The Long Game (Game Changers, #6)

by Rachel Reid

“The view was not bad. From behind. Almost worth staying there.”

“I like those little shorts.”

“I know you are.” Yuna patted his cheek. “That’s why you’re my favorite son.”

Kiss me, Ilya wanted to say. Kiss me and hold me in front of all these people. Pull me onstage and do it. I don’t care anymore. Please. I’m dying.

Ilya smiled at the photo of teenage Shane. “Ya lyublyu tebya.” “Ya vsegda budu tebya lubit,” Shane replied.

And then, Shane winked at the camera. Winked. And Ilya knew it was meant for him.

I look at you and I am just...” Ilya opened and closed his fist several times in front of his chest. “My heart goes crazy, you know?” Shane’s own heart started going a little crazy. “You should see a doctor about that.” Ilya grinned and shook his head. “Is just being in love, I think.”

“When you watch it, this is what you will see. Me saying nothing. I wanted to say you are fucking everything to me. Everything. Okay?”

“Dear Hayden,” Ilya said aloud as he typed. “My boyfriend is sad because he has a very annoying coworker and needs to be cheered up. Could you send him a video and sing him his favorite song, ‘O Canada’?”

Smoking was one thing, but littering was one bad habit too far.

“I already chose you, Hollander.”

“I would give up more,” Ilya said simply. “Anything for you.”

You are the best thing in my life.

I love you. Always. Maybe from the first time I saw you.

I am thinking only about you right now. A million memories. Thank you for those. Whatever happens, I am with you. Safe in your heart. I believe it.

“Follow me?” Ilya smiled. “Anywhere.”

“Is this because I almost died?” Ilya teased. “No. It’s because I almost died.”

Then Shane stood and said, “I choose him. Come on, Ilya.”