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

“And I’m not going to hear of you staying anywhere else but with me,” Darian finished. “I’ll lock you in the truck after work if I have to.”


Stacy promised, “Oh, it won’t come to that.” He was glad they were back to normal, playful and flirting again, now that he knew the woman, Lynnette, wasn’t anyone to worry about now. At least…“Wait.”


“Again?” Darian asked. “My food’s getting cold. I bet yours is like ice.”


“No, I just wanted…” Stacy shrugged, searching for a way around what he wanted to ask. “I know you said you put a stop to…you and her. So you’re not…” Say it, Stacy. “You’re not with anyone right now? Right?”


Darian gave him a saucy wink. “Not yet.”


Oh sweet Jesus. Beneath the table, Stacy felt his jeans tighten around a sudden erection that pointed Darian’s way.


Chapter 93