Page 42 of Scoring in Cedarwood

“You will?” He wanted to be happy for Tanner. To whoop and holler his appreciation and thrill. But he couldn’t forget the realization Tanner didn’t need him any longer.

“I’ll have the opportunity to go to the next level.”

“You’re taking it, I assume.” Dane braced himself for the inevitable. “When do you report to the team?”

“Tomorrow.”

So soon? Dane tried to swallow his shock. “Ah.”

“Meetings, tours, promotion…that kind of thing,” Tanner said. “Routine stuff.”

“Good. I’m proud.” Damn it. He’d be strong, even if it killed him. “Will you need help packing?”

“What for?” Tanner frowned.

“New team, new sponsor, new home,” Dane said. “I can’t sponsor you if you’re in a different city.”

“Who said I’m leaving Cedarwood?”

Dane blinked. “You’ll commute? Is that permitted? You said a new team and promotion…tours.”

“I never said new.” A wicked gleam shone in Tanner’s eye. “Or leaving.”

He could’ve sworn Tanner said both things.

“I saidateam with the possibility of going to the next level.” Tanner bridged the gap between them. He snared Dane in his arms. “I got my contract with the Wildcats extended. Devlin’s happy with my hitting streak and ticket sales are up. Kids are enrolling in the little ’Cats program. People are coming to the games for the game—not the personalities or gimmicks. We’re making a difference.”

Dane pieced through the new information. “You’re not going?”

“Nope.”

“Who will sponsor you?”

“You.”

“I will?” He’d insist on it, but hadn’t been asked—even during Devlin’s rambling. “Devlin never mentioned it.”

“He wouldn’t.”

“Why?”

“The contract allows me to be paid more than a stipend after next year. I have to play one more year with the Wildcats, but I’m good with the team and coaching. At the end of next season, I’m moving into a coaching position. That’s why I got a tour of the facility. I got to see the offices and places only the coaching staff and internal folks get to see.”

“How’s that possible?” He shook his head. “I mean, I’m proud of you, but what prompted you to consider coaching?”

“Clark’s retiring and even though I’ve got the ability to keep playing, I don’t want to try to break into the majors at twenty-six. Even if I did get called up, it’s more than halfway through the season. If I got to stay in the majors, it would only be for a few months at best and I’d end up back here because whoever I was replacing would be off the injured list as soon as possible. Think about it. Most of the guys my age that are in the majors have been there for three or four years. I’m not getting to be too old, but I’d like to not have my body worn-out by the time I hang up my playing glove.” He grinned. “Meaning, I’ll be the first base coach. I’ll still be with the Wildcats and I’ll be getting paid, but I won’t be killing myself to keep my stats up.”

“But your decision to play in the majors…it’s your dream.” Dane couldn’t believe what he’d heard, even if he loved the idea of having Tanner around all year. There was a chance for them after all.

“I don’t want to screw with it. My knees are shot and I’ve broken my fingers a couple times. Too many more and I’ll have gnarly hands no one will want to see, much less touch.” Tanner brushed his nose along Dane’s. “I was never meant to go to the next level and play for a professional team. I came to Cedarwood for a reason—even if I didn’t know it right away. I’m good right where I am and I’ll have a steady job. I’ll be better as a coach because I can inspire people.”

“You already do.”

“And because I’ll be a coach, there’s no chance I’ll be traded, so I don’t have to use you as my sugar daddy. You’re my boyfriend, lover and other half. I’m staying in Cedarwood with the man I love.”

Dane blinked again. Tanner had him at a loss for words. He couldn’t contain his joy and embraced Tanner.

“A hug won’t do. I want this sealed with a kiss.” Tanner feasted on Dane’s mouth.

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