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

But Darian stopped on a page, read a few questions, and whistled low. “You’re right, graduating would’ve been easier.” Looking over at Stacy, he added, “I’m proud of you.”


Thin color crept into Stacy’s cheeks. “You haven’t checked my answers yet. I probably bombed completely.”


“But you tried,” Darian replied. “The Stacy I met months ago would’ve blown this off and said the hell with it.” Stacy’s face grew hotter, and he raised the mug to his mouth to cover his embarrassment. “You’ve grown up, Stace. And yes, that’s a goodthing.” When Stacy didn’t reply, Darian turned back to the test booklet and opened it to the answers. Without looking at him, he asked, “Do you know how cute you look when you blush?”


Stacy kicked out at the leg of Darian’s chair and laughed. “Just grade it already.”


Chapter 106