At 16, Stacy Evans dropped out of high school in the hopes of moving on with his life. But four years later, he's stuck in an abusive relationship with Lamar, a "friend with benefits," and works long hours at a dead-end job just to get by.<br><br>Then his mother enrolls him in a program to earn his GED. There he meets Darian, a woodshop teacher who is everything Stacy's friends are not -- smart, successful ... and who seems to take a personal interest in helping Stacy turn his life around. The two develop a rapport that keeps Stacy after school just to spend extra time with him. In intimate moments alone, they grow closer than just student and teacher.<br><br>On the right track for once, Stacy has a chance to choose between his troublesome past and a promising future with Darian. But his jealous friends won't let him go so easily.

Stepping Up to the Plate

Then the teacher blinked, breaking the spell, and when he spoke, his voice was even and low. “Mr. Evans,” he said, amused, “better men than you have offered, trust me. I didn’t bend over to take it from them, and I surely won’t be bending over for you, no matter how nicely you ask.” A muffled giggle, a gasp, but Mr. Harding ignored the other students, keeping Stacy in his sights. “Now, if you please, eight plus five equals—”


Chapter 32