Page 6 of Scoring in Cedarwood

“Do you have a space for me?” Tanner crinkled his eyebrows. “What should I call you?”

Dane tipped his head. He expected to come into contact with Tanner often, but he had to be cordial right now. He couldn’t hide from Tanner during the duration of his stay. “Dane.”

“Uh-huh. Dane. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Tanner smiled. “I’m glad you offered your home for my use.”

Dane slipped into his professional attitude. “I do have a place for you to stay and I’m glad you’re here. Do you need help bringing your belongings in?”

“I’ve got another bag, but I’ll manage. My gear is back at the ballpark,” Tanner said and scooped up his bag. He walked with a swagger and his ass filled the jeans out a little too well.

Dane fought the urge to drool. He’d bet Tanner would be dynamite in the sack. “Okay. Well, your room is down here.” He directed Tanner to the guest suite. “There’s a bathroom with shower connected to your room.” He pointed to the exterior door. “This goes outside and I usually keep it locked. I don’t go in here often, so you don’t have to worry about my intrusion.” He tapped the doorframe. “The fridge is always stocked, but if there’s anything you want—something particular—let me know. I’ve got a space in the garage for your car as well.”

“Nice.” Tanner dropped his bag on the bed. “It’s not frilly. The last home I stayed in involved so much lace.”

“I like clean lines and modernity,” Dane said. “Lace isn’t my forte.”

“Yet you live in a remodeled Victorian home.” Tanner grinned. “I love what you’ve done with the place.”

“One can keep a contemporary look on the inside and have the original exterior. I like a few antique touches along with my cool modern lines.” Dane hooked his thumbs in his front pockets. He’d worked hard to make his home inviting and clean, yet still fit within the Victorian framework.

“Sure.” Tanner sat on the bed. “I’m guessing you have rules, too?”

“A few.”Are rules bad?

“Like?”

“Besides the ones in your player contract, I expect you to observe quiet hours from around eleven p.m. to six a.m. I expect you to be discreet as well. Don’t bring people over and no parties while I’m not here,” Dane said.

“You’re no fun.”

“I like my privacy.”

“So no big bashes. Got it.” Tanner nodded. “Makes sense.”

Dane swallowed his irritation. Tanner’s swagger and attitude would be the death of him. The guy knew how to be cool yet aggravating.

“Anything else?” Tanner asked.

He’d lost track…shit. “No guests, parties, observe quiet hours…lock up and don’t leave a mess in your wake. I don’t clean messes that aren’t mine.” He shuddered to think about scrubbing someone else’s bathroom.

Tanner nodded again.

“So you know, I’m gay and proud,” Dane said. “While I don’t care that I am, there are those in town who do. Some folks would like to make my life miserable because I’m not straight. In case they get bold and decide to rob me—or anyone decides to really—I’d prefer you lock up and use the security system. If someone really wants to rob me, I’m sure the system and locks won’t mean much, but they give me peace of mind.”

“Understood.”

He paused. “I’m sorry. I’m being overbearing, aren’t I? I’ve never had a baseball player live with me.”

“Have you had anyone live with you?” Tanner frowned then chuckled. “You could have all the players you want.”

Dane froze and replayed what Tanner had said.Oh shit.

“I meant, sponsored ones.”

He shook his head. “When I get nervous, I can’t stop talking and I sound pompous. That’s not what I meant. I’m trying to be welcoming, but it’s not working.”

“I’m tripping you up.” Tanner laughed. “I’m not known as Foxy for nothing. I’m not here to date you, but I’m all for a little attention. I’m also all for following rules. I respect you and your home and I’ll do what you want to give you that peace of mind.”

“Thank you.” He hesitated again as he considered the first half of what Tanner had said. “You know I meant sponsorship—not dating.”Jesus. He could handle himself in the office and with patients, but not a handsome baseball player.

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