Game Changers Quotes

A year ago—hell, a month ago—Scott would never have imagined this scenario. Out at a gay club with his best friends—his teammates—and his boyfriend and, uh, Ilya Rozanov.

He needed to get out of here, or make peace with the fact that he was going to fuck Kip against a wall in front of god and Ilya Rozanov.

Rozanov seemed to consider this. “Is good. What you did. It will be good for…others.” There was something in Rozanov’s eyes that caught Scott’s attention. He hadn’t ever seen that look on his face before. Was it gratitude, maybe? “I hope so,” Scott said. Rozanov held his gaze for another second, and then looked away.

Elena had left the game at some point, but she had texted him. Congratulations. You boys just made history.

“You must be Kip,” Huff said. “I am, yes.” “Figured. The kissing gave it away.”

“You did it!” Kip said. “I did it,” Scott agreed. They stood there for a moment, still holding each other and smiling, and maybe it was the adrenaline pumping through him, or maybe the whole night had just felt like such a wonderful dream and there was only one thing that could make it perfect and that was… He could see the surprise in Kip’s eyes as Scott leaned in and kissed him. Scott thought it might just be a quick peck, but as soon as their lips touched, he just went for it. He kissed Kip like they were alone and maybe hadn’t seen each other in months. He kissed him like a man who had everything he had ever dreamed of.

And that’s when the tears came. Scott let them happen. Everything about the moment was surreal and overwhelming and he had so many thoughts at once. But mostly, I wish my mom was here to see this.

“After tonight, you might be dating a Stanley Cup champion,” Elena said. “Finally, a reason to be impressed by him!”

“Maria has been calling this the Secret Meeting of the Society of People Who Know about Scott and Kip. I expect at least a hundred questions from her.”

They shook hands, and Murdock said, “It’s not Rozanov, is it?” “Jesus. No! Why does everyone—?” “Good. I don’t need that kind of circus.”

“Ah. You’re in love. That makes sense. Love makes men do all sorts of dumbass things.” Scott gave a small smile. “I think this actually might be the smartest thing I’ve done.”

“You sure you’re ready for what’s next?” “Yes,” Scott said. “Are you?” “Absolutely,” Kip said.

“I told some of my teammates.” “You did?” “Yes. I told my three closest friends on the team.” “What did you tell them, exactly?” “That I’m gay. That I’m seeing someone. That his name is Kip. That he’s wonderful.”

“Scott is my…friend,” Kip said, “if you’re wondering why he’s here.” “Actually,” Scott said, “I’m his boyfriend.”

“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.”

“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.

“Shit,” said Huff. “That’s gonna—You sure you want that heat?” “I don’t want that heat,” Scott said, “but I’ll take it. I can’t live like this anymore. And maybe—maybe I can make it easier for others. By going first.”