Game Changer

by Rachel Reid

  “You serious?” Carter asked, finally.

  No! Haha. Just kidding!

  “Yes.”

  “Whoa,” Huff said.

  Bennett didn’t say anything, but his face looked...normal. Not disgusted, anyway.

  Now that he had cleared the biggest hurdle, Scott continued, “I know you’d probably prefer to...not know. But I needed to tell someone. So I’m telling you. You guys are my best friends. So, yeah. There it is.”

  “You’re serious?” Carter asked again.

  “Yes,” Scott said.

  “Are you—?” Huff started, then seemed at a loss for words. “Sorry. I’m not trying to be a dick about this. It’s just, you know. Wow, right?”

  “I know,” Scott said.

  “To be honest,” Bennett said slowly, “I kind of thought that you might be. Maybe.”

  “You did?”

  “Yeah. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still shocked over here.”

  “Are you planning on telling anyone outside this room?” Huff asked.

  “Eventually, yes. I don’t want to lie anymore.”

  “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.”

  “Maybe.” Bennett nodded thoughtfully. “That’s a lot to take on, though. Your life is hectic enough, isn’t it?”

  “Gay?” Carter said, still clearly not over it. “But I thought you were with that sexy dark-haired girl... Elena?”

  “No,” Scott said. “I’m actually...with her friend.”

  “What now?”

  “I’ve been seeing someone. For a few months now.”

  “Wait. What?”

  “I’m dating someone. I’m...in love with someone.”

  “Someone, like...a man someone?” Carter asked.

  “Yes. A man someone.”

  Carter blew out a breath.

  “Look, I don’t expect you guys to be okay with this right away or anything. I know it’s a shock and maybe it wasn’t fair of me to—”

  “Scott,” Carter said, holding a hand up. “Shut the fuck up for a second. I’m gonna process this shit, and then I am gonna give you a manly hug. But just shut it for five seconds.”

  Scott suppressed a grin. “All right.”

  Huff slapped his hands on his knees and stood. “Okay, I’m over it. And I’m happy for you, Scott. Good to hear you’ve found someone. And if anyone gives you shit about who you are, they’re gonna have to deal with me.”

  Scott’s eyes stung a bit. “Thanks, Huff.”

  “Me too,” Bennett said, also standing.

  “Yup,” Carter said, finally standing to join them. “Me too. Let’s hug it out, Hunter.”

  They hugged, and the other two piled on.

  “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.

  “You got a picture of Kip?” Huff asked.

  “Kip!” Carter exclaimed again.

  “Yeah,” Scott said shyly. “Yeah, I do. Just a sec...” He pulled out his phone and brought up his favorite picture of him. It was the first one Kip had ever sent him, when he was sleep-rumpled in bed.

  “Good-looking guy,” Huff said. “He an athlete?”

  “No. He’s smart.”

  “Oh. Not a dumb motherfucker like us?” Carter asked, mocking offense.

  “He’s just... He’s getting his master’s degree. In history. He’s—”

  “Wait a minute,” Carter said, and grabbed Scott’s phone. “This is the dude from the museum! Those pictures on the internet! Man, I never even thought—”

  “Well, good. I was trying to be discreet.”

  “So this dude is so great that he’s making Scott Hunter consider coming out publicly.”

  “Yup,” Scott confirmed.

  “Shit. I think I’ve gotta meet this guy.”

  “This really will be a huge deal,” Bennett said, “if you come out.”

  “I know. And I promise I won’t do it until the playoffs are over. Not publicly. We don’t need that right now. And we don’t have to tell the team either.”

  “You know,” Huff said, “my brother-in-law’s gay. Good guy. Great with the kids.”

  “Oh,” Scott said. “I didn’t know that.”

  Huff shrugged. “Not all hockey players are homophobic assholes.”

  “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.”

  They all laughed and it was good. Scott loved them all.

  “We’ve got your back, Scott,” Huff said as they were leaving. “Whatever you decide, we’re with you.”

  Scott nodded, and swallowed the lump in his throat. He closed the door behind them before they could see him cry.

  * * *

  “Hat trick!” Kip exclaimed, pointing at the television. “That’s a hat trick! Yeah!”

  Scott had scored his third goal of the game, making it 6–2 for the Admirals in the third period. He had been in top form all night. Kip was thrilled.

  The Admirals were going to win this game. And then they would only have to win one more to move on to the finals.

  “He’s so handsome,” his mother said, to no one in particular.

  “Yeah,” Kip breathed. His father chuckled.

  “I’m happy for him,” Mom said. “He seems like such a nice man.”

  Kip smiled to himself.

  “I suppose they’ll be back in town tomorrow,” Dad said conversationally, “to get ready for game six.”

  “Yeah, I think so,” Kip said, as if he didn’t know for certain.

  Scott had texted him that morning. Nothing much, just a quick Thinking of you.

  Kip had written back. Not too much I hope. :)

  To which Scott had replied, Gonna win tonight.

  Kip had smiled at that. He liked seeing Scott so confident. It was sexy. I’ll be watching. I love you.

