Page 36 of Saved By the Pitcher

“The internet mogul? Why do these guys want to own professional sports teams?”

James laughed. “Why else? Money. Power. Status. Although I’m guessing that Lyons, unlike my father, is a decent guy.”

“You’ve met him?” Mike asked.

“No, but my father hates his political views and his fight for things like an increase to the minimum wage and preservation of social security and Medicare. Those are worthy causes in my opinion. Plus, if Lyons is on the opposite side of my father on anything, it speaks well of him,” James mused.

“Must be an uncomfortable partnership,” Mike agreed. “Can I ask? How did your mother die?”

“Car accident.”

“That’s rough,” Mike soothed. “I’m sorry. To think you were left alone with the likes of your father…”

James sighed. “I learned to manage. He wasn’t physically abusive often. I mean, he supports physical discipline, and he slapped my face hard a few times. But I have to say, he seldom lost it like that when we annoyed him. Instead, he’d take something from us or send us to our rooms without dinner.”

“He courts the worst element for votes,” Mike stated. James looked at him in surprise. “What? Just because I’m a baseball player doesn’t mean I don’t follow politics. Plus, I’ve read more about him since meeting you. I wanted to be prepared for what I might have to deal with if he finds out about us.”

James nodded. “There’s not much you have to research when it comes to him. Just look up ‘douche’ in the dictionary, and you’ll see my father listed as the second definition of the word.”

Mike chuckled. “And you have a sister?”

James groaned. “Lilah. A spoiled, bratty, entitled, future-fascist.”

Mike laughed. “So, I see you’re close.”

“She takes after her mother, Morticia,” James mumbled.

“Her mother’s name is Morticia?” Mike asked.

“No.”

Mike blushed—he hadn’t recognized it was a joke.

They stayed quiet for a bit, enjoying the wind that was blowing through James’ now open bedroom window. The air tickled their naked bodies, and it was just cool enough that it made them want to press against each other for warmth.

“James?” Mike whispered.

“Hmm?”

“When’s the last time you let a guy make love to you?” Mike ventured.

James tried to gauge Mike’s exact meaning. “Um, about a half hour ago?”

Mike chuckled. “Thanks, but that’s not what I meant. Was it with your boyfriend?”

James closed his eyes and nodded. “Yes.”

Mike touched James’ chin, lifting it a bit so they were staring in each other’s eyes. “You pretend you’re carefree, but you save the most intimate acts for the very few who have been special to you.” James didn’t reply. He just closed his eyes again. “I respect that. In fact, I’m glad. I won’t joke about being with you like that anymore. If, one day, you’re ready to do that with me, I’ll consider myself lucky and be very grateful.”

After a moment of silence, James pulled from Mike’s arms. Mike worried he had offended James, but saw that he was reaching over to the nightstand. James pulled out a box of condoms and a bottle of lubricant. Mike’s eyes went wide.

“You’re special to me,” James stated, handing the items to Mike.

“James…” Mike gasped.

“I’m sure,” James cut in, as if anticipating the rest of Mike’s question.

Mike pulled his man back to him and kissed him. Within seconds, both were aroused, caressing and kissing every body part within their reach.