Rookie Temptations Ignite

Grant Blackwood, a rookie catcher with big dreams, and Declan Steele, a seasoned shortstop with a strict "no dating teammates" rule, meet at spring training. Both are openly gay in a world that's mostly accepting, but their mutual attraction is immediate and electric. Grant is determined to focus on baseball, but Declan's confidence and charm are impossible to ignore. Their first interactions are laced with banter, admiration, and a simmering tension that neither can fully suppress. The stage is set for a collision between ambition and desire, as both men try to keep their eyes on the game and off each other, even as the pull between them grows stronger with every passing day.

Ironclad Rules, Shaky Hearts

Declan's personal code—never date a fellow ballplayer, especially not a teammate—has kept his career and emotions in check. He's learned the hard way that love and baseball rarely mix, and he's determined not to repeat past mistakes. Grant, meanwhile, is a rookie with everything to prove, carrying his own scars from a turbulent family and a history of being outed before he was ready. Both men use discipline and focus as shields, but their rules are tested as their connection deepens. The tension between what they want and what they believe they need creates a powder keg of longing, setting the stage for inevitable rule-breaking.

Spring Training, New Beginnings

As spring training kicks off in Arizona, Grant is welcomed into the team with the usual rookie hazing—messy, humiliating, but ultimately bonding. He's determined to earn his place, impress the veterans, and keep his crush on Declan under wraps. Declan, coming off a messy breakup and family drama, is equally resolved to keep things professional. Yet, the more time they spend together—on the field, in the gym, during early morning runs—the more their camaraderie grows. The team's acceptance of Grant's sexuality is a relief, but the real challenge is the growing intimacy between him and Declan, which threatens to upend both their plans.

Hazing, Humor, and Heat

The team's hazing rituals—ketchup, mustard, whipped cream, and all—serve as icebreakers, but also as a way for Grant and Declan to test the waters of their dynamic. Their banter is quick, their chemistry undeniable, and their mutual respect as athletes only fuels the attraction. As they compete in drills and races, their playful rivalry becomes a safe space for flirtation. The humor and camaraderie of the team provide cover for the growing heat between them, but beneath the jokes, both men are acutely aware of the risks and rewards of giving in to temptation.

Locker Room Confessions

When a locker room joke gives Grant the perfect opening, he casually comes out to the team, diffusing any potential tension with humor and confidence. Declan admires Grant's courage, recalling his own awkward coming-out experience years earlier. Their shared openness creates a bond of trust, and they begin to confide in each other about their pasts—failed relationships, family wounds, and the pressures of being queer athletes. The locker room, once a place of potential danger, becomes a sanctuary where honesty and vulnerability are possible, deepening their connection beyond physical attraction.

Morning Workouts, Growing Sparks

Grant and Declan fall into a routine of early morning workouts—running, lifting, and talking before the rest of the team arrives. These private moments become the highlight of their days, a space where they can be themselves without the eyes of the world. Their conversations range from music and movies to family and dreams, each revealing more of their true selves. The physical exertion is matched by emotional intimacy, and the line between friendship and something more blurs. Yet, both are careful to maintain boundaries, aware that one misstep could jeopardize everything they've worked for.

Flirting Boundaries, Blurred Lines

The playful banter between Grant and Declan becomes increasingly charged, with double entendres and lingering touches that test the limits of their self-control. They challenge each other—on the track, in the weight room, and in conversation—each pushing the other to be better, both on and off the field. The team notices their chemistry, but chalks it up to camaraderie. Inside, both men are wrestling with desire and fear, knowing that crossing the line could mean disaster. The tension builds to a breaking point, as neither can deny the depth of their feelings much longer.

Past Scars, Present Fears

Both men carry emotional baggage—Declan from a father who let him down and a string of failed relationships, Grant from parents who were absent or toxic, and a traumatic outing in high school. These scars shape their approach to intimacy and trust, making them wary of vulnerability. As they open up to each other, sharing stories of pain and resilience, they find solace in their similarities. Yet, the fear of repeating past mistakes looms large, and both struggle to believe they deserve happiness. Their budding relationship becomes a test of whether they can overcome the ghosts of their histories.

