Art teacher Stone Larrabee dreads parent/teacher conferences. One following Christmas break becomes especially awkward, when a man with whom he shared a hot anonymous hookup and a nasty argument afterward walks in. Edison Watts.<br><br>The moment they’re reunited, sexual sparks reignite. Too many conflicts force Stone to decree there can never be anything between them but the one night, though, even as fate keeps throwing them together throughout the school year, and developing feelings become hard to ignore.<br><br>Some problems are easily solved while others, including the reason for Edison’s initial attraction to Stone and the chip on Edison’s shoulder bigger than the high school’s football field, prove more difficult. Stone can teach, but he decides must also be willing to learn and grow. When Edison promises to do the same, can they find a way to make one and one equal two?

Substitute Teacher

“I can help you, if you want. Tutor you through it. The first session will be on the house. Quid pro quo.”


“Okay. Fair enough.” Stone was hoping for a smile. He didn’t get one.


“I also know what quid pro quo means. I can even spell it. Q-u-i-d p-r-o q-u-o.”


“I figured you would know what it meant, otherwise I wouldn’t have said it.”


“So, you dumb yourself down around me? Was that always the case, or just since I told you I dropped out of high school?”


“I didn’t…” Staying calm for the dogs around Edison was certainly a challenge. “I happen to think you come across as a very intelligent man.” Stone figured he was doing okay, when Python kept to all fours and walked. “A diploma is important but not having one doesn’t mean someone is dumb.”


“I come across…your words. Does that mean it’s, like, an act?”


“Jesus, Edison! There’s no winning with you!”


“Woof!” One bark, one tug on the leash, Python settled.


Chapter 20