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

Move,he thought, exasperated. If she was still in the shop when he came in, he’d have to wait for Darian. He pictured himself browsing around a few shelves stocked with hardware, nails and brads and divots, while the woman stood at the counter and Darian threw smoldering glances at him over her shoulder. Tension would build between them, spurred by the fact that they weren’t alone. When she finally left, he’d pretend to be preoccupied, studying a hammer or a set of wrenches, letting Darian get a good, long look of his backside. Maybe he should tuck his shirt in? Bend a little too, let the jeans mold to his ass. Footsteps would approach—despite his size, that man could move quietly when it suited him. Stacy could almost hear that deep voice rumbling up from behind him, sexy and low and intimate the minute the bell above the door stopped tinkling. “Hey Stace…”


Chapter 62