Heated Rivalry (Game Changers, #2)

by Rachel Reid

“Kind of a dick,” Shane said.

For the rest of his life, Shane Hollander would have to live with the fact that he had ended his NHL draft day by getting himself off to thoughts of Ilya Rozanov.

Fuck. This was really gay.

Ilya was grinning like an idiot for the entire cab ride back to his hotel.

It was as if, with every heave of the cup over his head, Rozanov was saying “Fuck you, fuck you. I did it. Fuck you,” To someone.

“Yes, sweetheart,”

“I got, um, ginger ale. You like that shit, right?”

He looked pleased.

Rozanov returned with two plates that he seemed to put some care into arranging tuna melts, potato chips, and dill pickles on. “Another drink?” he asked.

“Oh god. Shane...”

Ilya put his hand over his mouth to hide his ridiculous smile.

“I looked up the word,” Ilya said. “Compatible.”

sitting up, the white bedsheet covering his bent knees. He was chewing his lip, as if considering whether or not to say something. There was a long, tense silence between them, and then Ilya said, “Good night. Shane.”

Because the hall was empty, no one saw the smile that nearly split Shane’s face in half.

“Just...call me, all right? If you need to talk. Or text me. Whatever. But... I’ll listen. I want to help, if I can.” Ilya was silent for a moment. “You did. Thank you.”

“Tell me everything you want to say,” he said. “In Russian. I won’t understand but...maybe it will help?” There was a silence that was long enough for Shane to physically cringe at himself. He was about to take it back, when he heard Ilya quietly say, “Okay.”

“and on top of everything, I’m pretty sure I’m in love with you and I don’t know what to do about it.”

“I am not alone,” Ilya said. “You are here now, yes?”

“Yes. Am I not using that word right? Very beautiful. Um...take my breath?”

“I’m fucked,” he murmured in Russian. “I am so fucking in love and it’s horrible.”

“Is he all right?” Ilya’s voice again. No one answered him. “Tell him,” Shane said. “Tell him I’m fine.”

“I’m coming to the cottage.”

He looked stunned and way, way too happy.

Ilya couldn’t believe what he had been reduced to. He was...infatuated. It was disgusting.

“But you would be so proud of me!”

“I want to sleep in your bed, Shane Hollander,” Ilya murmured.

“Is there more wood for the fire?” Ilya asked. “Yeah. There’s lots.” “Good.”

“I do not want the problem to ever go away.”

“All this time,” Dad said quietly, almost to himself. “You’ve been holding this secret inside. The whole time.”

“I have been with lots of women. That was not...fake. But...” He looked at Shane, and Shane held his breath. “I have only been in love with one person.”

“Boyfriend?” Such a ridiculous word. Such a ridiculous, wonderful word. Ilya shrugged and grinned. “I think, yes?” “Yes.”