Page 31 of Scoring in Cedarwood

“Sexy,” Dane murmured. “Hi.”

“Hi.” Tanner didn’t move.

Dane steadied himself. He wasn’t sure what Tanner had heard. “How long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough.”

Cryptic. Wonderful.“You caught every word, didn’t you?”

“I did.”

He had nothing to be ashamed of, but he wasn’t sure how Tanner felt about the situation.

“You’re here,” Tanner said.

“I am.” Why did this exchange have to be so tense? He wanted to gather Tanner in his arms and kiss him senseless.

“You’re late.” Tanner rocked on his heels. “I thought you’d arrive earlier.”

“I tried, but I had to get through my patient load.” The excuse was the truth, but it sounded hollow in his ears. “I’m sorry.” He lowered his voice. “I’ll make it up to you.”

Tanner’s eyebrows rose.

An uneasiness washed over Dane. “Don’t you want me to?” Dane whispered. “Or not here?” He expected Zeppelin to appear out of nowhere at any second. “I know we haven’t set boundaries or gone public.”

Tanner crossed the space between them and cupped Dane’s jaw. Without saying a word, he kissed Dane.

Dane couldn’t help the overwhelming rush of excitement. He moved on instinct and held on to Tanner’s hips. Anyone in the locker room could see him with Tanner and for the first time since he’d made a move, he didn’t care if he was spotted. Tanner appeared to be unbothered as well. So much for boundaries and rules. They were meant to be broken and he was ready to shatter everything.

Tanner didn’t give a shit who saw him kiss Dane.Fuck everyone else.After the bullshit at the game and the garbage from Zeppelin, he needed the stability of Dane. He tangled his tongue with Dane’s and caressed Dane’s cheeks with the pads of his thumbs. Dane was just who he needed.

Dane broke the kiss first. “Whoa.”

“You’ve kissed me before.” Tanner bumped noses with Dane and kept him close. “Kind of nice to know I still blow your mind.”

“It’s new.”

“Feels like it’s been forever,” Tanner said. The weeks since he’d come to Cedarwood had both flown and gone so slow. “Or I’m finally home.” That’s what he’d guess was the answer.

“You’re at the stadium,” Dane murmured.

Tanner bit back his amusement. He liked having Dane so mixed up. “With you.”

Dane’s breath caught. He said nothing and stayed tight to Tanner.

Did Dane understand? Today hadn’t been Tanner’s idea of fun. He’d hated being pelted with wrappers and wasn’t thrilled about the nasty things shouted at him, but he’d seen children in the stands. The boy who’d caught his homerun ball had sought him out after the game for an autograph. The excitement in the child’s eyes gave him hope and reminded him why he loved the game of baseball. Being with Dane, in a solid home with him, completed his life. He had everything he wanted—save for love, but that would come eventually. He had faith. They were still feeling each other out, but the start of what they shared was strong.

“Get a room,” Andy Keene shouted. He laughed. “Hey, Doc. Tanner, is this the guy?”

Tanner tensed but didn’t let go. He slid his hands to Dane’s chest. He wanted to introduce Dane to the team as his boyfriend, but not in this exact moment. “Hi.” He wanted to shout,yes, this is the guy, but he wanted to be sure Dane was okay with going public first.

Dane sighed. “Hi, Andy.”

“Did you see the game?” Andy asked. “Were you in the stands?”

“I missed it. Had to work,” Dane said. “I wish I could’ve been here.”

“Next time.” Andy grinned again and shook his head. He lingered a moment. “See you at the next game. Oh, and Tanner? Bring him along.” He waved before leaving Tanner and Dane alone again.

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