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

Another couple days,Ryan tells himself, watching Dante’s eyes slip shut as his hand fondles tender flesh. We’ll be alone at the competitions and I’ll have you all to myself then.No mother hovering just beyond the closed door, no interruptions, nothing but each other. Kissing Dante’s forehead, Ryan murmurs, “When does the money need to be in for State?”


Only half-interested in conversation, Dante shrugs. “Tuesday or so,” he mumbles. His arms find their way around Ryan’s chest and he hugs him close. “Don’t talk just yet.”


But Ryan’s mind is already turning. How will Dante ever come up with the money in three days? “Let me pay it for you,” he says. At Dante’s sigh, he hurries to explain, “You can pay back your half if you want. How else are you going to pay it?”


Chapter 61