“I didn’t think you’d get here in time,” Devlin said. “But don’t worry about that promise. He’ll live.”
Right.Dane fought the urge to roll his eyes.
“Lots of tough cases?” Raji said, repeating Devlin. “Flu?”
“Whatever this strain is going around Cedarwood, it’s nasty and everyone seems to be catching it.” Dane sat on one of the empty chairs. The players were off the field. Kids ran the bases and the mascot danced with a few of the adults. Dane downed some of the water then swallowed. “We could’ve used a few extra hands to see all the patients today.”
“I wouldn’t change this job for anyone or anything,” Raji said. He stroked Devlin’s thigh. “I’m happy right where I am and, snotty comment aside, I’m the team doctor, but everyone is fine. If something had happened, I’d be in the dugout in seconds.” He pointed to the doorway on the side of the loge. “I’ve got direct access through there.”
“I see.” Dane nodded. He doubted Raji would stick around if he and Devlin split. Dane hoped they stayed together. Raji was a decent guy and more what Devlin wanted in a partner.
“Did you see the graffiti?” Devlin asked. “The crew went right to work cleaning it up after the police did their thing.”
Did their thing?“They opened the crime scene to you?” Dane asked. “Truth be told, I didn’t look.”
“Lindsay asked a thousand questions, but he’ll get the story in the paper, so the team will get promotion. Any notice in the media is better than none.” Devlin clapped Raji on the shoulder then stood. “The game wasn’t without hiccups. An anti-gay chant was started and Tanner was pelted with hot dog wrappers and beer cups during the seventh-inning stretch.”
“Are you shitting me?” Dane blurted. He tensed. “That’s terrible.” He’d checked the app, but there hadn’t been a mention of anyone throwing things or anti-gay chants. “What did you do about it?”
“The individuals throwing things were removed from the stadium by the guards. I tried to convince Tanner to take the rest of game one off, but he refused and hit a home run—just not the winning run. He wanted to show the haters he wasn’t going to be bullied. I respect his decision, but I can’t have that kind of interruption at the game.”
“He’s an interruption?” Dane narrowed his eyes. “You said you wanted him because he garnered attention.” He liked Tanner’s pluck, but damn. Sometimes backing down wasn’t a bad thing. “I wish the coalition would stop. Tanner and the rest of the team don’t deserve to be treated that way. He and the others aren’t throwing their sexuality in anyone’s face. He and the rest of the team are living their lives. So what Tanner’s gay? Big fucking deal. I’m gay. I’m not out to convert people. I just want to be a doctor and keep people healthy. He wants them to enjoy the game of baseball.”
“Trust me, I hear you,” Devlin said. “The outbursts are bad for business. People want to come to the game to have fun and to be with family. Slurs and thrown objects aren’t helping our cause or making the coalition’s, either.”
“No.” The more Devlin talked, the more Dane wanted to see Tanner and make sure he was okay. He needed to feel Tanner in his arms. The only way he’d be happy was to have Tanner with him. He left his chair and stuffed his hands into his pockets. He couldn’t hold still.Damn it.The coalition could back the fuck off.
“For a guy who said he wanted to keep everyone at arm’s length, you sure look worried about Tanner.” Raji grinned. He remained seated but stared at Dane. “You’re not masking your feelings well at all.”
I’m not.
“Do you want to see him?” Devlin asked. “Don’t throw away a good thing. The spark is there. Don’t chuck it because you’re afraid.”
“Devlin.” He couldn’t believe what he’d heard. “You said there are rules. Swore it to me. You can’t change your mind. Either hands off or the rules don’t apply.”
“You’d give up an obvious connection because of a rule?” Raji asked. “Dane. Consider what you’re doing.”
“Jesus.” Dane raked his fingers through his hair. He needed time to think of how to shut this down with Raji and Devlin. They were pushing way too hard. “Just—how do I get to the locker room? This door?”
“Yeah,” Devlin said. He left his seat and blocked the exit. “Dane, I thought you’d keep Tanner in line. I expected you to push him away like you do with everyone else who tries to get too close. You want a lover to care, but not when things go to shit. I figured you’d treat Tanner the same way—with a bubble around you. He’s nothing like your usual type. He’s young, rugged, tough and not needy. The moment I saw you peruse his photo, though, I knew you’d hit it off. I tried to warn you concerning the rules because I thought you’d still push him away even if you noticed the connection. I was wrong. I see the way your eyes sparkle when you talk about him and how the spring has returned to your step. The concern for Tanner is touching.”
His irritation rose. Devlin knew him way too well and had pegged him. He hated his friend for being so right. “I don’t like to break rules.” Dane wasn’t lying, but who was he kidding?
“And walking away from Tanner is something you don’t want to do.” Raji stood. “I get it. I felt the same way about Devlin. I wasn’t going to give him a chance because he’s the owner and I’m the team doctor. I have things to do besides be with him. When I’m on, I’m all-in with the players. But I’m not the personal trainer. I don’t have to be down there all the time and I can have a life. Once I decided I wanted to go for Devlin and followed my heart, life turned around. I saw the world in a new light.”
“You’re going overboard with the clichés.” Dane sighed. Whatever. “Look, everyone knows I’m gay. I don’t mince words. I’m out and proud. I don’t owe the coalition a damn thing. I’m sure they hate me. Tanner is another subject. They do hate him. They want him to leave town and they won’t stop until he does. He wants to play ball and that’s what I want him to do.”
“No one’s questioning his sexuality.” Devlin shrugged. “The crowd concerned him, but you’re right. I didn’t acquire him because of his popularity alone.”
“He thinks you did,” Dane shot back. “I know he’s gay. The coalition knows. You know. He deserves better than to be treated like a freak or a problem.”
“I saw his potential and that a fresh start would do him some good. It’s already helped,” Devlin said. “I have the feeling you’ve seen it all along.”
“Maybe.” Yeah, he’d noticed Tanner’s potential. Who wouldn’t? The man had magnetism.
“Go downstairs and see him. Keep things on the down-low as long as you feel necessary. You might realize you’re keeping silent for nothing. Besides, I can’t stop what nature and fate want. Don’t you try to quit on it, too.” Devlin winked. “Enjoy.”
Dane didn’t say anything because the words weren’t there. He left the room and headed down the staircase. His brain hurt. He’d pushed and warred with himself about being with Tanner, only to have Devlin’s blessing. Would’ve been nice to have that okay to start with. He might not have been attracted to Tanner. Then again, Tanner was crazy handsome and hard to miss.