Switch Hitter

by Cheyenne Meadows

  The crack of a bat a couple of minutes later proved the point. He dove to the side, catching the ball before it hit the ground or flew past for a base hit. After smacking into the packed earth to make the grab, it took him a couple of seconds to get his breath back. Slowly, he stood and tossed the ball back to Tyler.

  “Great catch.” Tucker’s compliment came from the nearby bench.

  Dixon gave a quick wave of acknowledgment with his free hand.

  “Nice job.” Wiley took a couple of steps toward him. “You okay?”

  Still trying to catch his breath, Dixon nodded.

  “Guess that’s going to leave a mark,” Wiley said.

  “Probably so.” Dixon managed to spit out, finally feeling like his lungs were expanding normally once again.

  The next batter hit a long ball that arced high in the air over left field. Ares sprinted to the wall. Just as he got to the warning track, he leaped, snagging the ball right on top of the fence and robbing the guy of a home run.

  The few fans that remained cheered loudly.

  Dixon pointed to Ares with a wide grin. The kid had a ton of talent. No doubting that fact.

  Ares casually shrugged like the snag wasn’t anything big, tossed the ball back to Tyler, then returned to his normal spot in shallow left.

  The outstanding play sparked Dixon’s optimism. While they might not be able to win the game, that didn’t mean they couldn’t put a dent in the score or leave a lasting impression. “We’re not beat yet.” He yelled the statement to the rest of the players, seeing the energy start to pick up in their body language.

  Maybe Ares just gave them exactly what they needed—momentum. Inspiration. A reason to believe that despite the long odds, they could make a comeback.

  Tyler seemed inspired as well. He took the mound again, faced down the next batter, and threw a strike. One after another. Three pitches and done. Something he hadn’t been able to do all game. With that strikeout, the defense trotted in with a little more enthusiasm than they had earlier.

  Dixon stood at the railing, watching Ram stride to the plate. Their small amount of impetus rested on his shoulders.

  First pitch, he swung, making contact. The little looper earned him a base hit and ended Groupers’s perfect game. Not a huge deal, but pride was on the line.

  Dixon cheered along with the rest of the guys.

  “Think we can do it?” Tucker stepped over to stand next to Dixon.

  “There’s always hope. Even though the odds are pretty poor.” Dixon focused on the pitcher, trying his darndest to figure out how the guy threw that was putting every single player off balance. Sure, he could pitch some heat, but the movement was what really mattered. The way the ball just dropped off fascinated him.

  The pitching coach came over. “For the life of me, I can’t figure this guy out.”

  Dixon agreed. “I’ve been trying all day long. He’s mixing it up, but all his deliveries look identical. Nothing to hone in on.”

  “Yeah. I’m going to be watching a lot of film later.”

  “Me too.” Dixon hated the fact that a pitcher got the best of him. The attitude had been drilled into him at an early age. All pitchers had weaknesses. It was just a matter of discovering what they were and taking advantage of them. It would come. In time. It always did.

  The fact that Cooper, the batting coach, sought him out more times than not stoked Dixon’s self-confidence. They seemed to think along the same lines, gave the same advice, and made the same reads. All that information was passed on to the rest of the players to prepare them more for each outing. The outcome of their success depended on it. Dixon understood it more than most.

  He also couldn’t help but think what it would be like to be in that role full-time. Doing his homework and reporting his findings to the players. The slight change in careers excited him. At the same time, it concerned him. What would make him happy on the field would also potentially sink his social life.

  How the hell am I going to choose?

  Before he could contemplate the big question further, Tucker edged closer, rubbing his chin. “I think we need something to counter the doom and gloom of this game.”

  “Not sure the guys are in the mood for another prank.” As much as Dixon enjoyed the last couple, he didn’t think anyone was in the mood for silliness right now. Not unless the team could mount a rally for the record books.

  “Nah. Better than that.” Tucker spun around, making a beeline for Banner.

  The two chatted for a couple of minutes before Banner nodded and then picked up the phone. Dixon’s curiosity was piqued.

  “What’s up?”

  Tucker shook his head. “Nothing.”

