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

“I promise,” he assures her. Down the hall, the coach calls out that lunch is in the first floor banquet room, how many times does she have to say that? “I’ll talk to you later, Mom. Thanks again. Bye.”


When he hangs up Dante is there, leaning over the back of Ryan’s wheelchair. “Your ride, se?or?” he asks, motioning to the empty seat. Before Ryan can get into it, Dante stops him with a gentle kiss. “Love you,” he whispers, his lips lingering on Ryan’s own.


“Love you, too,” Ryan breathes. Stroking a hand through Dante’s hair, he rests his forehead against his boyfriend’s temple and sighs. “Can’t we just order something from room service and stay in bed? Eat naked, what do you say?”


“I say it’s a great idea,” Dante laughs. Then he jerks a thumb at the closed door and the noisy hall beyond and says, “But you try telling themthat. Saddle up, boyfriend.” Ryan gives him a sad look and Dante laughs again. “Don’t pout, baby. It makes you irresistible.”


Chapter 123