  I love you.

  Scott made good on his promise.

  * * *

  The following evening, there was a knock on their door during dinner.

  “Who could that be?” Kip’s mother asked, already up and making her way to the door.

  “Probably just Annette,” Dad said to Kip, meaning their next-door neighbor. “They just got back from vacation today, I think.”

  Kip shoveled some mashed potatoes into his mouth. Then he heard Mom exclaim, “Oh my goodness!”

  He stood. “Mom?”

  “It’s—it’s Scott Hunter!”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Kip moved like lightning. Sure enough, there was Scott, filling the doorway of their modest little Bay Ridge home.

  “Scott?” Kip said.

  “Hi,” Scott said shyly.

  Mom looked between them. “Well. I suppose you’d better come in.”

  “Thank you,” Scott said. He stepped in and Kip’s mother closed the door behind him.

  “Scott?” Kip said again.

  “Yeah, sorry for just dropping in like this,” Scott said. “I got your
address from Elena. I thought—I thought we could maybe go for a walk.”

  “A walk?”

  “Yeah.”

  They stared at each other stupidly until Mom said, “Well, get your shoes on! Honestly, Kip!”

  Scott grinned, which made Kip smile.

  Dad appeared. “Ah.” He stuck out his hand. “George Grady,” he said. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Scott,” Scott said, shaking his hand.

  “Yes,” Dad said.

  “Scott, this is my mom, Margaret.”

  “Hello,” Mom said, bewildered.

  “Scott is my...friend,” Kip said, “if you’re wondering why he’s here.”

  “Actually,” Scott said, “I’m his boyfriend.”

  Kip was stunned, but he smiled at Scott. “Yeah,” he confirmed, “we’re, um...together.”

  “Oh my lord!” his mother said, her hands clasped together over her mouth. “Oh, Scott, you have chosen so well!”

  They all laughed, and Scott smiled affectionately at Kip. “I know it, ma’am.”

  “Ma’am!” Mom exclaimed. “Oh, I like him!”

  “I’m sorry,” Scott said, “were you having dinner? I should have called first. It smells delicious in here, though.”

  “It’s fine,” Kip said, still dumbfounded.

  “Have you eaten, Scott?” Mom asked. “It’s just meat loaf, but you’re welcome to join us.”

  Scott looked at Kip. “If it’s no trouble.”

  “No trouble at all! Come on in,” Mom said. She squeezed Kip’s arm excitedly as she passed him.

  “Um,” Kip said, “maybe we should...talk. First. For a moment. Upstairs?”

  “Yeah,” Scott said, “all right.”

  “We’ll be right there, Mom,” Kip called out. “Scott and I just need to talk for a minute.”

  He felt giddy and oddly nervous. He gestured for Scott to follow him, and they climbed the narrow stairway to the second floor.

  When they got inside Kip’s bedroom, he closed the door behind them and turned, ready to hear whatever the reason was that had brought Scott here. “What—”

  That was all that Kip got out before Scott was on him, crowding him against the door and kissing him hungrily. Kip grabbed whatever he could—Scott’s T-shirt, his neck, his arms, his hair—and kissed back. He loved the feel of Scott’s soft beard against his face.

  Scott picked him up so Kip’s legs were straddling his waist. He carried him over to the wooden desk that had sat in Kip’s bedroom since he was six years old, and sat him on it. He spread his legs and kissed him harder, pressing Kip back against his bookshelf.

  Kip felt hot everywhere. He couldn’t get enough of Scott’s mouth or hands. And, yeah, maybe he was getting a little too turned on, considering they were in his childhood bedroom, but this was fucking hot.

  “Fuck, Scott,” he managed when they finally broke apart. “What’s going on?”

  “I can’t lose you,” Scott said, kissing him again. “I can’t.”

  “Okay.”

  They kissed some more, and Scott’s thumbs slid up the insides of Kip’s thighs. Kip decided to do the responsible thing.

  “We can’t,” he panted. “We have to stop. Holy shit. My parents are waiting for us. Fuck.”

  “I know.” Scott let out a breath and stepped back. They both had very obvious erections, which would be awkward to take to the dinner table.

  “Let’s sit for a minute,” Kip said. “Just...talk to me.”

  They sat together on Kip’s bed, and Scott said, “I like your room.”

  Kip glanced around at the familiar—and embarrassingly juvenile—décor of his bedroom. He still had his grade school spelling bee and academic awards on a shelf above his desk. And that wasn’t a humiliating thing for your NHL superstar boyfriend to see.

  “It’s pretty glamorous, yeah,” he joked.

  “It’s very...you. I like it.” Scott took Kip’s hand. He let their clasped hands rest on the bed between them. “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.”

  Kip blushed and smiled. “Really?”

  “Yes.”

  “What did they say?”

  “They were great. Maybe a little surprised. But great. Encouraging.”

  “Good! That’s awesome, Scott!”

  “It is, yeah. And I’m going to go public after the playoffs. As soon as possible.”

  “Wow. That’s...wow.”

