Switch Hitter

by Cheyenne Meadows

  Opening his eyes, Tucker found himself facing Dixon as they both shared the same pillow on his bed. Their knees touched, as did their arms. Both naked, they’d somehow lost most of the sheet during the night, leaving a good portion of their bodies on display. Tucker checked out Dixon’s prime body as he slept. Muscular. Powerful. Add in the boyish dimple in his chin and the relaxed expression of lazy contentment on his face and Tucker’s heart melted.

  Just the way I want to wake up every morning. With Dixon next to him after a night of passion. They’d started in the living room, continued in the shower, and finally managed to make it to the bedroom for a final round before they collapsed in exhaustion. Too tired to do anything more, they ate and crashed for the night.

  Glancing down, Tucker noticed Dixon’s morning wood, standing at attention as if saluting the day. A damn sexy sight, for sure.

  Tucker grinned even as his libido sat up and took notice. Everything fell into place, bringing with it peace, complacency, and downright happiness.

  Home.

  The word rang true. Tucker knew he’d finally found his rightful place.

  Tucker had never belonged anywhere before. Preston had been the closest thing to home, even when he considered his youth and college rolled into one. Now, he knew it wasn’t necessarily the city, but the people who made this place what it was. More than that, Dixon showed him what it meant to be loved. Supported. Part of a family that supported him no matter his genetics, his batting average, or even his silly pranks.

  He sighed happily and snuggled against Dixon’s chest. Another novelty—cuddling. He’d never been one to wrap his body around a woman after sex before. Instead, he normally excused himself to the bathroom or rolled over and tried to go to sleep. Anything to avoid that show of affection because his heart hadn’t been involved. Now, he knew the difference and reveled in the afterglow, tangled limbs and all.

  Love made it all better.

  The term no longer sent chills zipping down his spine. Instead, he embraced the newfound emotion, knowing he’d struck gold in the relationship category. Dixon embodied everything he ever wanted in a mate, though Tucker never once thought he’d find that in a man. Now that he had, he wasn’t about to let go.

  Dixon sighed and stretched.

  Tucker peered over as Dixon’s eyes fluttered open. My mate. He knew it to his very marrow. His inner beast barked in agreement.

  Blinking, Dixon’s gaze met Tucker’s. “Good morning.”

  Tucker grinned. “Morning to you too.”

  “Why do you look like the cat that ate the canary?” Dixon arched an eyebrow.

  The action and comments struck Tucker as amusing. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because I have this sexy stud in bed and I’ve got a whole lot of ideas about what to do with him.” He waggled his eyebrows.

  Dixon’s sleepy eyes sparked. “A lot happened last night.”

  “Yep.” Tucker read the hint of hesitation in Dixon’s face. “A lot of good things.” When Dixon didn’t say anything more, Tucker threw out another line, wanting to reassure Dixon while easing up the tension between them this morning. “You do know opposites attract, right?”

  “I’ve heard that.” Dixon turned more to his side, propped himself up on his elbow, and rested his chin on his hand. His lips thinned into a line. “But I’m not a redhead.” Dixon’s face scrunched into a scowl with the comment.

  “You’re also not female. But I’m not holding it against you.” Tucker smiled wickedly before leaning in to brush his lips over Dixon’s.

  “Gee, thanks.” Dixon grumbled but ended up grinning just before sealing his lips over Tucker’s.

  The thorough kiss, filled with unsaid emotions and passion, left Tucker breathless. When they broke apart, Tucker met Dixon’s eyes. “I love you.”

  Dixon’s expression softened. “I’ve been hoping you’d feel that way for a while now.” He brushed his hand over Tucker’s cheek. “But I still love you more.”

  Tucker chuckled. “I have a feeling no one will ever win that particular argument.”

  Dixon shrugged. “So, we’ll just have to prove it. Over and over again.”

  Tucker’s spirit soared with joy at hearing those words. “Are you sure you want to keep me?” He bit his lip and waited. There were things to consider, namely his lack of purebred genes, especially the domestic dog part. Society was up in the air about crossbreeds in general. To carry the DNA of a pet ranked pretty much the bottom of the totem pole and incited disgust from many.

  “Absolutely. You’re mine and no one is going to take you away.” A low growl of authority carried in Dixon’s tone. “Mate.”

