To Grandparents' House We Come

Sheena Ryder and her step-daughter Aften Opal pull up to the grandparents’ house for the weekend. Everyone hugs at the door while Sheena and Aften trade a secret glance that carries a heat the older couple never notices. By the time the bags hit the guest-room floor Aften is already brushing her fingertips along Sheena’s thigh, but Sheena grabs her wrist and mouths the word no. Aften smirks, yet keeps the promise—for now. That night the whole family piles onto the sofa to watch a movie. Halfway through, Aften shifts closer, tracing slow circles on Sheena’s knee beneath the blanket. Sheena shoots her a warning look, but the girl only smiles and slides her hand higher. Sheena catches it, squeezes once, hard, and sets it aside. Aften folds her arms with a dramatic little pout, knees drawn up, staring at the screen like a kid denied dessert. Hours later the house is quiet. Sheena is alone in the dark bedroom, pulling back the quilt, when the door eases open and Aften slips inside barefoot. Sheena’s eyes widen; she opens her mouth to protest, but Aften presses a finger to her lips and whispers hush. The lock clicks. Moonlight slides across bare legs as Aften steps closer, pupils gleaming with trouble. Sheena exhales a shaky breath, resolve cracking at last. Third time’s the charm, and Sheena can’t say no again.