Switch Hitter

by Cheyenne Meadows

  A woman approached from his left. Dixon blinked in recognition. Astonishment mixed with a little concern hit him in the gut. “Mom. What are you doing here?” She rarely attended one of his games, and only the most important ones. Today’s game had no significance other than another notch in the win column for the team.

  She smiled sweetly. “To watch you play, of course.”

  He greeted her warmly, happily surprised with her appearance. She rarely attended a game since he hit the pros. That didn’t bother him, though. She put tons of miles on the car driving him to practices and games as a kid since his father was out of town a lot during the season. She’d seen more than her fair share of games. So, he couldn’t hold the absence against her now.

  His father strode over, a stern expression on his face.

  Dixon greeted him with a quick nod. “Dad.” He recalled Tucker’s mother. “Mom, this is Sheila, Tucker’s mother. Sheila, this is my mother, Charlotte. And you already know my father.”

  Sheila nodded. “Yes, I do.” Her focus flickered from his father to his mother. “Pleasure to meet you, since we’re almost related now.”

  “I’m so happy for them,” his mother beamed at Tucker. “I was hoping someone would come along and steal Dixon’s heart away. I’m glad it’s you, Tucker.”

  Tucker offered up a lopsided smile.

  Dixon’s father stood behind her, looking a little sheepish. He caught Dixon’s attention. “You and that shoulder.” His father sighed as if in frustration or perhaps, resignation. Dixon didn’t know which, nor did he care.

  Dixon bristled. “Please, Dad. I don’t need any critiques today.” He stood up straight and pinned his father’s gaze. “For once, can’t you just be my father instead of a nitpicky hard-ass coach?”

  Terrance’s lips parted as he grimaced.

  “That’s all I’ve ever wanted in life. Just to be your son. Not your baseball project.”

  “Why else would I spend so much time coaching you to be the best if it wasn’t for love? I wanted for you all the rewards I earned along the way and then some,” Terrance answered. “Maybe I didn’t go about it the right way, but I do love you. How could I not? You’re my son. And a damned good one at that.”

  “You always want better for your kids than what you had,” Tucker’s mother chimed in.

  “Exactly,” Dixon’s mother agreed.

  “Even if you don’t always make that clear,” his father said.

  An apology if Dixon ever heard one from the man.

  Tucker patted Dixon on the back. “Sounds like you’re well-liked today.”

  Dixon chuckled, swallowed the lump in his throat, then hugged both of his parents at the same time, noting the glimmer of tears in his father’s face when he stepped back.

  “I’m proud of you, son.” Terrance ruffled Dixon’s hair.

  Dixon fought back tears at the affectionate gesture. His entire life he’d waited to hear those words. Now, he couldn’t believe they’d actually been said.

  “This calls for a celebration. Dinner is on us this evening,” his mother announced.

  “Thanks.” Tucker nudged Dixon, shooting him a happy grin.

  “Clear the field, the game’s about to start,” the home base umpire hollered as he waved his hand at them.

  “We’ll see you after the game.” Dixon’s mother gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. He noticed that Tucker’s mother did the same.

  His father shook his hand. “Figure out Groupers yet?”

  Dixon shook his head. “No. He’s slick. I’ve watched him from the first game we played against him and on tape. Didn’t pick up anything consistent.”

  Terrance nodded. “He is that. The key is in the location of his glove. At his chest is usually a fastball. Closer to the belt is a slider. Maybe an inch difference in the two. I doubt he even realizes it. Flat wrist in the glove for the fastball. A little turned is a curve.”

  Dixon grinned slowly, impressed and amazed at his father’s observation skills. “Damn, you’re good.”

  His father beamed and slapped Dixon on the back. “Some habits die hard.” He met Dixon’s gaze and nodded slightly. “Go get ’em.”

  For the first time in years, Dixon smiled proudly at his father. He read the expression and in between the lines on his words. His father loved him and, like all parents, wanted to see their child succeed. Once again he was a little kid, wanting to please his father by hitting a clutch home run.

  Terrance gave a little wave and followed his wife back to the steps leading to their seats.

  Dixon watched him go with a sense of completeness and fulfillment.

  “So, mate, going to let me in on the secret?” Tucker stopped next to Dixon.

  “I’m happy, Tucker. Really happy.” Dixon’s spirit soared.

  “Game time!”

  The call of the umpire interrupted the great moment, but not before Dixon stole a quick kiss from Tucker.

  “For luck?”

  “More because I love you.”

  Tucker smiled sweetly. “That’s a pretty damn good reason.” He led the way down the stairs and into the dugout.

  Dixon chuckled, grabbed his glove, and sprinted out to his field position, noting Tucker did the same. He blew out a breath and focused on the game. Life on the hot corner didn’t allow for dillydallying. Not if he wanted to keep his head on his neck.

  Nine innings later, Dixon’s smile had turned to serious concentration as he walked up to the batter’s box. Sweat, dirt, and grime stained his jersey, testament to the gritty play in the low-scoring game.

