Switch Hitter Read online

  Right now, he’d call his plan successful.

  The assortment of rich, famous, and popular celebrities in attendance didn’t interest him. Not as much as the booze did.

  “Hey, buddy.”

  Tucker glanced up to find Dixon approaching. “Wanna drink?” He waited for the glass to be refilled before lifting it a little wobbly into the air.

  “No thanks. Still have one.” Dixon held out his beer.

  Tucker clanked the drinks together hard. “To….” Liquid sloshed over his hand and down his shirt. “Well, shit.” He wiped at the quickly spreading darkness on his white silk shirt.

  “Better run that under water before the stain sets in.” Dixon took the shot glass from Tucker’s hand and placed it back on the bar.

  The words took a second to sink in. “Yeah. I guess.” He started to stand, had to pause to gain his balance, then shook his head to chase the spinning from his mind. He stared at Dixon in curiosity. “What are you? One of those… butlers?” He had to think for a long moment but finally managed to get the correct word out.

  Dixon snort. “I just know a few things. Like you’ve been sitting here getting wasted.”

  “Seemed like a good thing to do.”

  “Care to tell me why?”

  Tucker turned to his friend and shrugged. “Banner benched me.”

  “What?” Dixon leaned closer as if he hadn’t heard correctly above the music.

  “Banner benched me. A rookie took my starting spot.” The admission still stung.

  At the time, he’d thought that was the worst thing that could happen. Yeah, right. His day only went downhill from there.

  “Uh-huh. You do know that just because you temporarily lost your starting spot on the team isn’t a reason to drink yourself into a stupor, right?” Concern flashed in Dixon’s amber eyes.

  “It is when my girl walks out because I’ve been demoted to the backup role behind a mouthy rookie.” He’d told Gloria what happened at dinner. She declared him past his prime and on the way down the ladder of success. Not only that, she told him she’d been seeing another guy. Rightfully so, she’d told him, as she intended to marry up the line of wealth and Tucker was going in the other direction. She’d stormed out, calling someone else to pick her up.

  Tucker paid the bill, hopped into his Porsche, and headed toward the party. The lure of free drink and a potential hookup too much temptation to resist.

  “She told me that I wasn’t good enough if I wasn’t a starter. My value was directly related to my salary, and my stock was dropping fast.” Her selfishness cut him to the bone. Still did.

  Dixon grimaced at Tucker’s explanation and anger heated his eyes. Then he simply studied Tucker for a long moment. “Yeah, that sucks. Big time. Still no reason to kill half your brain cells, though. Especially for a bitch like that.”

  “That’s what you think.” Tucker’s buzz started to fade with the discussion of his numerous personal problems.

  Dixon rested his hand on Tucker’s back and nudged him toward the front door. “We’ll see if you’re still saying that tomorrow morning.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “To my house. You can crash there and sleep it off. Better than staying here or trying to drive.” Dixon opened the door, directed Tucker through, and straight to Dixon’s car.

  “I don’t wanna go. I want to drink.” Tucker resisted.

  “Look, buddy. I’m not leaving you here to your own devices. Either cooperate and I take you to my house, or I’ll get reinforcements to help me load you up and drop you off on Banner’s doorstep.”

  Glancing around the room, Tucker made out a couple of Preston players. He knew if Dixon asked, they’d close ranks, hog-tie him, and toss his ass in the back of a truck. No doubt about it.

  Better to give in and fight another day. After all, he had enough issues with Banner without showing up out of the blue and drunk. “Okay. Okay.”

  Tucker shuffled his feet but didn’t bother to protest any further. The determination on his friend’s face told it all. Either Tucker complied or Dixon would follow through with his threat. In order to maintain his still halfway decent reputation, Tucker obliged Dixon. For now.

  After sliding into the passenger seat of a decent-sized SUV, Tucker relaxed into the posh leather seats with a small grin. “Nice, bro. Really nice.”

  Dixon closed the passenger door, then hurried around to climb into the driver’s seat. He settled quickly before shoving the key in the ignition. “I’m not much for expensive gadgets and such, but a little luxury now and again is needed.” He frowned over at Tucker. “You puke in my car and I’ll personally feed you to the sharks in the ocean.”