  “Uh-huh. I know you better than that.”

  “You’ll just have to be patient.” Tucker offered up a lopsided smile, one that tugged at Dixon’s heart. The mischievous twinkle in Tucker’s eye didn’t hurt either.

  “I’m a patient man.” Dixon lowered his voice so only Tucker could hear.

  Tucker inclined his head in acknowledgment. “Thankfully so.” He sidled closer, brushing against Dixon. “How about a movie sometime?”

  “Sure.” Dixon didn’t hesitate a second to answer. They’d been getting along beautifully as friends with the haze of sexual tension hovering over them. He was more than ready to take another step in the direction of progress.

  “Tonight?”

  “Count me in.” Dixon found himself leaning closer to Tucker, drawn in by the small smile on his soft lips.

  “Come on, Wiley!”

  Shorty’s cheer right behind Dixon reminded him of their present location. He blinked and put socially acceptable distance between them.

  Tucker glanced down at his shoes, then blew out a breath as he lifted his gaze. “Want to flip for who gets to pick a movie?”

  Dixon grinned. “Your idea. You pick.”

  “Okay, then.”

  The wicked gleam in Tucker’s eyes made Dixon wonder just what he’d gotten himself into.

  Before he could get too involved in the query, Wiley made his way into the batter’s box. He took a ball, then jumped on the next pitch. As soon as he made contact, Dixon flinched. Sure enough, the third baseman backhanded the hopper, sent a laser to the second baseman. He stepped on the bag and directed the ball to first base while in the process of toppling over courtesy of Wiley’s slide right into him.

  The small spark of hope blew out after Lance popped up. The game ended on the down note with a shutout.

  After gathering his stuff, Dixon followed Tucker into the locker room, ready to pack up and get back home. The early game afforded them the whole afternoon and night to be free and try to recover from such a disappointing day.

  “What were you and Banner discussing?”

  Tucker held the door to the locker room open for Dixon. “You’ll see.”

  “What’s the big secret?”

  “Shhh.” Tucker shushed Dixon as Banner made his way to the center of the room.

  “We have a team meeting as soon as you guys are cleaned up and dressed,” Banner announced.

  A chorus of discord followed.

  Banner held up his hand. “Before you get all pushed out of shape, let me finish.”

  Dixon waited eagerly, noting the barely restrained smile on Tucker’s face. Whatever had been decided must be good.

  “Tucker’s picking up the tab for a steak dinner after we make an appearance at the children’s hospital.”

  “The children’s hospital?” Shorty asked.

  Banner nodded. “We haven’t been there this year. It falls under the category of giving back. Besides, it’s a reminder of how good we have it, even on days that we lose.”

  Dixon embraced the plans. The visits once or twice per year were difficult at times, rewarding always. Seeing the kids, especially those fighting cancer, nearly always broke his heart. Yet, the children seemed to get a kick out of meeting them and receiving the gifts that they always brought.


  Speaking of….

  “What about the presents? We can’t go without some,” Dixon pointed out.

  Banner turned to answer. “Got it covered. Tucker pointed out there’s a toy store not too far away. We’ll take the team bus, drop you guys off, let you pick out your own stuff, then we’ll head on over. We’re also picking up some stash from the gift shop of Predator gear to sign and give away.” He checked his watch. “Time’s a wasting, so get a move on.”

  With such an important event ahead, Dixon made haste in stripping out of his dirty uniform. Tucker did the same, although in front of his locker a few feet away.

  “Nice thinking, Tucker.”

  Tucker shrugged. “Just thought we could all use some levity and a pick-me-up.”

  “Seeing those kids should do the trick.” Ram clasped Tucker on the shoulder. “Thanks for dinner too.”

  “No problem. A man’s gotta eat.” Tucker smiled.

  Dixon watched Tucker in his element, socializing with the others, and knew that Tucker needed the team. After all, he had nothing else. Unless he counted his mother, who he hadn’t seen in years, according to Tucker. That story still made Dixon heartsick to think about.

  More than anything, he wanted to see Tucker happy. After the rough years, that’s the least he deserved. Whatever it took to make it happen, Dixon vowed to do.

