Page 133 of Game Changer
* * *
When Scott got home after the game, Kip wasn’t there. It was the second night in a row. Something was definitely wrong.
He sent Kip a text. Will I see you tonight?
The answer took a few minutes.No. Sorry. I’m just really tired.
Fuck.
I think you are mad at me, Scott wrote.
He watched the three little dots flicker on his screen for what seemed like an eternity. Then,Can we talk? Tomorrow?
Yes. Come over here as soon as you can tomorrow. Ok?
Ok.
Scott sat down hard on his bed. He felt sick. And a little angry. What the hell had he done to deserve this cold shoulder?
He guessed he would find out tomorrow.
* * *
Kip took a deep breath and opened Scott’s apartment door. “Hello?” he called out.
Scott appeared immediately. He was dressed in cozy sweats. His beard was really full now, making him look rugged and gorgeous. Kip set the backpack that he had optimistically brought with him on the floor.
“Hi,” Scott said shyly.
“Hi. Congratulations. That was a great game.” Kip sounded as awkward as he felt.
“Thanks. I’m glad you were there.”
Kip nodded, not sure what to do or say.
Scott stepped closer. “Can I kiss you?” he asked. “I feel like I need to ask you now, and I don’t know why that is, but...can I?”
Kip exhaled, trying to relax his nerves. “Yes. Of course.”
Scott smiled and closed the distance between them. He held Kip’s face for a moment, gazing at him with sad eyes, before he brushed his lips against Kip’s. The beard tickled Kip’s face, and he sighed and deepened the kiss. It felt so good.
When they broke apart, Scott said, “We should talk, I guess.”
“Yeah. I think we should.”
They went to the couch, and Kip sat and stared at his folded hands.
“I feel like I’ve done something wrong,” Scott started. “Being with someone is new for me and I’m pretty sure I’m screwing it up. But I can’t figure out exactly what I’ve done, so I was hoping you could tell me.”
Kip turned quickly to face him. “You haven’t done anything,” he said honestly. “I can’t even put my finger on why I’ve been so...upset. I just...”
“Please,” Scott said. “Give mesomething.”
“All right...” Kip said slowly. “I don’t like lying to my friends and family, or hiding my relationship with you. This...” He gestured between them. “Us.It’s the biggest thing in my life. It’s...thebestthing that’s ever happened to me. And I have to keep it a secret.”
“I know. And I’ve told you—”
Kip held up a hand. Scott stopped talking.