  “Not happening. I can hold my liquor.” Tucker held his hands up in the air, then belched.

  Dixon scowled, but remained mute, then pulled out of the lavish twisting driveway and onto the road.

  For a long time, Tucker did nothing more than lightly doze, not up to watching the streetlights fly by. Much better on his stomach to just focus on immobile objects like the moon in the sky. Without a steady infusion of alcohol, his mind had cleared quite a bit while leaving him with a carefree, happy mood.

  The best of both worlds and complements of his speedy shifter metabolism.

  The car slowed in a quiet cul-de-sac before Dixon pulled into the driveway of a modest two-story house. While not particularly wide, the upper level added economical space and a bit of class to the otherwise ordinary structure. Beige in color, the home sported landscaping around the edges and a medium-sized oak tree standing in the front yard. An immaculate yard spoke of professional care or a homeowner with a green thumb. Tucker didn’t know about Dixon’s skill with plants and grass, but as much as the team was on the road, surely he hired someone to do the work that kept it looking cared for and pristine.

  While most professional players tended to invest in large houses and pricey vehicles, Dixon reminded him of an average man. Nothing too flashy. At least what he’d glimpsed thus far.

  Dixon clicked on a device attached to his sun visor, waited for the garage door to rise, then pulled into the garage. Once inside, he turned the vehicle off and hit the button once again.

  Darkness surrounded them, but Tucker could see well enough with his enhanced eyesight, thanks to his wild dog genetics.

  “Come on. Let’s get inside.” Dixon stepped out, closing the car door behind him.

  Tucker took a second to find the latch, but finally managed to open the door and step out. He shoved it with his butt, hearing the light click when it caught.

  Instinctively, he followed Dixon into the house, not stopping until he nearly bumped into his teammate waiting at the bottom of a staircase.

  “Bedrooms are upstairs. Let’s go.”

  Tucker glanced up and shook his head. “I’d rather crash down here.”

  “Not happening.” Dixon stepped behind Tucker and gave him a hard nudge. “Climb.”

  As much as he wanted to argue, Tucker didn’t have the gumption or the energy. Besides, he felt too mellow to debate anything. He’d much rather laugh and have a good time instead. The carefree side of his inebriation was thankfully still in effect.

  Tucker managed to navigate his way up with the help of the handrails and Dixon’s steadying hand on his back. His legs felt oddly weak and a little rubbery. Like he’d run two dozen wind sprints on the practice field. With no real idea of a destination, he simply put one foot in front of the other, deciding he’d figure out the details once he arrived on the second floor.

  He hit the upper level and paused.

  Dixon strode ahead, grabbed Tucker by the arm and halfway dragged him to a nearby bedroom, not stopping until the back of Tucker’s knees bumped into the mattress on the bed.

  “Sit before you fall.”

  Tucker didn’t have time to complain before Dixon tugged his shirt upward, lifting Tucker’s arms in the process. Coolness wafted across his bare skin, helping to clear his head just a smidgen. Feel
ing good, he perked up enough to check out the new scenery. A regular bedroom, complete with nightstand, bed, and bathroom. Along with the lighter-haired Dixon who dominated the room with his sheer presence.

  Dominated. The term floated through his mind a couple of times, sticking soundly when he raked his teammate with his gaze.

  “Hand over those keys too.”

  “What keys?” Tucker couldn’t quite put the pieces together on Dixon’s question.

  Dixon rolled his eyes, then dug into Tucker’s pocket.

  A zing flashed up Tucker’s spine and landed in his groin. The accidental groping brought his libido back to life. Big time. Along with sending blood rushing to his quickly growing erection.

  Dixon’s hand fisted and jerked out of Tucker’s pants. The flash of metal in the light told Tucker that Dixon found what he sought. “Even though your car isn’t here, this should keep you grounded tonight. I don’t want you tempted to make your way back to that place and try to pick it up. We’ll do that tomorrow when you’re nice and sober.”

  The words flew at Tucker, but all he could think about was the sensation of Dixon digging in his pocket. The back of his hand rubbing on my aching cock felt so damn good. He had no idea it would fire up his desires and make him want to growl in demand for Dixon to do it again. Too bad he didn’t have to search a bit longer.

