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

Boyfriend.The word comes easily enough to his mind but he still can’t quite believe it. Looking at this boy, hisboy, he wonders what it was that ever made someone as plain and ordinary as himself catch Dante’s eye. Yet his hands are the only ones that plunge into those waves of black hair, his lips are the only ones that taste Dante’s mouth and skin. I love you,Ryan thinks, even though he can’t say it right now. More than I can possibly know how to tell you. My mom’s right—what would I do without you?He hopes he never has to find out.


Returning Dante’s smile, Ryan tells him, “I’m fine.”


Dante watches him a moment longer, then squeezes his hand before letting go. But his arm rests alongside Ryan’s and the touch is enough to remind him that he’s not alone in the midst of this crowded bus.


Chapter 118