Ryan Talonovich is the star of his college hockey team, until an accident during practice leaves him confined to a wheelchair. The doctors say he'll walk again but a new season is already underway and he's been replaced on the team, which leaves him feeling alone and betrayed. What's the use of fighting to get back on the ice now?<br><br>Then he meets Dante Espinosa, a short track skater on the city's speed skating club. Though he has to work overtime to afford his sport, Dante is hell on ice, and dreams of making the cut on the U.S. Olympic Speedskating Team.<br><br>Their love of the ice brings them together, but too many obstacles stand in their way: Ryan's struggle with therapy. The memory of Dante's first boyfriend. Lack of funding to the event, Dante's harassing boss, a skating friend in love with him, and Wil Dietrich, who will do anything to win.

Power Play

But she doesn’t know, probably doesn’t even suspect. When she knocks lightly on the door to Ryan’s room, his reply is muffled and indistinct. “Go away.” Dante’s heart hurts to hear the pain in that voice.


“He’s not up for visitors right now,” Mrs. Talonovich whispers in the darkened hall.


Dante frowns at the closed door. “Can I try?” he asks. Just give me a few minutes alone with him,he thinks, watching the indecision play across her face. Let me talk to him and kiss him and I’m pretty sure I can get him in the mood.Of course, he doesn’t tell her that.


Just when he’s sure she’s going to refuse, she nods and steps away from the door. “I’ll be in the kitchen,” she tells him, “if you need me.”


He doesn’t think he will, but he gives her a bright smile and that seems to ease her mind a bit. He waits until she disappears down the hall before he leans on the door, listening for some sound from the other side. Nothing.


Chapter 41