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 need you to fill out some consent forms,” the nurse replies, ignoring Ryan’s outburst as she rises from the stool. “I’ll be right back.”


She leaves the door open slightly but Dante pushes it shut. Finally, alone. “You scared the shit out of me,” he admits. His hands shake as he dabs the damp napkin along Ryan’s jaw. “I saw your wheelchair and didn’t know what the hell to think.”


“I’m sorry,” Ryan murmurs. When Dante’s hand nears his mouth, he kisses the wrist. “I didn’t mean to. I just…I’d had enough. The shit he was talking—”


“Shh.” Leaning down, Dante kisses his lover’s temple, sighs against the smooth, heated skin. He wraps his arms around Ryan’s head and holds him to his chest. “God, Ryan,” he whispers. Ryan’s arm comes up around his waist to hug him tight. “If I lose you…”


Chapter 169