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

Around them the loudspeakers blare to life as an announcer calls for all skaters to hit the ice. “That’s us,” Dante mumbles. “You go on ahead, Josey. I’m just going to walk Ryan to the lift, okay?”


But Josey nods, thankful for something to do. “Sure,” she says, heading for the doors and the rink beyond. “See you later, Ryan. Don’t let those guys get to you, okay? Much as I’d like to see Wil suspended, I’d hate for you to get hurt.”


Ryan laughs. “I can handle myself,” he assures her. As the doors swing shut behind her, he tells Dante, “I know where the lift is, baby.” It feels good to be able to call him that, to not cower under the fear of someone overhearing the simple term of endearment.


Chapter 107