked up before heading to the kitchen to retrieve his bag. He made his way to the garage. Within ten minutes, he’d backed out of the garage, closed the door and started down the street to work.

Instead of calling Devlin, Dane drove straight to the office. He pulled into his usual spot. When he walked up to the staff door, he checked the mailbox. The same pink flier had been mixed into the other envelopes.

“They just don’t quit,” he muttered. He went into the building. Sandra, the head receptionist, waved. She’d already assumed her position at her desk.

“You’ve got a full schedule,” she said. “Oh, and you need to phone Devlin Chase. It’s not urgent, but he’d like to speak to you.”

“It’s six-fifteen in the morning.” He placed the stack of mail on her desk. “Did he call you or was it a message with the answering service?”

“I just got off the phone with him.” She laughed. “Something is bothering him. I haven’t heard him this irritated in a while.” She handed him a tablet and pointed to the schedule. “You’re booked solid through noon. I’ve got ten calls from the answering service line asking for time during our walk-in hours. If we get out of here before six, I’ll be shocked.”

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