Page 47 of Game Changer
Scott was on a stationary bike at the arena two hours before game time, watching Rozanov playfully trash talk Scott and the Admirals on ESPN. Scott shook his head and fought a smile as he watched the television. He had to hand it to the kid—he put on a good show.
Scott was in a mood, though. If Rozanov rode him too much tonight, Scott might just punch him.
* * *
“Oof,” Elena said. “That’s gonna be five minutes.”
They watched Scott being hauled off to the penalty box. He was still yelling what appeared to beverystrong words at Rozanov over his shoulder.
“Rozanov deserved it,” Kip said.
“You might be a bit biased.”
“Rozanov is a fucking dick.”
“Well, nice guy Scott Hunter just punched him in the face.”
“Aw, whatever. Scott had gloves on. And Rozanov covers his whole fucking face with that visor anyway.”
The ref made the hand gesture to indicate that Scott was getting a five-minute penalty for roughing.
“You should text him,” Elena said, nudging Kip’s thigh with her toe. “He’s not doing anything for a few minutes.”
“Shut up.”
“Send him that photo I took of you in the tux at the tailor.”
“No! It’s not finished yet, and besides—”
“You want it to be a surprise.”
Kip blushed a little. “Maybe.”
“You’re cute,” Elena said, getting up. “You want more wine?”
“Nah, I gotta work tomorrow.”
“You can stay here tonight, if you want. Cut your commute down in the morning.”
Kip considered it. “Can’t. I need to pack a bag before I go to work. I’m, uh...”
“Staying at Scott’s tomorrow night?”
“Yeah,” Kip said, grinning stupidly.
“Oh mygod!” Elena exclaimed. “It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow!”
“I know...”
“Are you goingout?”
“No! No...we’re not going anywhere. We, y’know...can’t.”
She rejoined him on the couch. “Are you sure you want this, Kip? I know he’shim, but he comes with a lot of baggage.”
Memories of the past week flooded Kip’s brain: both of them naked in Scott’s bed with their legs tangled together, Scott’s fingers gently brushing his hair; Scott admitting that he’d never brought anyone to his home before; Scott wanting Kip to tell him about his day over the phone, just so he could listen to his voice.
And that late-night text message.
