J.M. Snyder

Seventh Inning Stretch by J.M. Snyder

GENRE: Contemporary, Erotica, Superhero
LENGTH: 26,316 words

This story is included in the anthology, Vic and Matt Book II: Everyday Hero

BLURB:

Every year, a local hospice hosts a charity baseball tournament played by four gyms in the Richmond area. This year, the gym where Matt diLorenzo works is chosen to compete. When Matt misses another staff meeting because he’s “busy in bed,” his coworker Roxie signs him up to captain one of the gym’s two baseball teams. The first person Matt plans to recruit is his lover Vic Braunson, whose super powers will definitely help out on the field.

Unfortunately, the gym has segregated their teams into staff and members. Matt works at the gym; he heads the staff team. Vic, a member, is asked to play on the members’ team.

Disappointed, Matt suggests they abstain from sex for the next week to avoid giving Vic any powers that might help his team win the ballgame. But before long, Matt discovers that keeping his hands to himself is easier said than done. And when the two teams face off against each other, he finds it almost impossible to keep his mind on the game.

Through the mental connection they share, Vic picks up on Matt’s lustful thoughts. They ruin his concentration, and threaten to throw the game. Matt wants him, bad. So he corners his lover in the locker room during the seventh inning stretch to find out just what Matt has in mind.

EXCERPT:

One kiss led to another, and they distracted Matt from the bothersome thought that buzzed through his head like an annoying insect. But Vic picked up on the distraction, and turned his face from Matt's to interrupt the moment. "So you're thinking of the game. What about it?"

Resting his head on Vic's shoulder, Matt sighed. He wasn't sure how to say what was on his mind without coming off sounding ... well, bad. "You know," he said, his voice low between them, "I just thought, maybe, it might be ... I don't know, wrong? For you to have such an advantage over everyone else on the other teams just because of me."

Vic glanced at him sharply. "What are you saying?"

"These powers," Matt explained. "They give you an edge, you know? And maybe that's not right."

"They come from you," Vic said. His brow furrowed, darkening. "From our love. What's not right about that?"

"Just for the game." Matt sighed and ran a hand over Vic's bald head, savoring the touch of smooth skin beneath his fingertips. "I'm not saying they're wrong -- hey're not. I love you, you love me, and the powers come out of that, I know. But maybe we shouldn't ... you know ..."

Vic prompted, "Fuck?"

Matt grinned. "Just until the game's over. It wouldn't be the first time we've held out for a week, right? And it'll put us on a more even playing field, that's all I'm saying."

Vic stared at him, silent. Matt met his gaze, but for once, he couldn't read what went on behind those baby blue eyes he loved so much. After a long minute, he prodded his lover's thoughts and in a small voice, whispered, "Don't be mad."

"I'm not." Vic's arms tightened around Matt's waist, hugging him close. He kissed the tip of Matt's nose, and his eyes softened as he stared into Matt's. "Look, I think you're right. Not because I'd use the powers to win or anything --"

"I know you wouldn't," Matt said quickly.

Vic continued, "But because sometimes I can't control them. And the last thing I need is some freaky power the day before the final game that blows it for my team."

"Or my team," Matt reminded him. "We might win."

Vic gave him an indulgent grin. "Why am I thinking if we were on the same team, we wouldn't be having this little talk?"