The Long Game (Game Changers, #6)

by Rachel Reid

“The view was not bad. From behind. Almost worth staying there.” Shane didn’t know how his boyfriend was able to speak in full sentences. “Shut up.” “I like those little shorts.” Shane laughed, but it sounded more like a steam engine puffing. “Thanks.”

ugh I love them lmao

“Don’t apologize. I love you guys, and I’m happy for you.” She laughed. “Can’t say I predicted this when I woke up this morning. May I ask how long you’ve been together?” Shane and Ilya shared a smile, then Ilya said, “A long time. Years.” “So it isn’t brand-new,” Farah said, more to herself than to them, Shane suspected. “Not to ask a stupid question, but it’s serious?” “Very,” Ilya said. Shane’s heart flipped the way it always did when Ilya made it clear how much Shane meant to him.

A LONG FUCKING TIME 10 YEARS BABY

“I wouldn’t mind boring,” Shane mumbled. “Shane loves boring,” Ilya said.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

“Why’d you do it? Because Laurent’s handsome?” “Laurent.” Ilya took a triumphant step toward him. “So you are attracted to him.” “What? No. I mean, yes. He’s nice to look at but—” “And he liked looking at you.” Shane paused at that, and his cheeks pinked in a way that Ilya normally loved. He was not so into it now. “As if,” Shane said. “You weren’t even there.” “I could tell.” Shane was only inches away from him now, his head tilted back so he could glare directly at Ilya despite their height difference. “You almost gave me a heart attack with that stupid puck, and why? Because you thought I was flirting?” Ilya huffed. “You do not know how to flirt.” Shane’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Ilya.” Ilya looked away. “I was jealous, maybe.” “Keep going.” “I... It was stupid, okay? I am not proud.”

I love jealous Ilya :’)

Ilya shrugged. “Maybe you would think he was nice. Hot. Not a rival hockey player.” He was terrified that one day Shane would realize he could be with someone who wasn’t a dark secret. That it could be easy to love someone.

IM GONNA JUMP

“Shane—” “No. Shut up. If you really don’t get that I’m not going to leave you for the first cute guy who smiles at me, then I don’t know what we’re even doing, Ilya.” “I’m sorry,” Ilya said, because suddenly he really was. “Was a weird day. I was maybe just...” He sighed. “I’m sorry.” Shane rested a hand on Ilya’s chest. “I’m yours. You know that.” “I know.” Ilya found himself leaning in for a kiss, completely forgetting where they were.

AHHHHHHHHH

“No,” Yuna said. “Your mom is the one making dinner at the end of a long day while you sit on your butt and mope. Come help.” “I’m helping,” Ilya couldn’t resist pointing out. “I know you are.” Yuna patted his cheek. “That’s why you’re my favorite son.” Ilya grinned at Shane, who tried to look annoyed but mostly failed because his eyes had gone soft.

I LOVE THEM MY HEART