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

“He’s not rich, Mama,” Dante says, exasperated. “The college reimbursed his tuition when he had to drop out this semester. After the accident? He’s using that money and I’ll give it back before he has to pay for classes in the fall.” She stares at the TV and doesn’t look his way, still frowning like she hates the idea. “I’m paying him back,” he says again.


She doesn’t reply. He thinks she probably won’t—the conversation is over for her, he might as well just say goodnight now. Standing, he stretches towards the ceiling, feels his spine pop with the movement, and is just about to tell her he’s going to bed when she says, “Bobby called earlier looking for you.”


Chapter 69