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

When the pizza does arrive, it’s just what Dante needs to cheer him up—the two of them sit on the couch and go through both pies while watching TV, feeding each other and laughing until there’s cheese dribbled on their legs, their arms, their shirts, the couch and table and everywhere. Ryan even finds some in his hair later on, he’s not sure how thathappened. He’s decided he loves pizza-flavored kisses, Dante’s greasy lips and hot tongue, the taste of oregano on his lover’s breath chased with the fizzle of ice-cold soda. Even after they turn in for the night, he can still smell the heady scent of cheese draped over their room, though in the darkness, Dante’s kisses are fresh and toothpaste sweet.


Chapter 162