  He’d been watching Groupers all game, passing along the hints from his father to the rest of the team. He and some of the other guys had made contact with the ball, but hadn’t been able to score, being shut down before any of them could cross home plate. Frustration set in, but Dixon kept focusing on the next bat. Getting more in sync with Groupers. Picking up the subtle hints and taking advantage of them. Now, they were down to their last out and the luxury of time disappeared.

  Thankfully, they’d held the Grand River Rivals to only two runs, but that deficit seemed huge in the bottom of the ninth.

  Presently, the Predators threatened with the bases loaded. But, two outs tipped the scales somewhat evenly. One strike out, a fly, or even a ground ball could possibly end their chances of beating the best pitcher in the league. Dixon knew the score well. Pressure and tension rested hard on his shoulders under the strain.

  “Batter up!”

  He stepped into the batter’s box, took up his stance, and stared at Groupers. The pitcher held his glove a little high on the chest. Dixon caught a glimpse of the flat wrist. Fastball on the way.

  Groupers sneered with confidence.

  I’ve got your number, buddy. Just throw it already.

  Groupers reared back and slung the ball.

  Dixon swung at the pitch coming in around his knees. The crack of the bat split the air. Dixon took off to first base, slowing as the ball left the park and dropped into the upper tier stands in left field. A game-winning grand slam. An accomplishment that happened rarely, even to the league’s elite. He’d only hit one other one in his career and that was during his college years.

  “Yes!” Dixon grinned as he trotted around the bases. He glimpsed Groupers lower his head in defeat, then walk off the mound and toward the visitors’ dugout along with the rest of his team.

  Excited and thrilled, Dixon focused on his teammates, gathering around home plate. Unable to contain his excitement, he stomped on home plate. The men swamped him, patting him, hugging him, and ruffling his hair. Dixon laughed, pretty damn happy.

  The guys stepped back, leaving Tucker standing right in front of Dixon.

  Speaking of exciting….

  Love and joy reflected in Tucker’s eyes. The same expression Dixon knew he wore.

  Dixon had found the love of his life after months of pining away, not thinking Tucker and he could possibly become a couple, let alone mates. Certainly his g
reatest dream had come true. His father had seemingly turned over a new leaf and stepped into the role of father. Add in the fact that the Predators were once again on top of the standings and he’d just won the exceedingly difficult game on a two-out ninth-inning grand slam and Dixon was on cloud nine.

  The baseball achievements paled in relation to his mating to Tucker. He smiled at the man he loved more than he’d ever thought possible. “You’re the best thing in my life.”

  Tucker grinned and wrapped his arm around Dixon’s shoulders. “I keep telling you that. Glad it’s finally sunk in.”

  Dixon chuckled in humorous delight. Leave it to Tucker to put a sassy twist on his comment.

  The years ahead were sure to be an adventure with Tucker by his side. But one thing was for certain—they would be filled with love and laughter.

  Together, they walked to the dugout. Teammates. Friends. And mates.

  More from Cheyenne Meadows

  Shifter Hardball: Book One

  Playboy wolf shifter Wiley can’t duck out of his pack’s biggest annual event, despite knowing his grandmother has possible suitors lined up and waiting. Wiley has no intention of settling down, and the situation dangles just above disaster. Thankfully, Wiley’s best friend, lion shifter Ram, agrees to pose as Wiley’s boyfriend for the weekend.

  They find out fate has other plans when they kiss on a dare, and the passion erupts, so hot and intense they fear the couch may spontaneously combust beneath them. Neither man is able to push the small act of affection from his mind, but both struggle with uncertainty and the ramifications of following where their libidos lead.

  If they can’t outrun their feelings, they’ll have to muster the courage to face their fears before they lose everything, including their friendship.

  Shifter Hardball: Book Two

  Polar bear shifter Graham Tundra can’t believe his bad luck. Not only is he traded to another baseball team midseason, but he’s also teamed up with Trigger Mallow: widely considered the best player in the game—but with the worst attitude.

  Trigger is on the fence about Graham. As a grizzly bear shifter, he’s relieved to have another ursine on the team, even if they are different species. The problem is Trigger is in the middle of his natural mating season, and Graham looks too damn good to pass up.

  What begins as friends with benefits shows potential to grow into a deeper connection. If only they can put aside their differences, learn to trust, listen to their feelings, and realize it’s more than just a bear thing.

  When tiger shifter Cade turns an oily owner of a consultation firm over to the FBI, he finds himself with a hit man on his heels. Chester was in possession of security-breaching national secrets, and even more concerning, evidence that shifters exist, and if it got out, trouble would follow for all shifters. So now Cade is on the run. He holes up in an isolated hideout where he doesn’t expect anyone to find him—least of all a former one-night stand.

  Alpha lion shifter Micah can’t shake Cade from his mind. They spent one glorious night together before Cade ran off without leaving even a name. He’s determined to find his runaway and protect what he’s come to think as his despite Cade’s one and done rule. He surprises Cade in his secret nest in the forest, learns the reason for Cade’s self-imposed exile, and decides to call for help. This nets them Stone: a top-of-the-line bodyguard and the one man Micah can’t stand. Stone isn’t thrilled either. He can think of better things to do than spend days in the wilderness with the uppity alpha who stomps on his last nerve.

