Page 64 of Shane

Shane isn’t happy with my second rule, but I’ve learned that he cannot stay mad at me for very long at all, I just have to wait him out.

We head over to a small café nearby that has a few outdoor chess tables and indoor ones, too, in case we get too hot. He sets up the board with practiced ease, and I watch, fascinated by his focus. Who would have thought the ruggedly handsome hockey star had an aptitude for chess?

"Okay, so these are the pawns," he begins, patiently explaining each piece. "They move forward but capture diagonally."

I lean in closer, our shoulders brushing. "Got it. And the rest?"

"Rooks move in straight lines, bishops diagonally, the queen can go any direction, and the king, well, he’s a bit limited, moving one square at a time. Knights move in an L-shape."

I nod, trying to absorb all the information. "And what about you? What’s your favorite piece?"

Shane chuckles, a deep, rumbling sound that sends a shiver down my spine. "I like the knights. They’re unpredictable."

"Unpredictable, huh? Just like you on the ice,” I tease, nudging him with my elbow.

“You’ve been paying attention,” he grins, setting up the pieces.

I go to all of Shane’s home games now, so of course, I pay attention.

"Ready to play?" he asks me.

We start our game, and Shane coaches me through each move, his voice low and encouraging. "See, if you move your knight here, you can set up a trap."

I follow his advice, surprised at how quickly I’m picking it up. "Not bad for a future pizza shop owner, right?"

"Not bad at all. You’ve got a knack for this," he says, his tone softening. "I’m impressed."

I roll my eyes playfully. "Flattery will get you nowhere."

"Who said I was trying to go anywhere?" His eyes lock onto mine, and for a moment, the world fades away. It’s just us, the chessboard, and the growing connection between us.

We continue playing, our banter flowing as naturally as the moves on the board. “Are you trying to beat your star student?”

“I always play to win but I’m also enjoying watching you learn," he says, moving his queen into position. "Check."

I stare at the board, trying to figure out my next move. "You’re not making this easy, are you?"

"Where’s the fun in easy?" he replies, his voice dropping a notch. "Sometimes, the best things in life are the ones you have to work for."

I feel my cheeks heat up at his words, and I focus on the board to hide my reaction. "Alright, then. Let’s put you to work.”

We play for what feels like hours, the game shifting in his favor and then mine. The conversation flows easily and comfortably, punctuated by Shane’s usual teasing and laughter. "You know, I never pegged you for a chess player," I admit as I move my rook.

"There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Kennedy," he says, leaning back and stretching his arms over his head. "But I’m glad we’re changing that."

"Me too," I say, my voice softer than I intended. "I like getting to know this side of you."

He moves his knight, capturing my bishop. "And I like spending time with you, even if it means losing a few pieces along the way."

I laugh, shaking my head. "I think I’m starting to like this game."

"It’s not just the game, is it?" His eyes meet mine, serious now. "It’s about who you’re playing with."

I swallow hard, feeling the weight of his words. “Cut it out, Shane.”

We finish our game, Shane emerging victorious, but it doesn’t feel like a loss. As we reset the chess pieces for the next players, he brushes his fingers against mine, sending sparks up my arm. "So, what’s next on our agenda? You know I don’t normally have a day off of practice and want to make the best of it.”

"Well, now that you’ve shown me one of your hobbies, I guess it’s only fair that I show you one of mine,” I suggest. “Or at least what it was once upon a time.”