  After all, that’s what you do when you love someone.

  With that thought, Dixon hit the showers.

  “THEATER OR home?” Tucker asked.

  Dixon slipped on his seat belt and clicked the latch. “Whose home?”

  Tucker shrugged as he placed the key in the ignition. “Either or.”

  Dixon had driven home after dinner. Tucker followed in order to pick him up for their date. No sense in leaving his vehicle in a public place for hours at a time. Too much potential for miscreants to dub it free for the taking.

  “I have cable with all the movie channels.” Tucker grinned over at Dixon. He didn’t mind going out to catch the latest flick, but something about bringing Dixon to his apartment for a private showing sounded more intimate and right up their alley.

  Dinner had been exceptional, with all the guys kicking back and enjoying a team get-together. Instead of the dour expressions, they were all smiles and upbeat. The visit to the children’s hospital did that for them. Spreading some cheer and gifting those kids with toys reminded them that there was more to life than baseball, at least it did for Tucker. He thought the other guys felt the same as they pledged to visit again and soon.

  “Let’s go with your place, then. I’m afraid I’m pretty scarce in the movie department.” Dixon rested his elbow on the armrest.

  “Sounds good to me.” Tucker pulled out of the driveway and headed toward his apartment across town. A small thrill rushed through him at the thought of bringing Dixon home.

  About time you take Dixon home and get him into bed. The wild dog part of him spoke up out of the blue.

  Whoa, puppy. Slow down. It’s just a date. Nothing more.

  It’s a start. A slow one. And about time.

  Tucker mentally shook his head at his inner beast. I’m not rushing into this. No way.

  There’s a difference between rushing and moving at the speed of a frozen glacier.

  Funny.

  “You’re quiet. Something wrong?”

  Just having a private debate about taking you straight to the bedroom and mounting up is all.

  You do want to lick his cock again.

  Ugh! Enough about sex already.

  Spoilsport.

  “Tucker?”

  “Sorry.” Tucker spared Dixon a glance.

  “Are you having second thoughts?” Dixon asked quietly.

  “Not in the least.” Tucker stopped at a light and turned to Dixon. “I’ve wanted this for a while, just couldn’t bring myself to ask.”

  “I wouldn’t have turned you down.” Dixon’s lips curled up at the corners.

  “I didn’t think you would. Just had to get to that place in my head.” Tucker’s attention returned to the road as he hit the gas again.

  “Understood. So what are you thinking so hard about?”

  “My wild dog decided to get yappy.”

  A slight pause followed.

  “Does that happen often?” Dixon inquired.

  “Quite a bit,” Tucker answered truthfully as he pulled into the parking lot of his apartment building. “You know how much wild dogs like to bark.” He grinned at Dixon.

  Dixon chuckled and unbuckled himself. “I’ll take your word for it.” He climbed out of the car.

  Tucker did the same, making sure to tuck the keys in his pocket and lock the doors behind them.

  After opening the door, Tucker ushered Dixon inside. “Want a drink?”

  “Got any water? Beer doesn’t mix well with coconut cream pie.”

  “Sure.” Tucker locked the door behind him, strode to the kitchen, and retrieved a couple of bottles of water. “Here you go.”

  Dixon accepted his. “Thanks.”

  “Have a seat.” Tucker picked up the paper movie guide and tossed it to Dixon.

  “Hmmm.” Dixon thumbed through the pages as he plopped down on the end of the couch.

  “Or, there’s Netflix.” Tucker grinned at the look of concentration on Dixon’s face. The grip he had on the brochure, the way he dominated the couch. Everything about Dixon seemed to fit in perfectly in Tucker’s home.

  “That might be better. I’m not really seeing much here.” Dixon handed the papers to Tucker.

  Tucker sat down next to Dixon and glanced over the offerings. He didn’t find anything of interest either, probably because Dixon snared his attention completely. His heart picked up the pace even as he reined himself in. This was a date, after all, not a fuck fest.

  Too bad.

  Shut up, he snapped at his inner beast, then turned his attention back to the matter at hand.

