Page 41 of Hiding in the Outfield

I dip my chin. “Yes.” I want it to be him too. More than anything.

He smiles softly as he kisses me again, and what a beautiful thing, to feel his happiness on my lips.

“Well, well, well… What do we have here?”

I still, and Frankie slowly lifts up. But he doesn’t even look at the door. He kisses me once more. Then the tip of my nose. Then my cheek. A swarm of fluttery things takes off in my chest. It’s like a tornado of butterflies in there.

He finally rolls over so he’s sitting next to me. “Hey, Shaney-babe.”

I swallow hard and meet my teammate’s gaze. My heartbeat hammers against my sternum, like a dugout drumming the benches for all their worth. Everyone here…you can be comfortable with them. I hope Frankie’s right.

Michaels’s face breaks into his typical too-wide grin. “Welcome to the team, bro.”

My jaw slackens. What?

He tips his head back and laughs. “Dude, we’re all so fucking queer on this team. I love it!”

“Okay. I am really confused,” I say slowly.

Frankie just winks at me.

Michaels leans against the doorframe and crosses his arms, shit-eating grin still in full swing. “Jed and I totally called it. I knew you were a not-so-straight straight boy. Dude. Don’t piss yourself.” He turns to Frankie. “He a flight risk? He looks like he’s about to dive out your window.”

“Go easy on him, Shane. Not everyone jumps into everything in life with your enthusiasm…or lack of reservation.”

“Sorry, Olander.” His attention falls back on me. “If Frankie’s kissing you, I figure whatever shit happened is in the past. Glad you two worked things out. Forgive and look to the future, bro.” His eyes widen. “Oh, Maddy is such a fucking shit-stirrer! He sent me up here to ask Frankie if he needed anything before we leave for the clubhouse.” He cackles. “Which means he knows. And wanted me to find out. This is fan-fucking-tastic.”

Damn. Michaels words a lot. So much so that it’s buried my nerves behind my attempt to decipher what the fuck he’s saying.

“All right. I’ll give you two lovebirds a few minutes. But we gotta head soon. Olander, you need to stop at your place before we go over, or do you want to ride with us?”

I blink dazedly at him. “I…have the stuff I need in my car.”

Why can’t my brain process this?

“Perfect. See you downstairs in a few.” He disappears—and immediately pops back in. “Oh. I forgot to mention. Jed’s my boyfriend. Just FYI. Queer as fuck in this house.” He fist pumps. Then he disappears for good.

“What was that?” I say, still reeling.

“I think Shane’s excited to have another queer guy around here.”

“How does Stone handle all”—I wave my hand at the empty doorway—“that?”

Frankie’s lips curl. “Trust me. Jed loves it. Those two are the real deal.” He lets out a long, drawn-out sigh. “And they refuse to share.”

I whip my head toward him. “Excuse me?”

Frankie bursts out laughing, then winces. “Fuck. Totally did that to myself.” He waves a hand in front of his face and quickly composes himself. “Was that a little jealousy I heard there?”

I bite my lip and glance at the comforter.

“Say it, Jackson. No matter the situation, communication is key. You can always talk to me.”

I lift my gaze back to his. “While we do this…would you mind being exclusive?” I hold my breath.

“Not at all. You can have exclusive access to this Frankie fun ride for as long as your little six-foot-six, two hundred eighty-pound self desires.”

I arch a brow.