Chapter 44: A Stand-up Man

And yet, for all his swagger, Alex Hayde shrank into a boy whenever he stood before Kimberly Yoppe. She ran a hand over her neck, then suddenly raised her voice and laughed. "Live and learn," she said, bright as a bell. "Lesson learned, right? Make sure it sticks." "I know, Ms. Yoppe." Alex fought the urge clawing at him. In his mind, he traced the curves of Kimberly's chest, savoring the thought until he ached in a way that was almost unbearable. He forced himself down from that fevered edge,...