Andy snagged the baseball. “I don’t know who shouted, but ignore them. If they know you’re upset, they’ll continue and you’re better than that.”

Did his irritation show? He caught the ball tossed in his direction. “Right.”

“Get off the field, homo.”

“No fags in baseball.”

“Keep the sport pure.”

Tanner still wasn’t sure who kept heckling him, but now they had company.Damn it.

“Get out.”

“Wildcats aren’t pussies.”

Tanner straightened his spine and focused on his warm-ups. The trainer joined him for stretches. He’d rather scream or fight with the persons shouting at him, but instead, he allowed the trainer to twist him into position to loosen his muscles.

A sign caught Tanner’s eye.

No Gays in Cedarwood.

Jesus. If he’d fucked a guy on home plate or made everyone watch him kiss another man,thenhe could’ve understood the anger. But no. Him existing was enough to whip up the crowd.

A man stood by the railing. For a split-second, Tanner thought the man had a baseball he wanted signed. The man’s face flushed. “Foxy?”

Tanner kept his distance. There were too many spectators and something didn’t feel right. He wasn’t sure where Dane was, but he hoped his boyfriend was a witness. This could be just another autograph request, but he wasn’t sure. “Yes?”

The man sneered. “Drop dead, fag.” He tossed something in Tanner’s direction.

Tanner sprinted out of the way and collided with Andy. Both men left the area. Tanner refused to look back. Whatever had been thrown was there for a reason and not because the guy wanted an autograph.

“We don’t want you here,” the man shouted. “Go home.”

A security guard and a cop bolted across the field in Tanner’s direction. Tanner hurried with Andy to the dugout. Guilt washed over him. This shit wouldn’t be happening if he were straight. Hell, if he weren’t gay, he could’ve gotten away with a lot of things. But he wasn’t and now he’d put the rest of the team in danger. He’d put the spectators in danger, too.

“We get weirdos all the time,” Andy said. “Everyone is okay and the security team has this under control.”

The words didn’t make Tanner feel much better. He shook his head. “I can’t believe this is happening. Jesus, this could’ve been worse.”

“It could’ve been, but it’s not,” Andy replied. He grasped Tanner by the shoulders. “You’re smart to have run away and smart to be yourself. You can’t change people, but you also can’t be something you’re not.”

Paul joined them and nodded. “The security team removed that spectator and are taking up position in the crowd.”

He’d had enough and wasn’t sure what else to do.

“But it wouldn’t be so bad if you’d just retire,” Zeppelin said. “Get the hell out of Cedarwood and be a gross old gay man somewhere else.” He notched his chin. “Face it. Foxy drew chicks in, but now that they know you’re gay, they don’t want you. You aren’t playing for shit, so we don’t want you either.”

“I have skills,” Tanner snapped.

Zeppelin rolled his eyes. “With Dr. Bloom? Please. He likes you because you live with him. Move out and see how long the relationship lasts. He’ll lose interest before you’re down the driveway.”

“Shut up. This isn’t the major leagues. It’s a small-town baseball club. We might get to the big time one of these days, but most of us won’t. So what if I’m gay? So what if I’m in a relationship with someone? Why do those things make you feel so superior?” Tanner fought the urge to lunge at Zeppelin. “Never mind. I’m done with you.”

“Are you done with the team, too?” Zeppelin grinned. “Can’t take the heat, can you? When it’s really tough, you want to run.”

“I’ve been taking the bullshit you’re dishing out and doing so without complaining.” Tanner gritted his teeth. He remembered what he’d been told—not to let Zeppelin or anyone else see him crumble. But damn it, the desire grew tougher by the minute. “I care about Dr. Bloom.”

“Enough to pick him over baseball?” Zeppelin asked. “You can stay with your sugar daddy and play house or you can play baseball. Which is it?”