Game Changer (Game Changers, #1)

by Rachel Reid

Scott stroked the backs of his fingers over Kip’s face. “It’s completely selfish, actually. I want to see you in a tux that was tailored to your gorgeous body. I might not be able to dance with you that night, but you’ll know I’ll be wishing I was.” Kip felt winded. Scott kissed him again and murmured, “I want you wearing the suit I bought you. And later, when we’re alone, I want to take it off you.”

He turned and saw Scott across the room. He was talking to a small group, smiling, and standing head and shoulders over all of the others. He was dashing as hell in his classic black tuxedo. Elena gently hit his arm, which caused him to turn back to her. “Stop staring!” she hissed. “Okay! Can—can he see me? Has he spotted me yet?” “Not yet. You guys need to be a lot stealthier if you’re going to fool anyone.” “What are you talking about? I’m fine. Has he looked yet?” “No. But if he does come over here—Okay, he sees you.” “How can you tell?” “Because he just lit up like the goddamn sun. Jesus. You guys are doomed.”

“What. The. Fuck,” she said. “Okay, that probably looked—” “So you two are—?” “Sort of. I don’t know. Just please don’t tell anyone.” “Holy shit!” “I’m serious! Don’t say a word. Promise me, okay?” “I promise! Of course I promise! But you have to tell me something. I need some details!” “One detail.” “One?” “One.” She made a face that implied that she was thinking very hard, then grabbed a cucumber out of the fridge and laid it on the counter. She picked up a knife and held it near the center of the cucumber. “Okay, you tell me when I hit the approximate length.” “No.” She moved the knife a bit. “Come on. I’m not doing this.” She moved it again and raised an eyebrow. Kip glared at her, and then rolled his eyes and said, “A bit farther.” Maria screamed. “Oh my god! I knew it! You lucky bitch!”

“I’m tired of being careful,” Scott sighed. Neither man said anything for a moment, then Todd said, “How would you even do it? Make the announcement, I mean? Did you have a plan?” “I don’t know. I was thinking about seeing if Sports Illustrated wanted the story. Maybe doing it that way?” “They will definitely want the story. I’ll bet we could get a high bid for this thing, but we’d have to be smart about how we shop it.” “No,” Scott said. “I’m not looking for money for this. That’s not why I’m doing it.” “Yeah, but you may as well—” “Todd. Stop.” He smiled. “But I like that you’re considering a strategy now.” “I still don’t think you should do it.” “Noted.” “Fuck. You’re gonna do it anyway, aren’t you?” “Probably.” “Jesus Christ. I’d better re-up on my antacid pills. Just…don’t do anything without telling me, all right? Preferably, don’t do anything at all. Ever.” “Stay in the closet forever. Got it.” “What’s wrong with the closet? It’s a wonderful place crammed full of professional athletes.” “Goodnight, Todd.”

“Hey,” Bennett said, after they separated, “what’s his name?” Scott grinned. “Kip.” Carter looked suddenly delighted. “Kip!” he said. “That is the cutest fucking thing I’ve ever heard! Are you kidding me with that shit?” “Thank god,” Huff said. “I thought you were gonna say you were secretly dating Rozanov.” “Rozanov wishes,” Scott said.

“For the record,” Carter said, “if you had to choose between the three of us—” “No,” Scott said. “Come on,” Carter said. “I mean, I assume it’s me, but—” “Bennett,” Scott said, just to bother Carter. “Makes sense.” Huff nodded. “Bennett seems like a cuddler.” They all laughed and it was good. Scott loved them all.