Page 41 of Scoring in Cedarwood

Dane frowned. “It’s, like, nine months until the next season. We could have a baby in that time.” Why did it matter that Devlin thanked him for something that hadn’t happened yet? “Has the coalition made a scene?”

“Not yet. I hear there’ll be a community fair soon and we’re trying to get a space to promote the team. According to one source, the coalition is putting the fair on. Another source claims it’s not them. But they have tentacles everywhere, so my guess is they know.” Devlin shrugged. “But don’t worry about them.”

“Sure.” The coalition might have retreated a bit in the last three months, but that didn’t put him any less on edge. He didn’t trust many people beyond his circle of friends and kept an eye out for anything the coalition might be doing. He swore something big was in the works. The fair? He wasn’t sure.

“So second, thank you for being a player sponsor this year. Tanner Fox couldn’t have had such a breakout season and set records without your support.” Devlin beamed. “I know he’s pleased.”

“I’m happy to support him and the team.” Dane folded his arms. “Tanner had the talent all along. I simply gave him a place to stay.”

“And it made all the difference.”

“Well, you’re welcome.” But he still wasn’t sure where Devlin was going with this.

Devlin rocked on his heels. His smile widened. “Ticket sales increased through the season, we’ve gotten exposure and the next season will be even brighter.”

“That’s great. How’s Raji taking the news? He’s going to be very busy, isn’t he?” Dane asked. “Or is the rumor true that you’ve split?”

“We moved in together.” Devlin sobered. “We had one fight—like everyone does—and people saw it. But we’re good.”

“Then wonderful.” He tipped his head. He knew Devlin too well. The man was leading up to something. “Okay, you’ve stalled long enough. What’s going on?”

“Nothing,” Devlin said. “Well, not nothing. I thought you’d be pissed.”

“Why should I be? I’m with Tanner. You gave us your blessing.” He leveled his gaze at Devlin. “Or is there something else?”

“There isn’t anything else.” Devlin paused. “Okay. I’ll go. I just wanted to thank you in person for being so generous.”

“You’re welcome.” Dane checked his phone. He had a few more minutes until his next appointment, but he hadn’t looked at the charts yet. “Anything else?”

“No, not with me.” Devlin winked then left the office.

Dane stared at the empty space Devlin had just occupied. “I wish I understood what was happening. The man doesn’t stop moving,” he muttered.

“It’ll all make sense in a second.” Tanner stepped into the doorway. “Hi, babe.”

“Hi.” Ever since Tanner had come to town, Dane’s senses had been heightened. He ached for Tanner’s touch. He longed to have Tanner in his bed again and was thrilled to see him. If he had a few more minutes, he’d stretch Tanner across his desk for a quickie. “What brings you here today?”

“You.”

Dane paused. “Are you sick?” He stood and brushed his hand across Tanner’s forehead. He didn’t detect a fever. “You don’t appear hurt.” He stepped back and swept his gaze over his lover. Everything seemed to be in working order. “What’s wrong?”

“I needed to see you.” Tanner ventured into the office and closed the door. “We need to talk.”

His confusion rose again. Things were going well between him and Tanner. “Are you unhappy?”

“Me? No,” Tanner said. The corner of his mouth quirked in the beginning of a smile.

Dane’s stomach tightened. “Okay?”

Tanner tipped his head. “You’re going to jump out of your skin. Areyouokay?”

“I’d be lying if I said I was fine. I’m happy when I’m with you. I crave you when you’re not around,” Dane blurted. He had to be honest. He trusted Tanner, but he couldn’t deny the feeling he was on the edge of something terrible.

“Good. I feel the same way.”

“But you look like you’re going to leave,” Dane said. The others had. He believed Tanner was different, but his luck with men wasn’t great.

“I got an offer from a team,” Tanner said. “A lucrative one. I’ll have the chance to move up.”

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