Bentley didn't come to Hardwood High to fall in love.

She came to prove something—to herself, to the people who doubted her, and maybe even to the chickens named after Destiny's Child living in her backyard. Her plan was simple: survive her first year teaching English, build a community in her classroom, and absolutely not get distracted by anyone with a killer smile and thighs that make her rethink her professional goals.

But then there's Priest.

DeAnthony Priest, the intense, focused assistant basketball coach with a body built like a problem and a heart he swears is off-limits. He's done the casual thing, the serious thing, and the heartbreak thing—and getting involved with the bright-eyed new teacher next door is definitely not part of his game plan. They both know better. But between after-school drinks, stolen hallway glances, and one dangerously closed classroom door, the line between coworkers and something more starts to blur. And when a talented student with everything riding on basketball connects them in unexpected ways, their emotional guardrails start to crack.

She's trying to find her place. He's trying not to lose control.

Neither of them expected their biggest challenge this school year would be each other.

Contains mature themes.