Game Changer (Game Changers, #1)

by Rachel Reid

“I don’t know how I got to be so lucky,” Kip interrupted, “but being able to share anything with you makes me really happy.”

Scott started talking excitedly about some beach town in Spain or Italy he’d been to and didn’t seem to notice that Kip was starting to spiral.

Because he’s not a fucking mind reader

Between the hockey tickets, the tuxedo, and the time spent in the penthouse, Kip had already accepted way too much from him. What could Kip possibly give him in return? An all-expenses-paid trip to some five-star incognito gay beach resort would only increase the debt Kip was keeping a running tally of.

Nothing ruins relationships faster than score keeping 🤦🏻‍♀️

“What’s wrong with the closet? It’s a wonderful place crammed full of professional athletes.”

“Jesus Christ, Hunter,” Murdock said. “Can I get the bullet-point format of this thing?” “I’m gay.” Murdock froze, and stared at Scott like he’d just told him he was a wizard.

“When you have a secret that you work as hard to protect as I did,” Scott said, “it’s exhausting. It’s a nonstop effort, trying to keep it hidden, and the fear of people finding out consumes you. It also makes you lonely.” He paused a moment. He was probably overstaying his welcome, but he wasn’t done. “I’ve been extremely fortunate. I have a lot, and I’m grateful. But I was always missing something very important in my life. And this year, I found it.”

“I’ve attended a lot of my teammates’ weddings over the years, and I listened to a lot of speeches about love, or finding that person who changes everything for them. I never really got it, though. I’d assumed that I never would get it. It wasn’t for me. But this year… I met someone. I met that person. The person who changes everything. And he gave me the confidence, and the strength, and the need, to be honest about who I am. Fear is a powerful thing, but this year I found the thing that is more powerful.” People were turning to look at Kip now. There was probably a camera on him too, for the live broadcast. “So I share this honor with my teammates, and my coaches,” Scott said, needing to wrap it up, “but I also share it with you, Kip. You have made me better, in every way. I love you.”