Friendship, Focus, and Flirtation

As spring training intensifies, so does the pressure to perform. Grant is locked in a battle for the starting catcher position, while Declan faces the possibility of being traded. Both are determined to keep their focus on baseball, but their friendship—and the flirtation that underpins it—becomes a source of strength and distraction. They support each other through slumps and setbacks, offering encouragement and tough love. The line between teammates and something more grows ever thinner, and the question becomes not if, but when, they will give in to what they both want.

The Kiss That Changes Everything

After weeks of tension, a late-night drive and a moment of honesty lead to a kiss that shatters all pretense. The passion between Grant and Declan is explosive, and once the dam breaks, there's no going back. Their first physical encounter is intense, hungry, and deeply emotional, leaving both men reeling. The kiss is a turning point, forcing them to confront the reality of their feelings and the consequences of their actions. The rules they clung to for safety are now in tatters, replaced by a new, riskier kind of hope.

Secrets, Jealousy, and Selfies

As their secret affair intensifies, so do the complications. Declan's jealousy flares when he suspects Grant might be interested in someone else, and Grant's insecurities surface as he navigates his first real relationship. They exchange sexy selfies and late-night messages, pushing the boundaries of their connection. The secrecy required by their situation adds both excitement and strain, as they struggle to balance their public personas with their private desires. The risk of being discovered looms, but the thrill of being together is worth it—at least for now.

Rules Broken, Hearts Exposed

Realizing they can't resist each other, Grant and Declan set ground rules for their affair: no falling in love, no public displays, and a clear end date. But as they work through Grant's "list" of firsts—his first time with a man, his first time topping and bottoming, his first real intimacy—the rules become impossible to enforce. Each encounter brings them closer, emotionally as well as physically. Vulnerability replaces bravado, and both men begin to realize that what they have is more than just a fling. The heart wants what it wants, and theirs are no longer under their control.

First Times, Lasting Impressions

Grant's inexperience becomes a source of tenderness and excitement as Declan guides him through his first sexual experiences. Their nights together are filled with exploration, laughter, and mutual discovery. The trust they build in the bedroom spills over into their daily lives, making them better teammates and better men. Each "first" is a milestone, not just for Grant, but for Declan as well, who finds himself feeling things he thought he'd locked away. The physical connection cements an emotional bond that neither can deny, even as the end of spring training—and their time together—draws near.

Vulnerability and Trust

As their relationship deepens, both men are forced to confront their deepest fears—of rejection, of failure, of not being enough. They share stories of past hurts and present hopes, finding comfort in each other's arms. The vulnerability they show each other is both terrifying and liberating, and it becomes clear that trust is the foundation of their connection. Yet, the specter of the team, the season, and the future hangs over them. They know their time is limited, but neither is ready to let go. The question becomes whether love can survive the realities of their world.

The List: Lessons in Lust

Grant's "list" of sexual experiences he wants to try becomes a roadmap for their nights together. Declan is a patient and enthusiastic teacher, and Grant is a quick study, eager to please and be pleased. Their sexual chemistry is off the charts, but it's the emotional intimacy that truly sets them apart. Each lesson is a step toward self-acceptance and mutual understanding. The list, once a playful challenge, becomes a symbol of their willingness to grow together, to take risks, and to embrace the unknown.

Falling Hard, Falling Fast

Despite their best efforts to keep things casual, both men find themselves falling—hard and fast. The intensity of their connection is undeniable, and the prospect of losing each other becomes a source of real pain. They begin to imagine a future together, even as they know it's impossible. The fear of heartbreak is matched only by the fear of regret. As the end of spring training approaches, they must decide whether to walk away or fight for what they've found. The stakes are higher than ever, and the outcome is far from certain.

Team Pressure, Personal Doubt

Grant's battle for the starting catcher position reaches a fever pitch, and the pressure begins to affect his game. Declan, facing a potential trade, is torn between his loyalty to the team and his feelings for Grant. Both men struggle to compartmentalize their emotions, but the lines between personal and professional are hopelessly blurred. The team's expectations, the media's scrutiny, and their own self-doubt threaten to unravel everything they've built. The cost of love becomes painfully clear, and both must confront the possibility of losing not just each other, but their dreams.

