Page 9 of Scoring in Cedarwood

Dane blew out a ragged breath. In the three days since Tanner had arrived, Dane hadn’t relaxed. He wasn’t used to having a house guest. The last seventy-two hours felt like an eternity. He stared at his computer screen but didn’t see the words. All he could see was Tanner’s grin and the way he’d swept his gaze over Dane. Did he have to look at him with such distaste? Or was that longing?How in the hell do I know?He hadn’t been on a date in almost a year and the last guy he’d tried to flirt with hadn’t wanted anything to do with him. His radar had been so off.

“You look like you haven’t slept in a week.” Dr. Hammell Kelly stood in Dane’s office doorway and leaned against the frame. “What happened? Tell me you met someone and have had a white-hot tumble in the sheets.”

“I met someone and I didn’t sleep, but it wasn’t hot.” Dane massaged his forehead. “It’s not what you’re thinking.”

“Who is he?” Hammell stepped into Dane’s office then pushed the door most of the way closed. “Is this guy a looker? Or is this person a she?”

“I’m gay,” Dane snapped. “You know that.”

“I know, but you could’ve met a great woman or a drag queen.”

“I didn’t.”

“Well? Who is he?” Hammell settled on the chair opposite Dane’s. “You’ve been miserable since Phillip walked. You deserve to meet someone and be happy.”

“You make it sound like I need a boyfriend.” Dane snorted. He did, but he wasn’t about to admit that to Hammell.

“You should be happy,” Hammell said.

Maybe so.“I spend a lot of time here at the office. I’m dedicated to my patients. There isn’t much space in my life for another person.”

“You’re trying to find reasons to be alone.”

“So?” Dane shifted in his seat. He hated when Hammell was right.

“You shouldn’t be. The person out there for you will be able to work with your patient schedule and balance you.” Hammell snorted. “Unless you’re actively pushing that person away.”

“Hammell.” Damn it. His friend didn’t have to be correct…again.

“Who is this guy?”

He might as well tell Hammell the truth. “Remember the chunk of money we donated to the Cedarwood Wildcats?”

“Yeah. My kids can’t wait to go to the games. Zeke thinks he’d like to play for the team after high school. He’s only seven, so it’s a long way off and he’ll change his mind, I’m sure.” Hammell shrugged. “But who knows. Why?”

“Zeke’s got a good arm for seven.”

“Right, but he’s a kid. I wanted to be an astronaut when I was seven,” Hammell said. “The Wildcats seem to have a stocked roster. Why? Did you get to meet the team?” His eyes widened. “You did. We aren’t supposed to get close to them, but I won’t tell if you’ve met one and hit it off.”

“I’m sponsoring one of them,” Dane said.How’s Hammell like that?

“Is that the new lingo?” Hammell asked, seemingly unfazed. He grinned. “Whatever works.”

“I’m not dating him.”

Hammell’s grin faded. “Other than the rules, why wouldn’t you date him?” He fiddled with his phone. “Now to figure out which one. Looking through the roster and if I were to select one of them for you…I’d go with this guy.” He turned the phone around. “Zeppelin Starr.”

Dane glanced over at the image and shook his head. He couldn’t date a player, but Zeppelin Starr was indeed handsome. He had to say something intelligent. Zeppelin Starr struck him as a porn name. The guy had appeal, though. Dane appreciated dark eyes, sandy hair and dimples—all of which featured on Zeppelin. The guy had potential, but there was no assurance he’d be interested. “He’s cute, but there’s no guarantee he’s gay or if he’d be interested in an old man like me.”

“You’re thirty-eight. That’s not old.” Hammell darkened the screen on the phone. “I didn’t say I was hooking you up, just that he’d be a good one for you based on his appearance. He seems like he might be your type.”

“Maybe.” He wanted a boyfriend, but wasn’t sure Tanner wanted him in return. “I’ve got enough on my plate. I’m happy with my work here. My patients are everything.”

“Liar.” Hammell scrolled through the roster once more. “Who is your housemate? Him? No. What about this one?”

Dane sighed. “I don’t know who you’re pointing to, but the guy is Tanner Fox.”

“Foxy?” Hammell met Dane’s gaze. “Are you kidding me?”

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