  “The road runs both ways.” Thrilled with the declaration, Tucker held it close to his heart. “Mates.” The word rolled easily off his tongue.

  “Yep. Don’t forget it.” Dixon smiled. “Better yet, I promise to not let you forget it.”

  “I never thought I’d find anyone who could complete me, accept me and my mixed heritage.” Tucker’s eyes welled up. He pushed through the emotions, needing to put everything out in the open. “I couldn’t see what was right in front of me all along. But, I vow that nothing will drag us apart. Ever.”

  Dixon nodded, then sobered. He sat up and scrubbed his face with his hands.

  Tucker followed suit, in concern. “What is it?”

  “Nothing.”

  The word poked at Tucker’s annoyance. “You said that before. Now spill.”

  Dixon turned his head to peer at Tucker. “I’ve been thinking about coaching.”

  “And I said you’ll be a great one. Look what you’ve done for me and for some of the other guys.”

  “It’s not that,” Dixon said quietly.

  “Then what is it?”

  “There’re no open positions with the team. I’d have to look elsewhere.” He met Tucker’s gaze. “College, other pro teams. Minor league.” Dixon blew out a breath. “I’d have to relocate in order to coach.”

  “Have you talked to Banner?”

  “No.”

  “Why not?” Tucker read the parted lips and the steely expression on Dixon’s face. “Pride is holding you back.”

  “I don’t want him to think I’m no longer able to play and just begging for a way to stay with the team.”

  Tucker snorted. “There’s no way in hell he’d think that.”

  Dixon shrugged but didn’t say anything more. His shoulders slumped as he stared at the far wall.

  Tucker finally understood why Dixon had clammed up about his wishful career change. To follow his dreams, he’d most likely have to leave the Predators, possibly even the area as he searched for a team in need of a batting coach.

  The realization stung slightly, but Tucker shoved it aside. After all, he wanted Dixon happy. If that couldn’t be found while playing baseball, then they’d have to make do with other opportunities. The Predators might be his family, but Dixon was his mate. There was no contest.

  Tucker took Dixon’s hand in his, giving it a squeeze. “We’ll figure something out. Together.”

  Worry clouded Dixon’s eyes.

  The sight drew out Tucker’s protective instincts. “It’ll work out. Just you wait and see.”

  “I wish I had your optimism.”

  “Hey. I just found my mate. You think I’m going to let you dash off to some other team and spend your days checking out other guys?” Tucker added plenty of teasing to his tone.

  A small smile hovered on Dixon’s lips. “You wouldn’t have to worry about that. The only man I want to check out is you.”

  “Keep it that way.” Tucker nuzzled Dixon’s cheek. “Because I’ve fallen head over heels and can’t imagine life without you by my side every day.”

  “I won’t jeopardize your position on the team,” Dixon retorted. “You’ve worked so hard to get it back.”

  Tucker bopped Dixon lightly on the tip of the nose with his finger. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. First things first.” He leaned in to lic
k over Dixon’s lips. “I’m hungry for my mate.”

  Dixon’s breath caught. “How hungry?”

  Tucker chuckled while dropping his hand to Dixon’s groin. He found Dixon’s morning wood and began to stroke. “Really, really hungry.”

  Dixon’s groan told the whole story. He wanted Tucker just as much.

  Tucker shoved their problems to the back burner. Right now he intended to put a big smile on Dixon’s face in an age-old way—making love.

  DIXON CUPPED the back of Tucker’s head and pulled him in for a kiss. Sweet and coaxing, he teased rather than demanded. Encouraged rather than insisted. Each touch with his hand was light and precise. Gentleness in direct contrast to the frantic hardcore event of last night. They’d ridden the dragon of lust last night. This morning, Dixon preferred the exact opposite.

  He wanted to savor Tucker, to experience something novel for them both. As he found Tucker’s cock and began stroking, Dixon made an impulsive decision.

  “I want you to take me,” he whispered against Tucker’s lips.

  Tucker leaned back and stared at Dixon, his lips parted, as a flare of excitement appeared in his eyes. “Are you sure?”

  Dixon grinned at Tucker’s obvious astonishment. “Yeah, I’m sure.” Unable to resist, he pressed a kiss to Tucker’s nose. “Don’t you want to top?”