The Game Within the Game

The rhythms of the season—practice, games, wins, and losses—mirror the ups and downs of Grant and Declan's relationship. Every at-bat, every pitch, every play becomes a test of focus and resilience. The lessons they learn on the field—about teamwork, perseverance, and trust—echo in their private lives. As the competition for roster spots intensifies, so does the urgency of their connection. The game within the game is not just about baseball, but about learning to play for keeps, to risk everything for a shot at happiness.

Public Faces, Private Longing

As their affair continues, Grant and Declan become experts at hiding their feelings in public—on the field, in the locker room, at team events. The need for secrecy adds a bittersweet edge to their encounters, making every stolen moment more precious. Friends and teammates suspect nothing, but the strain of living a double life takes its toll. The desire to be seen, to be known, to be loved openly becomes a quiet ache. The world may be more accepting, but the realities of professional sports still demand caution. Their longing for each other is matched only by their longing for freedom.

Goodbye Teammate, Hello Possibility

When Declan is traded to another team, the rules change. No longer teammates, the possibility of a real relationship emerges. They spend one last night together, making promises for the off-season and daring to hope for more. The future is uncertain—Grant's roster spot is still in jeopardy, and Declan must adjust to a new city and a new team—but the love they've found gives them strength. As they part ways, both are changed by what they've shared. The story ends not with a happily ever after, but with the promise of one—a love that's survived the odds, and a hope that, someday, they'll get to play for keeps.

Characters

Grant Blackwood

Grant is a talented, ambitious young catcher on the cusp of his Major League dream. Raised by loving grandparents after a chaotic childhood, he's open about his sexuality but carries deep scars from being outed before he was ready and from parents who were unreliable at best. Grant is earnest, hardworking, and fiercely loyal, with a quick wit and a big heart. His inexperience in love and sex is matched by his willingness to learn and his desire to do things right. Grant's journey is one of self-discovery—learning to trust, to be vulnerable, and to believe he deserves happiness. His relationship with Declan is both a source of strength and a crucible for growth, forcing him to confront his fears and embrace the possibility of love.

Declan Steele

Declan is a star player with a reputation for excellence and a strict set of personal rules designed to protect his heart and his career. Out and proud, he's no stranger to relationships, but his past is littered with heartbreak and betrayal—especially from a father who let him down and lovers who couldn't handle the demands of his life. Declan is charming, confident, and fiercely private, using discipline as a shield against chaos. His attraction to Grant is immediate and intense, but it also terrifies him, threatening the control he's worked so hard to maintain. Declan's arc is one of learning to let go, to risk vulnerability, and to accept that love, like baseball, is a game best played with your whole heart.

Reese

Reese is Grant's childhood best friend, the person who knows him better than anyone. Supportive, sassy, and fiercely protective, she's the first person Grant comes out to and the one he turns to for advice and comfort. Reese's unwavering belief in Grant gives him the courage to pursue his dreams and his heart. She serves as a sounding board, a reality check, and a source of unconditional love, reminding Grant of who he is and what he deserves.

Crosby Cash

Crosby is the team's third baseman, known for his quick wit, competitive spirit, and willingness to haze the rookies. He's a source of levity and camaraderie, helping to create a supportive team environment. Crosby's friendship with both Grant and Declan is genuine, and his acceptance of Grant's sexuality is matter-of-fact. He represents the best of the new generation of athletes—open-minded, inclusive, and focused on the game.

Chance Ashford

Chance is the team's star pitcher and one of the first to welcome Grant. Married and secure in his own life, he serves as a mentor and role model, offering advice and support without judgment. Chance's calm demeanor and quiet confidence make him a stabilizing force on the team, and his friendship with Declan is built on mutual respect and shared experience as out athletes.

Sullivan

Sullivan is Grant's fellow rookie and former roommate in the minors. Easygoing and supportive, he's quick to offer advice and encouragement, especially when Grant's confidence wavers. Sullivan's own struggles with performance anxiety and the pressures of making the team mirror Grant's, creating a bond of empathy and understanding. He's a reminder that everyone, no matter how talented, needs a friend in their corner.

