Page 54 of Saved By the Pitcher

Instead of receiving a typed response, the computer pinged, asking if he would accept Mike’s invitation to video call. Once James accepted, he was greeted with an image of a shirtless Mike sitting in front of his computer. He sighed, reminded of Mike’s handsomeness.

“Congratulations,” Mike greeted. “You deserved to win.”

James blushed and looked away from the screen. “I don’t know. I’m guessing that people voted out of sympathy, but thank you. Are you sure it’s okay to chat now? I see you’re ready for bed.”

Mike glanced down at his bare chest, then he looked back up and shrugged. “I’ve been sitting in my boxers since the awards show ended, and here I am, still up.”

“I’m glad,” James whispered.

“Yeah? Hey, thanks for what you said during your speech. That was sweet.”

“I meant it,” James said. “You are my hero.”

Now Mike blushed. “I didn’t do anything to be a hero. I helped because I wanted you and Billy to be free.”

James nodded. “And because you love me.”

Mike flinched. “I…I didn’t tell Billy I love you.”

“I know,” James replied.

Mike frowned and was silent for a moment. “Well, it doesn’t matter anyway, does it? You don’t do relationships.”

James grimaced, remembering their last conversation. “Mike, I’m sorry. I was stupid. I should have asked you for help. I should have trusted you. I was wrong.”

“James, I understand you wanted to protect Billy. This isn’t about what you said when you broke up with me. It’s about the way you seemed to have second thoughts after you and I made love. I think I knew then that you couldn’t commit to me.”

James didn’t think there were any more tears left in him, but he realized he was wrong. A couple formed in the corner of his eyes to mock his planned stoicism. “Mike…”

“It’s okay,” Mike cut in. “I’m not trying to guilt you, James. My falling for you doesn’t necessitate you falling, too.”

“But I was,” James blurted, his voice cracking. “That’s what scared me. I thought I had closed my heart off to others. I was angry with myself because I knew what was happening would end badly. I was afraid to see you get hurt.”

“But I did get hurt,” Mike reminded him.

“Not financially. Not physically,” James explained.

“No. It was worse,” Mike stated.

James stared down at the keyboard. When he was able to catch his breath, he continued. “Can you forgive me? Is it too late? Mike, I do love you. Please give me another chance.”

Mike looked at James’ wet, pleading eyes. “James…”

“Mike, you won’t need to worry about me doubting us again.”

Mike gave James a slight smile. “I needed to hear you say that…to believe this is really what you want. James, I can’t tell you how happy that makes me. I want it, too.”

James wiped a tear away and his eyes widened with hope. “Yeah?”

Mike nodded. “Yeah. And I want you to take off that beautiful tux so I can see your even more beautiful body.”

James jerked his head back with surprise, then he wiped a remaining stray tear before gulping and laughing. “What? As quick as that, you return to being a voyeur perv again?”

Mike smiled. “Well, at least I didn’t ask for online sex this time. Unless, that is, you’re offering…”

James shook his head with relief that Mike was on board with reuniting. He fell back into their typical snarky banter. “Is this how it’s going to be with us?”

“All the time,” Mike stated in a matter-of-fact tone. “Now, dry those tears. You’re not as attractive when you’re crying. I should point that out.”