Page 4 of Scoring in Cedarwood

“Excuse me? I don’t expect you’ll be boinking my friend,” Devlin said.

“Boinking?” How old was Mr. Chase? “I’m gay, but I’m not exactly broadcasting it. The guy might not know or care.”

“I have the feeling you’ll be fucking sooner than later.”

Tanner gritted his teeth. He wasn’t making a good impression on Devlin Chase. Normally, he’d be quiet and cooperative. It was only when he took the field that he let his ego control him. Now, he couldn’t seem to keep his mouth shut.

“I put you with Dr. Bloom because he has the space, the money, a crazy schedule and no interest in you whatsoever,” Devlin said. “Do you understand?”

“He’s straight.” Good.

“No.”

Damn it.“Oh?” He shouldn’t be intrigued by Dr. Bloom being gay, but his heart beat a little faster and his interest rose—even if the guy was older and a silver fox.Why?Because Tanner had been without a lover or boyfriend for too long. He needed to feel someone in his arms and someone holding him. Besides, he wanted to come out and be himself all the way—not just live up to his image on the field.

“Tanner?”

“Yes?” Time to focus. He spotted the city limits sign. “I’m at the edge of town. I should be nearing the offices, correct?”

“Yes. Turn left on Park Street and follow it past the aluminum plant. We’re behind the factory. The lights are on around the stadium, so you shouldn’t be able to miss it,” Devlin said. “See you very soon.”

“Yes.” He hung up and swung onto Park Street. The aluminum factory lumbered against the twilight sky. Was the factory abandoned? He’d have to ask Devlin. Behind the building, a giganticWildcatssign caught his attention. He couldn’t miss the neon lights. Despite the huge advertisement along the front of the stadium, the complex wasn’t large. He wasn’t sure why he’d expected bigger. None of the complexes were enormous, but this had to be the smallest stadium he’d seen. Then again, the town wasn’t large, either. They probably had a total of five traffic lights in the village.

Christ.He deserved to be in a bigger market. He could play the game of baseball. His on-field persona, Foxy, drew in the crowds.

Tanner turned onto the next road and continued around the complex to the parking lot. The town of Cedarwood might be underwhelming, but they had an interesting ballfield. Trees ringed the property and many of the walls were covered in artistic vines. There were even copious amounts of green space in the parking lot.

“Not bad,” he muttered. He wouldn’t buy in until he stood in front of a Cedarwood crowd, though. He parked in the staff lot. Where were the guards? Security?

A man strode up to the car. Tanner knew him right away. He rolled the window down. “Devlin Chase. It’s good to see you again.”

“You made it. I knew you would,” Devlin said. He stood next to the driver’s side of Tanner’s vehicle. “Nice wheels.”

“It was a bonus from a dealership next door to the Ferrell City Slickers. They offered a free Corvette to anyone who could hit thirty-eight. I hit forty home runs last year and got the car.” He turned the engine off and left the vehicle. “I could’ve had something more sensible, but it was a free ’Vette. I’m not turning down a free car.”

“You won’t be offered anything like that around here, so it’s a good thing you took it.” Devlin nodded. “You might get free ice cream or your laundry done for nothing at the laundromat.”

“I see.” There weren’t sick perks in Cedarwood?No wonder no one wants to play here.

“You can’t be quite so entitled out here, but our fans are rabid,” Devlin said. “We’re a small venue, but our fans turn out. The businesses in Cedarwood will help you out, but on a lesser level than you’re used to. We don’t give away cars. Sorry.”

He should’ve guessed. “I’m not going to be paid in chickens or kittens, right?”

“Don’t be a jackass.” Devlin frowned. “I could cut you from the team before you even have a workout.”

“Sorry.” His damn ego… He’d have to rope it in.

“I got you a sponsorship, like I mentioned.”

“Does he know I’m gay?” Tanner asked. He leaned against the rear fender. “Is it going to be an issue?” He’d been kicked out of two sponsor homes because of his sexuality. Although he’d tried to be understanding and didn’t flaunt being gay, the sponsors didn’t want him around.

“Did you forget? Your sponsor is gay, too,” Devlin said.

“You’re throwing us together and forbidding us to date. You do realize the sparks will fly.”

“He’s your sponsor and isn’t interested in dating you. This is a place for you to stay.”

Tanner sighed. He had to be honest with Devlin. “I’ve bent the rules before.”

---