  “Well, I….” Tucker licked his lips.

  “It’s up to you, but I would really like it if you would fuck me. No, scratch that. Make love to me, but you can call it fucking me if you want.” Dixon arched an eyebrow and waited.

  Tucker’s breath caught before a slow grin covered his lips. “Talked me into it.”

  “Good.” Dixon rubbed his thumb over the top of Tucker’s dick, catching the drop of moisture as it emerged. He nudged Tucker to his feet, then bent over to take Tucker’s shaft into his mouth. A groan rewarded him.

  “Yeah. Oh, yeah.” Tucker ran his hands through Dixon’s hair, finally settling on leaving one hand to offer guidance.

  Licking and laving, Dixon bobbed his head, trying every sensual torment trick he knew. He didn’t want Tucker to come, not yet, but needed to give him abundant pleasure in the meantime. A gift. To his mate.

  “You’re going to make me….” Tucker bit out the words, then stepped back.

  Dixon remained in place. “Lube?”

  Tucker glanced from side to side, then back to Dixon. “Ummm.”

  Dixon chuckled. “Don’t look at me. Last time I saw it, I tossed it into the sheets sometime late last night.”

  “Well, hell.” Tucker peered under the bed, finally getting on his hands and knees, and reaching underneath.

  “Nice view.” Dixon’s desire shot up at the sight Tucker presented, on the floor, in such a position. A definite erotic inspiration if he’d ever seen one.

  Tucker wiggled his rear in response.

  Amused, Dixon chuckled while resisting the urge to join Tucker on the floor.

  “Aha.” Tucker regained his upright stance, holding the tube in his hand.

  “That’s the one.” Dixon smiled ruefully at Tucker. “Ready to try on the top role?”

  “Definitely.” Tucker’s eyes narrowed in the slightest. “Lay back. Put your ass on the edge of the mattress. Legs in the air.”

  The rapid-fire orders cranked Dixon’s arousal that much higher. Without comment, he followed directions, bending his knees toward his chest and letting his legs fall out toward the side. The results gave Tucker easy access.

  Tucker squirted some gel on his fingers, then pressed against Dixon’s hole. One finger slipped inside.

  Dixon bit back a groan at the sensation of being penetrated. He rested his hands on his knees, giving them support while Tucker explored a bit.

  Another digit joined the first. A slight sting accompanied it. Dixon grasped his cock and caressed lightly. His aching cock jumped at the additional stimulation, sending a zing of pleasure through him.

  Tucker rotated his wrist and met Dixon’s gaze. “Like that?”

  “Uh-huh.” Dixon could hardly form words, too distracted by what Tucker was doing to him.

  “You’re so damn hot like this,” Tucker whispered. He managed to squeeze in one more finger, pumped in and out a few times, then removed his hand completely.

  Immediately, Dixon felt the loss.

  Tucker moved closer, placed his cock at the entrance to Dixon’s body, then stilled. “Watch me. I want to see your face when I take you for the first time.”

  Dixon’s inner fox barked in excitement at those words. He locked his gaze with Tucker’s, then sucked in air as Tucker pushed languidly forward.

  The burning intensified. He worked his cock faster, trying to even out the two sensations to a happy medium.

  “Okay?”

  Dixon nodded. He started to throw his head back, recalled Tucker’s request, and instead focused on his partner’s face.

  Tucker tilted his head, exposing more of his shoulder. The action drew Dixon’s attention to the mark he’d left behind the night before.

  The bite wound—a mating mark.

  Powerful arousal flooded his system, shoving all the discomfort to the wayside. He moaned as Tucker pressed deep and deeper still.

  Full to the brink, Dixon reveled in the moment. Tucker was taking a man for the first time—him. A pretty nifty fact when you added in Dixon had never bottomed before.

  “Oh, damn.” Dixon’s hips jerked as Tucker pulled back and angled on his return stroke, hitting a hot spot in the process.

  “Still all right?”

  “Oh, hell, yeah.” Dixon grabbed his knees once more. “Fuck me.”

  Tucker only grinned. “I thought that’s what I was doing.”

  “Smart-ass,” Dixon growled, needing more, lots more.

