Game Changers, #6
The Long Game
by Rachel Reid
Contents
Chapter Ten
Overview
On a day off in L.A., Shane shops with Rose, draws paparazzi attention, and candidly weighs the costs of staying closeted. Rose urges him to plan for an outing. The next day, Ilya video-calls with news of a team puppy, and he and Shane discuss a contingency, reaffirm their love, and long for reunion.
Summary
On his Los Angeles day off, Shane lets movie-star ex Rose style him in designer clothes, drawing paparazzi attention as they leave. Over poke, Rose asks about Shane’s secret relationship and whether he’s content staying private. Shane admits the hiding sometimes feels unfair, especially compared to teammates’ public families and lives.
Rose advises him to live for his own happiness and to prepare for the likelihood of being outed. Shane acknowledges the need for a backup plan despite having none. They joke about her dating a non-celebrity and her love of bread, and she promises to attend his game before flying to Romania, quietly asking him to say hi to Ilya and to make that contingency plan.
The next morning, Shane FaceTimes Ilya, who shares that Ottawa will have a team puppy once it’s old enough. They banter about Rose’s photos implying a rekindled romance, then turn to Rose’s suggestion: a plan if their relationship is exposed. Both concede their current strategy may fail, and Ilya recalls Hayden teasing him about having “heart eyes” for Shane.
Distance weighs on them as they count down four days to meet before their teams play, joking about a face-off kiss. The call turns flirty when Shane reveals he’s naked except for his glasses, and Ilya moves to his bedroom, underscoring their intimacy and resolve amid rising public scrutiny.
Who Appears
- Shane HollanderMontreal star; shops with Rose, worries about outing, considers a backup plan, and flirts with Ilya over FaceTime.
- RoseFamous actress and ex; outfits Shane, draws paparazzi, counsels him to plan for being outed, promises to attend his game.
- Ilya RozanovOttawa captain; shares team puppy news, discusses contingency plan, admits intense feelings, and banters erotically with Shane.
- HaydenShane’s friend/teammate; previously teased Ilya about having “heart eyes,” influencing their outing-risk discussion.
- HarrisOttawa staff figure who announces the team will get a puppy when it’s old enough.