  “I don’t want to wait anymore,” Scott said, turning slightly toward Kip and brushing his fingers over his cheek. “I’d make the announcement right now if it wouldn’t distract the team. I want to be with you in the way that you deserve. In the way that we both deserve.”

  And now Kip was tearing up. “Me too.”

  They kissed, softer and more tenderly than before.

  “Will you come to my place tonight?” Scott asked.

  “Yes,” Kip breathed. There was nothing in the world he wanted more.

  They joined Kip’s parents a few minutes later, and if they had heard the two men crashing into each other upstairs, they didn’t let on. There was already a place set for Scott, with a plate that was heaping with food. Kip’s plate looked like it had been topped up a bit too.

  “Thank you for having me,” Scott said. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

  “We’re very honored to have you.” Mom was very obviously bursting with pride. “We’re big fans, you know.”

  “Oh. Thank you.”

  “I’m a Scouts fan,” Dad said, “but I can make an exception.”

  Scott smiled. “I grew up a Buffalo fan. I consider myself an Admirals fan these days, though.”

  Everyone laughed and Kip beamed. It was thrilling and surreal, having Scott sitting here at his family’s table. Watching his parents laugh at his dry humor. The same dry humor that Kip loved so much.

  “This is delicious,” Scott said. “I can see where Kip gets his cooking skills.”

  “He’s cooked for you?” Mom asked, delighted. “That’s nice to hear. So how long have you two been seeing each other, then?”

  Kip wasn’t sure how to answer her. “Since, um...”

  “We met in January,” Scott said. “I met him at his work, actually. I wanted a smoothie, and, well—”

  “January! Christopher Grady! This has been going on since January and you haven’t told us?”

  “We needed to keep it a secret,” Kip protested. “Scott’s not... You know.”

  “I’m, um—” Scott started, “I’ve decided to come out. Publicly. Soon.”

  “Oh,” Kip’s mother said. “Goodness.”

  “That will be a pretty big deal,” Dad said.

  Scott nodded. “Believe me, I know. And I didn’t want to... I don’t want Kip to be dragged into anything he’s not ready for, but—”

  “I’m ready,” Kip said. “Anything that happens, I’m ready.”

  Scott gave him a small, grateful smile. “I’m in love with your son, ma’am. I don’t care who knows it anymore.”

  Kip blushed because sheesh.

  Now his mother was crying.

  “Oh, honey,” she said, “I’m so happy for you. Both of you.”

  Kip smiled at Scott. “Me too.”

  * * *

  Scott didn’t even wait for them to get to his apartment. As soon as they stepped into the elevator, he had his mouth on Kip’s. Every cell in his body screamed with raw, violent need. He wanted this man all the time, and he wasn’t interested in hiding that anymore.

  The second they were inside
the apartment, jackets and shirts were shed and strewn about the floor. Scott tried to walk toward the bedroom, but Kip pulled them back together and then they were kissing each other wildly against a wall. When Scott took a step back to suggest they leave the front hall, Kip started unfastening Scott’s belt.

  “God, Kip.” Scott loved that Kip was as fevered as he was. He helped Kip strip him down to his briefs.

  “Bedroom,” he finally managed to say. “Please. Wanna do this right. Been thinking about this for days.”

  Kip nodded, mouth wet and bruised and slack, and fuck, Scott wanted those lips wrapped around his cock. He wanted everything.

  Kip toed off his own sneakers and followed Scott to his bedroom. It would be their bedroom soon, if Scott had anything to say about it.

  When they were in the bedroom, Kip slid a hand down inside Scott’s briefs, gripping his ass. His other hand played with one of Scott’s nipples while he kissed his neck.

  Scott closed his eyes and tilted his head back. He reached behind and grabbed onto Kip’s ass, pulling them tighter together so he could feel Kip’s hard cock dig into him.

  Kip hummed and moved his hand around to cup Scott through his briefs. Kip’s hand made contact with his aching cock, and Scott cried out in a way that was embarrassingly needy.

  Kip fondled him through the fabric for a while, then hooked his thumbs into the waistband and pulled the underwear down. He sat Scott on the end of bed, and dropped to his knees on the floor.

  “Fuck,” Scott whispered. “Yes.”

  Kip wet his lips and kept his eyes locked with Scott’s as he swirled his tongue over the head of Scott’s swollen cock. He flicked his tongue against the slit, lapping up the precome that was already beading there. It was all so slow and deliberate, it was absolutely destroying Scott in the best way.

  “Fucking love you so much, Kip,” he babbled. “Couldn’t do it. Couldn’t stop thinking about you. So scared I was gonna lose you. I need you. I need you. Fuck!”

  Kip had swallowed most of his cock and was bobbing his head, still slowly, but it was enough. It was more than enough. Scott was on fire, everywhere. He gripped the mattress and watched Kip’s gorgeous mouth take his cock, in awe of how hard he worked to make Scott feel incredible.

  There was so much Scott wanted. He wanted to come and he wanted to get Kip all worked up until Scott was ready to go again. He wanted to fuck Kip and make him come and then cuddle the hell out of him.