  Blinking at the unusual thought, he watched Dixon jam the keys into his own pocket, before carrying the shirt into the bathroom straight ahead, turning the water on, and rinsing the garment. The simple act didn’t catch his attention nearly as much as the movement of strong legs presently covered by khaki slacks and the wide, muscular shoulders flexing under the casual emerald-green oxford. The short, light brown hair added to the appeal as did the complementary amber color of Dixon’s eyes. The whole package. Sexy, primed, and primal. And right here for the taking.

  He drew in a breath, caught the unique scent of Dixon and felt his cock spring to life.

  Insight hit him like a Mack truck. He wanted Dixon. No ifs, ands, or maybes. Just right now. Nothing else would do.

  He tilted his head, let his gaze slide down to Dixon’s ass, and grinned. “You’re damn hot.”

  Dixon turned to stare at him with a befuddled expression on his face. His eyebrows furrowed as he flipped the shirt under the water with strong, sure hands.

  The same hands Tucker wanted roaming his body, clutching his butt, and jerking Tucker down on Dixon’s thick cock.

  Tucker had never even looked at another man the way he did Dixon. He’d been straight. Until this moment. “Goes to show what I know.”

  “What?” Dixon squeezed out the shirt, filled the sink with water, turned off the faucet, then lightly dropped the garment back in.

  Too turned-on to consider this new development in his sexual preferences, Tucker stood up, undid his pants, and let them drop to his knees. His erection sprang free easily since he rarely wore underwear.

  “I’m horny, and you’re one fine piece of ass.” Reaching down, Tucker began to strum himself.

  Dixon’s lips parted, but no words emerged.

  Tucker smiled as the unmistakable aroma of lust permeated the air. Not just from him, but from the gray fox shifter a few feet away. If that wasn’t telltale sign enough, Dixon’s slacks sported a decided tent. A large one at that.

  His arousal level doubled.

  “Fuck me.” The request easily rolled off his tongue.

  Dixon wiped his hand on a towel hanging in the bathroom before slowly approaching, his eyes never leaving Tucker’s face. “You’re drunk and don’t know what you’re doing.”

  “Oh, I know what I’m doing all right.” Tucker licked his lips. “I’m gonna taste your cock.” He reached out and fumbled with Dixon’s zipper. After Tucker lost his grip twice, Dixon took matters into his own hands and finished the task.

  Tucker whimpered as he found Dixon’s shaft covered by soft cotton material. Not to be deterred, he leaned forward and lipped the area, smiling when he felt the dick jump under his mouth.

  “Big man. Big hands. Big cock.” He used his teeth to pull at the material while shoving at the waistband of Dixon’s pants. They slid down just in time for Tucker to grab the boxers on the way, leaving Dixon’s cock free and ripe for viewing.

  He eyed the impressive shaft for a couple of seconds before opening wide and taking the mushroom head into his mouth.

  Dixon groaned, the sound carrying lightly through the room. “Tucker….”

  “Mmm.” He bobbed and took more into his mouth, laving the thick cock with his tongue.

  “Tucker. Damn. Wait. Not like this.” He clasped onto Tucker’s shoulders but didn’t push him away.

  All Tucker heard was the hesitation in Dixon’s voice and a desperate need from deep inside insisted he do something to sway the odds solidly into his favor. For once and for all. The fact that Dixon didn’t step away, along with the increasing scent of heightened arousal gave him the tenacity to press the issue.

  He reached around, grasped Dixon’s butt cheeks, and tugged him closer while adding vacuum to the blowjob he was presently performing. Drawing on what he’d liked in the past, Tucker gave Dixon everything he had, despite his lack of experience on this end. Nothing mattered more than convincing Dixon to climb into the bed and fuck him until the cows came home. He bobbed. He licked. He gave.

  “Tucker. Damn.” Dixon ran his hand through Tucker’s hair. “So good, but you’re going to make me come.”

  For a moment, Tucker debated on how to proceed. As much as he wanted to taste Dixon’s cum, he wanted to be taken even more.

  Pulling back, he let Dixon’s cock exit his mouth before grinning. “You ready to fuck me?”

  Hesitation once again clouded Dixon’s face.

