The Teachers of Hardwood High

Janae

Three years ago, I had one unforgettable weekend with a man who made me forget every rule I'd ever followed. Then he ghosted me like it never happened. Fast forward to now—he's standing in front of the faculty at Hardwood High, all smug and suited up, introducing himself as our new assistant principal. Every time he walks into my classroom, opens his mouth in a meeting, or so much as breathes in my direction, I have to remind myself I like my job too much to cuss him out.

Benjamin

It was supposed to be just a weekend. No strings, no names, no complications. But when I walked into Hardwood High and saw Janae in the crowd, I knew I'd messed up. Now Dr. Ranley has her shadowing my mentorship program, and we've got no choice but to work side by side. I ran from her before because I felt something real—and that wasn't part of the plan. But I can't run now. And the more time we spend together, the more I'm realizing . . . I don't want to.

One weekend was a spark. Three years of tension made it combustible. Now, with every hallway run-in and forced collaboration, Janae and Benjamin have to decide if they're ready to stop dodging the fire—and walk straight into it.

Contains mature themes.