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

With a laugh, Dante glances up at Ryan’s mother. “I’m just teasing.”


“Well, don’t,” Ryan grumbles. Then, remembering his mother, he turns his chair away from the door. “Okay, thanks. You can leave now—”


“Are you all ready for State?” she asks instead, smiling down at Dante. “I bet you’re terribly excited. Ryan says you have a new sponsor?”


“Mom,” Ryan sighs. “Can’t you leave us alone?”


His mother’s smile locks into place as she falters for something more to say. “I just want to say I think you’ll do well at the races. If you need anything—”


“We need you to go,” Ryan mutters. Does he have to spell it out for her?


Dante flashes her a winning grin. “Thanks, Mrs. Talonovich. I think I’m fine.”


“I’m going to the store shortly,” she tells them. “If you guys want—”


“Mom!” It’s times like this when Ryan wishes he had the use of his legs back, if only to kick out at the door and shut it in her face. “Just get out of here, will you?”


Chapter 81