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

T-shirts, sweats, boxers, socks…tonsof socks, Mrs. T must think Ryan’s going to wear them out or something, she packed so many. Towels, like Ryan said, and pillowcases? Dante can’t imagine why. A laundry bag, that’s something he wouldn’t have thought of, a thin blanket, a camera, and a handful of film. Behind him, Dante hears the faint squee squeeof Ryan’s wheels, and he glances over his shoulder to see his boyfriend maneuvering his chair to a spot near the couch. Maybe he’ll watch TV, Dante hopes. Anything to take his mind off of Dietrich’s hateful words. Fucking queers—why does he make it sound like such a badthing that Dante loves another boy? That he can stare into Ryan’s eyes and see his own soul staring back? What’s it matter to Wil Dietrich, anyway? “I love you, baby,” Dante says, turning back to the suitcase.


He doesn’t expect a reply, given Ryan’s mood, but he hears a muffled response, “Love you, too,” and that’s enough for him.


Chapter 128