  “I think you are.” Tucker stood up as he used one hand to stroke Dixon’s shaft. “I want you. Bad.” He leaned in, pressed his lips against Dixon’s, and caressed them with all the finesse he could gather.

  After only a second, Dixon responded. He opened his mouth, licked at the seam of Tucker’s lips, then plundered. Deep. Skillful. Intense.

  The hottest kiss Tucker had ever experienced happened to be from a man and his own teammate. The realization proved fleeting as Dixon ran his hands over Tucker’s chest a couple of times before heading south, shoving Tucker’s clothes into a pile around his feet.

  Automatically, Tucker stepped out of the puddle of clothes, then gasped as Dixon found his aching cock. White heat shot through his system, adding to the unbridled passion already set free.

  “I need you. Now.” He uttered the words between kisses.

  Dixon licked along Tucker’s jawline, then over his shoulder. “Mmm.”

  Tucker could have stood there all day, enjoying the multiple sensations that Dixon poured on him. Would have if his randy dick didn’t begin to throb in high demand. The hand job pushed him higher but not near enough. Nothing short of bending over and letting Dixon take him would do.

  “Dixon. Please. Fuck me.” He stepped back to read Dixon’s expression.

  Hot, sultry hunger reflected in Dixon’s eyes as well as his features. His jaw tightened as his nostrils flared. Large hands reached out to caress Tucker’s nipples into pebbles while Dixon’s chest expanded with increasing speed.

  The scent of arousal hung in the air. Unmistakable. Delicious. Potent. And all too addictive.

  “Are you sure?” Dixon whispered.

  “Absolutely.” Tucker smiled wickedly. “I want you to be the first to tap my ass.” Never had he thought he’d say those words. Yet, nothing else would do. He’d never remotely thought about bending over for anyone. Except Dixon. Something about the man made Tucker want to cry out with unfulfilled need. For the moment, anyway.

  Dixon’s lips parted as his amber eyes flashed and darkened a hue or two. He sidestepped to a bedside table, opened the top drawer, and pulled out a white tube. After removing the cap, he squeezed a generous dollop onto his palm, and spread it all
over his cock.

  The action whetted Tucker’s desire even more. “How do you want me?”

  Dixon tilted his head as if pondering the question. “On your back. I want to watch your face as I fuck you.”

  Tucker climbed to the center of the bed and spread out.

  Dixon followed him, edging between Tucker’s spread legs. Instinctively, Tucker bent his knees and splayed his thighs, making his hole an easy target.

  Another squirt of gel and Dixon tossed the lube to the side of the bed. He ran his finger down Tucker’s crack before dipping the tip of one finger inside.

  The chill startled Tucker even as Dixon’s touch warmed him right back up.

  “I can’t wait to taste you.” Dixon smiled, bent over, and ran his tongue along the length of Tucker’s cock at the same time he pressed his finger inside.

  The dual sensations elicited a moan from Tucker and set forth another wave of passion. His hips arched in reaction.

  Dixon continued to suck, alternating with flicking his tongue over the sensitive tip and licking. At the same time, he plied Tucker with his fingers. One digit soon became two as he delved deeper and worked the snugness into relaxation.

  “This is going to be so damn hot.”

  Tucker managed a small grin as he rocked his pelvis in a futile attempt to hurry Dixon up. “You’re driving me crazy.”

  Dixon smiled back with excited promise. “And you’re sexy. So fucking sexy. I can’t wait to shove balls-deep in your ass and feel you come.”

  “Do it,” Tucker challenged, eager to receive more than a couple of fingers in his ass.

  “Patience, buddy.” Dixon edged forward, removed his touch, then placed the tip of his cock at Tucker’s entrance. Since shifters didn’t carry disease, there was no need for a condom. “I want this to be perfect.”

  Tucker held his breath, then moaned when Dixon began peppering kisses along his torso and finally up to his neck.

  In return, Tucker ran his hands over Dixon, taking advantage of the opportunity to learn the hills and valleys of Dixon’s highly muscular and conditioned chest and arms. Everywhere he could reach, he explored. The feel of Dixon’s soft skin along with the ridges added another element to the already potent potion. He opened his mouth, met Dixon’s questing lips, and thrust his tongue inside for a quick foray.