  “Okay. Netflix it is.” Tucker picked up the remote and punched the television on. He scrolled through the options. “See anything you like?”

  Dixon turned to face Tucker. “Yep.”

  Tucker arched an eyebrow. “Why do I have a feeling you aren’t talking about a movie?”

  “Because I’m not.”

  Desire shot through Tucker as his libido leaped in response. He drew in a deep breath and met Dixon’s gaze. “I’m a mixed breed. Why do you want someone like that?” Tucker needed the affirmation, though he was pretty sure he already knew the answer. Dixon didn’t care about things like what mix of genetics a person carried. He saw each one as a whole. Or so Tucker thought.

  Dixon traced Tucker’s jawbone lightly with his knuckles. “Because you’re sexy.”

  Tucker smiled slowly. “That’s it? Just because I have a nice ass?”

  Dixon chuckled. “Oh, there’s so much more than that.” He paused. “You care about others. Always giving. And you know how to have fun. The guys love your pranks.”

  “Uh-huh.” Tucker wasn’t sure he’d go that far.

  “They do. Keeps them on their toes and loose for the games.” Dixon lowered his hand to rest on Tucker’s knee. “You’re as good on the inside as on the outside.”

  A small lump formed in Tucker’s throat. He swallowed hard at the sincere praise.

  Dixon grinned ruefully. “You keep me laughing even as you rev my engine. No one has ever been able to do that before.”

  “Maybe we should keep it that way,” Tucker said softly. The words slipped out, stunning Tucker slightly in the process. He wanted to give them a chance at something important, but being exclusive from now on smacked of commitment. Something he’d always avoided.

  The thought sapped some of his desire away.

  “I think that’s a great idea.” Dixon leaned in, found Tucker’s lips with his, and plied them with an exquisite touch.

  The meeting of lips sent a jolt through Tucker, straight to his cock. He gave back to Dixon, letting the passion free. Hi
s worries totally forgotten, he immersed himself in the pleasure.

  Dixon edged closer, boldly running his hand over Tucker’s chest and down to the bottom of his shirt. He dipped underneath and retraced his path, only on bare skin this time.

  Tucker moaned at the sensation. He lost himself in the kiss, then absently dropped the remote onto the couch to free up his hands to explore Dixon’s body. Impatient, he shoved his hands under Dixon’s shirt, roamed for a bit, then lightly pinched Dixon’s nipples. He grinned as he felt them pebble.

  “Damn, Tucker,” Dixon whispered against his lips before plunging inside once more.

  The aggressive plundering stole Tucker’s breath. He broke contact, sucked in much-needed air, and closed his eyes as Dixon lapped at Tucker’s earlobe. His world narrowed down to the scent of lust in the air, the sound of ragged breathing, and the feel of Dixon’s lips teasing his ear.

  Dixon dropped one hand onto Tucker’s groin.

  The aggressive caress through Tucker’s slacks brought him up short and in a hurry, just like cold water had been dumped over his head.

  I can’t do this. Not now. Not yet….

  Emotions clashed. He wanted Dixon, physically, but his mind called an abrupt halt. “Wait.” He scooted back, took a deep breath, and ran his hand through his hair. “I….”

  The sparks in Dixon’s smoky eyes died out only to be replaced with a hint of regret and concern. “Too fast?”

  Tucker nodded slowly. “I thought I was ready.”

  “But when it came down to it, you’re not there yet?” Dixon straightened his shirt, then patted Tucker on the shoulder. “It’s okay.”

  “I’m sorry.” Tucker pulled himself back together by sheer willpower. His cock ached, but its hardness began to dissipate as he grappled with acceptance of himself and what he was. Gay. No, not gay. Bi.

  “Like I said before, I’m not going anywhere, Tucker. No pressure. I’ll be here when you’re ready.”

  The reminder helped to ease the turbulence inside his mind.

  He met Dixon’s gaze, drawn to the handsome face filled with concern and need. Impulsively, he brushed his lips over Dixon’s in a brief kiss. “It’s not that I don’t want to. Trust me. I just got a case of cold feet.”