  Setting a slow pace, Tucker moved with long teasing strokes. Just when he nearly pulled out, he reversed course and thrust to the very depths once again.

  A fire ignited in Dixon’s blood. He grunted and arched his back more. Anything to get Tucker closer. Harder. Deeper.

  Finally, Tucker started picking up the pace—marginally. Still too slow for Dixon’s likes, but he didn’t have the willpower to do more than lie back and enjoy the ride. Tucker’s strokes felt way too good. The expression on Tucker’s face way too compelling and addictive to stop.

  “Harder. Fuck me, harder.” Dixon urged Tucker on.

  Tucker offered up a toothy grin. “Demanding mate.” He wrapped his hand around Dixon’s cock, stroking it in rhythm with his movements.

  A few seconds later, he released Dixon’s flesh, braced his hands on the bed, and covered Dixon’s body with his own.

  He lapped at Dixon’s lips, trailed kisses down his throat, then sank his teeth into the muscle connecting the shoulder and neck.

  Dixon saw stars. He fisted the sheets and held on for dear life. Sweet rapture struck like a bolt of lightning, sending him catapulting into orgasm. One second he pleaded for more, the next, strong crests rolled through him bringing along bright rounds of ecstasy. He came hard. His cock pulsed again and again, coating his chest.

  Tucker gave a muted shout, his face scrunched, and his cock swelled even larger. Warm jets quickly followed deep inside Dixon’s body.

  Joined with my mate.

  The words played through his mind as he struggled to catch his breath after such an experience. Unable to move because of Tucker’s swollen knot, Dixon relaxed back into the mattress, content to watch the myriad of emotions flashing across Tucker’s face. Small intermittent ripples rolled through now and again, a continuation of the rapidly fading climax.

  Dixon forgot about everything but Tucker and the pleasures they still shared. He ran his hands down Tucker’s sweaty back and nuzzled his cheek, careful not to jar Tucker too much while his teeth were still embedded in Dixon’s flesh.

  “Damn, Tucker.” He blew out a breath as the knot relented, easing the pressure inside Dixon’s body. “That’s a hell of a way to lose my virginit
y.”

  Tucker let go with his teeth and pulled away enough to stare down into Dixon’s face.

  “You’ve never been on the receiving end before?” Tucker’s mouth fell open.

  “Nope. You’re my first.”

  Tucker’s eyes widened before a slow smile appeared. “Guess that makes us even.”

  “More than that. It makes us mates.” When Tucker blinked, Dixon added, “Do you think I’d let just anyone tap my ass? I’m a natural top, if you hadn’t noticed.”

  “Well, I hadn’t really thought about it.”

  Dixon kissed Tucker’s nose. “Now you know. You’re one of a kind and all mine.”

  In that moment, Dixon knew that dreams come true. For those lucky enough to find their soul mate.

  His certainly did.

  Chapter 17

  “TUCKER?”

  Tucker spun around to face his head coach. “Yeah?”

  Banner grinned slightly and tossed Tucker’s glove to him.

  Easily, Tucker caught it.

  “Get out there. Take your spot.”

  Tucker paused for a second. “You mean for today?”

  “No. I mean for the season. You’ve earned it back. Hang on to it.”

  Tucker’s joy muted as he glanced toward Ares and Lance, the two rookies that he’d booted out of a spot, and presently stood halfway across the field. “What about them?”

  Banner paused in his steps leading away. “They’re in the outfield with Mack.” Banner gave a brief nod and walked away.

  Tucker let the words sink in and slowly smiled. I have my starting position back. He wanted to shout the news to the heavens. To find Dixon and celebrate.

  Dixon. With the name came the idea. “Coach?”

  Banner stopped and turned. “What is it?”

  Hurrying to catch up, Tucker met Banner’s eyes. “It’s Dixon.”

  Banner’s eyebrows furrowed. “What about him?”

  Tucker drew in air and hoped he wasn’t overstepping his bounds. “He wants to coach. Badly. But, he doesn’t want to leave the Predators. Is there anything…?” His voice trailed off, not sure what to ask for.

  “I’ve been wondering that for a while now.” Banner rubbed his chin. “He’s taken some of the workload off the assistant coaches and helped out the rookies.”