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

Unaware of Stacy’s sordid thoughts, Darian pushed his cap back and grinned. “Don’t get sappy on me now,” he teased. That earned him a quick laugh, and he patted the bed beside him. “Have a seat. Are you doing okay?”


“Fine.” Stacy straightened his schoolbooks a moment more, not quite trusting himself to turn around yet, not daring to face Darian in case the images whirling through his head were written in his eyes. But when he couldn’t fuss with the books any longer without seeming rude, he turned and leaned back against the dresser. “I’m doing fine,” he said again, as if trying to convince himself. “I’m just tired, I guess. Long day, you know?”


Darian laughed. “Tell me about it.” He patted the bed again, and this time Stacy needed no further prompting. Crossing the space that separated them, Stacy lowered himself beside Darian to perch at the foot of the bed. Darian’s hand covered Stacy’s own, a heavy, warm weight that felt soright. “You’re welcome to stay as long as you need to.”


Chapter 100