J.M. Snyder

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

Before Colin was even parked, Stacy hopped from the cab, stretching his legs as he strode over to the Firebird. Lamar leaned out the open window, arms crossed on the door frame, and watched Stacy approach. “Hey sexy,” he called out, his voice barely audible over his music.


Stacy rolled his eyes. He could feel Lamar’s gaze on him as he skirted the front of the car and he sighed. Opening the passenger side door, he raised his voice over the thudding hip-hop beat. “I’m still mad at you—”


The seat folded and an arm grabbed his, pulling him into the back seat. Hot breath warmed his ear as Ange breathed into him, “Back here, amigo. You’re mine tonight.”


Laughing, Stacy asked, “What did I do to deserve this?”


“Don’t ask.” With a nod at Lamar, Ange added, “Someone’s in a strange mood today. Just go with it.” Then he smoothed a hand down Stacy’s chest, his touch ticklish. “You’ve been avoiding me.”


Chapter 54