  Despite their differences and history, they need to find a way to survive and expose the traitor in their midst. They also realize chances at love are fleeting unless you grab the opportunity between your teeth and hold on for one wild ride.

  Jaguar shifter and sniper extraordinaire, Jag, is tasked with his most difficult and dangerous mission to date—take out the man responsible for his spotter and husband’s violent death. Again.

  Sonar, an ocelot shifter, is assigned as the new spotter to the surly and scowling feline alpha. He’s impressed with Jag’s skills but sees more beneath the surface: a grief-stricken and furious man on a trail of vengeance.

  Together Sonar and Jag face perils and challenges that test their skills, resolve, and the budding feelings they have for each other. As the death toll rises, so does the heat between them. Their longings could give them the strength needed to persevere, but it also might force them to succumb and sacrifice everything. One thing’s for certain: someone won’t be making it back alive.

  With his brother away at a conference, alpha wolf shifter Shadow finds himself paired with IT analyst Mace, the one man he can’t stand. Stuck with the partnership due to his pack leader’s order, Shadow can only count down the days until his life returns to normal. He’s a loner. Period. No matter how much his inner beast protests.

  Mace isn’t thrilled either, but can’t resist the temptation to push all the surly alpha’s buttons, even as he fantasizes about what could be. Flirting with danger, he’s determined to make the best of the situation, if he can only get Shadow to give in to both their desires.

  Unfortunately, a twisted revenge-seeker has other plans. A series of events rocks the entire pack, leaving innocent people hurt and fear running rampant. Both men are thrust into the chaos, working tirelessly to track down the culprit before someone winds up dead. The pressure of trying to stay a jump ahead, with absolutely no clues, pushes them to the brink. Add in a burning hunger for each other, and their world begins to crumble around them. With no other choice, they have to trust and depend on one another in order to have a chance at solving the mystery and saving lives.

  Readers love the Shifter Hardball series by Cheyenne Meadows

  Friends With Benefits

  “Overall this is a lovely book, with a catchy storyline.”

  —Sinfully: Gay Romance Book Reviews

  “The well written scenes and details draw the reader in to the story, while the perfect blend of fun, serious and passion-filled scenes ensures that the reader enjoys every last page of this romance.”

  —The Romance Reviews

  Loaded for Bear

  “The sexy times are hot, the men are macho with a soft, gooey inside, and the story entertaining—not a bad combination.”

  —The Novel Approach

  “This story is written with love and dedication and I saw and felt it all the way though.”

  —GGR Reviews

  “This was an amazing read and I cannot wait for the next book in the series to come out and see what this team gets up to next.”

  —Inked Rainbow Reads

  CHEYENNE MEADOWS, while growing up in the Midwest, began reading romance novels in high school, immediately falling in love with the genre, to the point where she decided to write professionally for a career. However, that dream splattered against a brick wall, resulting in a quick death in her first writing class in college when the professor told her bluntly that she wasn’t any good at it. She shifted gears quickly and left her writing dreams behind, eventually settling on becoming a nurse.

  A few years back, she stumbled across a fan-fiction writing site on a favorite author’s webpage. She began to read stories others wrote, not only making some wonderful close friends from the experience, but also, really learning to write for the very first time. Here she was able to share short stories, practice her writing skills, and truly develop into a writer. More than that, the experience allowed her to revitalize her dream as she rediscovered joy in writing.

  Now, she spends her days off with her characters, seeing how much trouble everyone can get into. When she’s not working or writing, she enjoys playing in the garden, hanging out with her diva kitty, and using her backyard as a living canvas for her whimsical landscaping, and, of course, reading romance novels.

  Facebook: www.facebook.com/cheyenne.meadows.10

  Blog: cheyennemeadows.blogspot.com

  E-mail: Cheyenne1.meadows@yahoo.com

  By Cheyenne Me
adows

  Feline Persuasion

  Relentless

  Shadowing Mace

  SHIFTER HARDBALL

  Friends With Benefits

  Loaded for Bear

  Switch Hitter

  Published by DREAMSPINNER PRESS

  www.dreamspinnerpress.com

  Published by

  DREAMSPINNER PRESS

  5032 Capital Circle SW, Suite 2, PMB# 279, Tallahassee, FL 32305-7886 USA

  www.dreamspinnerpress.com

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of author imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Switch Hitter

  © 2017 Cheyenne Meadows.

  Cover Art

  © 2017 Reese Dante.

  http://www.reesedante.com

  Cover content is for illustrative purposes only and any person depicted on the cover is a model.

  All rights reserved. This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of international copyright law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines, and/or imprisonment. Any eBook format cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher, except where permitted by law. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact Dreamspinner Press, 5032 Capital Circle SW, Suite 2, PMB# 279, Tallahassee, FL 32305-7886, USA, or www.dreamspinnerpress.com.