Emma

Emma is Declan's longtime friend and confidante, the person who helped him find his voice and his courage in college. Wise, witty, and fiercely loyal, she provides a safe space for Declan to be himself, offering perspective and support without judgment. Emma's presence in Declan's life is a reminder that chosen family can be as important as blood, and her acceptance of Grant is immediate and wholehearted.

River

River is the owner of The Lazy Hammock, a gay bar in Scottsdale, and the brother of Grant's tattoo artist. Warm, welcoming, and perceptive, he provides a safe haven for Grant and Declan to explore their connection away from the pressures of the team. River's acceptance and subtle encouragement represent the broader queer community's support, and his bar is a symbol of the world they hope to live in—one where love is love, and everyone is welcome.

Haven

Haven is Grant's no-nonsense agent, fiercely committed to his success and well-being. She's a source of practical advice and behind-the-scenes support, working to ensure Grant gets a fair shot at his dream. Haven's presence is a reminder of the business side of sports, and her advocacy is crucial as Grant navigates the uncertainties of his rookie season.

Grant's Grandfather

Grant's grandfather is the steady, loving presence in his life, the person who taught him about baseball, hard work, and integrity. His daily check-ins and unwavering support give Grant the foundation he needs to pursue his dreams. The grandfather's wisdom and perspective help Grant weather the storms of both the game and his heart, reminding him that he is never alone.

Plot Devices

Dual POV Narrative Structure

The story unfolds through the alternating first-person perspectives of Grant and Declan, allowing readers intimate access to both men's thoughts, fears, and desires. This structure creates dramatic irony, as each man's internal struggles and misconceptions are revealed to the reader before they are to each other. The dual POV heightens the emotional stakes, making the eventual union more satisfying and the obstacles more poignant.

Foreshadowing and Thematic Echoes

The narrative is laced with foreshadowing—Grant's five-year plan, Declan's ironclad rules, the repeated warnings about rookie distractions, and the ever-present threat of being sent down or traded. These elements build tension and anticipation, signaling that the path to love will not be smooth. The use of recurring symbols—Grant's arrow tattoo, the morning workouts, the "list" of firsts—serves as thematic anchors, echoing the story's central questions about focus, vulnerability, and the courage to risk everything for love.

The "List" as Plot Engine

Grant's list of sexual experiences he wants to try becomes a literal and metaphorical roadmap for the relationship. Each item checked off is both a physical milestone and an emotional breakthrough, marking the progression from lust to love. The list provides structure to their affair, but also becomes a source of conflict as it nears completion, forcing both men to confront what they truly want.

Sports as Metaphor for Love

The rhythms of the game—practice, competition, teamwork, and resilience—mirror the ups and downs of Grant and Declan's relationship. The pressures of making the team, the fear of failure, and the need for trust on the field become metaphors for the risks and rewards of intimacy. The narrative uses the language and structure of baseball to explore deeper questions about ambition, belonging, and the meaning of home.

Secrecy and Public Persona

The need to keep their relationship secret—first because of team rules, later because of professional risk—creates both excitement and anxiety. The contrast between their public faces and private longing adds layers of complexity, as every interaction is fraught with the possibility of discovery. The tension between authenticity and self-protection is a central theme, driving both the plot and the characters' growth.

Analysis

Scoring With Him is more than a sports romance—it's a nuanced exploration of what it means to be vulnerable in a world that demands strength, to risk your heart when everything is on the line. Through the dual journeys of Grant and Declan, the novel interrogates the costs of ambition, the legacy of family wounds, and the transformative power of trust. The baseball setting is not just a backdrop but a living metaphor for the emotional stakes of love: the need for focus, the inevitability of failure, and the hope of redemption. The story's refusal to shy away from the realities of queer life in sports—while also imagining a world largely free of homophobia—offers both escapism and aspiration. Ultimately, the novel argues that the greatest victories are not won on the field, but in the willingness to be seen, to be known, and to love without reservation. The ending, with its promise of future possibility rather than tidy resolution, is a testament to the messy, beautiful, unfinished business of the human heart.

Last updated: November 19, 2025