Game Changers, #6
The Long Game
by Rachel Reid
Contents
Chapter Six
Overview
Over breakfast, Shane presses Ilya about his sexual history, prompting teasing that exposes lingering insecurity. Ilya confirms Shane was his second and that prior partners no longer matter. They confront another season of secrecy, confess they hate hiding, but choose to continue. They share urgent kisses before parting until Montreal in three weeks.
Summary
In October, during breakfast at Ilya Rozanov’s place, Shane Hollander abruptly asks how many men Ilya has been with. Ilya deflects with jokes and teasing, which frustrates Shane enough to leave the kitchen. When Shane prepares to head home, Ilya follows and, after more banter, admits Shane was his second partner and that later encounters were few and meaningless.
The conversation shifts to their ongoing secrecy. Shane asks if Ilya is ready for another season of hiding their relationship. They acknowledge it will be their eleventh year of concealment, admit they both hate it, yet agree to keep hiding.
Affection softens the tension. They trade kisses—tender turning urgent—as parting nears. Ilya half-jokes that Shane should quit hockey; Shane refuses but promises they’ll be together in Montreal in three weeks.
As the NHL season looms, Ilya reflects on loving hockey but living for summers with Shane. They exchange I love yous, notice Shane’s tremor of emotion, and separate. Shane leaves, promising to text when he gets home, and both brace for weeks apart before their planned reunion.
Who Appears
- Ilya RozanovTeases about his sexual history, admits Shane was his second; hates hiding but agrees to continue; shares urgent parting kisses.
- Shane HollanderAsks about Ilya’s past, shows insecurity then apologizes; challenges ongoing secrecy; commits to it, promises reunion in three weeks.