Mother & Step Son’s Quiet Summer Night – Cory Chase – Family Therapy

In the sweltering summer heat, the house was still and quiet, save for the gentle hum of the old air conditioner. Cory Chase, the newlywed second wife of Tyler’s father, sat alone in the living room, flipping through channels on the TV. Her silk robe hung loosely over her voluptuous figure, the deep V-neck revealing tantalizing glimpses of her ample cleavage.

It had been a long, stressful day. Tyler, her 19-year-old step-son, had been acting out since the wedding. An awkward silence hung between them, making the already tense household even more unbearable. Cory sighed, rubbing her temples as she tried to make sense of the makings of this fractured new family of hers.

The sound of a car pulling into the driveway jarred Cory from her thoughts. She looked up, watching as her new husband climbed out of the cab, visibly exhausted from an arduous shift at the factory. She knew an uncomfortable conversation was in store as her husband informed her that he’d be taking on overtime again this week due to staff shortages.

Just then, she heard Tyler’s footsteps on the stairs. He emerged from his room, the picture of teen angst in ripped jeans and a black t-shirt. He paused, noticing Cory in the living room.

“Hey, kiddo,” Cory said with a gentle smile. “You doing okay?”

Tyler shrugged. “Fine. You?”

“Oh, you know, just waiting up for your dad to get home,” she replied, trying to keep the conversation light. “He’s working so hard these days.”

Tyler’s expression hardened. “You don’t care about him. You just want his money.”

Cory felt a pang of hurt at the accusation. “Tyler, please. That’s not true. I love your father very much.”

“So much so that you married him. Fairly quick turnaround, wasn’t it?” Tyler challenged, arms crossed defensively over his chest.

Cory stood up, walking towards Tyler. “Listen, I know this isn’t easy for you. And I’m truly sorry that you’re struggling to accept me. I didn’t want to replace your mother. I want to be a friend and a support in your life.”

Tyler’s gaze drifted down to Cory’s robe, the material clinging to her every curve. He quickly looked away, his face flushing. “I don’t need a friend. And I definitely don’t need you trying to be my mom.”

Cory reached out, placing a hand on Tyler’s shoulder. He flinched at her touch, but didn’t pull away. “I’m not trying to replace your mother. I just want to be there for you,” she said softly.

Tyler’s muscles tensed beneath her fingers. His eyes darted back to hers, intensity flaring in their depths. Cory swallowed hard, suddenly very aware of how close they stood to one another. She could feel the warmth emanating from him, the masculine scent of his cologne making her head swim.

“I appreciate that,” Tyler said softly. His voice had softened, the hostility melting away. “I guess I’m just… scared, you know? Of losing my dad. Of you changing things between us.”

Cory squeezed his shoulder, her hand drifting down the firm planes of his arm. Her thumb brushed over the inside of his wrist, feeling his rapid pulse beneath her touch. “You could never lose him, Tyler. He loves you so much. And I would never do anything to come between you two. I care about you too much.”

Tyler leaned closer, his breath hot against her ear. “You care about me?” he whispered.

Cory shivered, her nipples hardening beneath the thin silk of her robe. “Of course I do, honey. You mean the world to me.”

Their gazes locked, energy crackling between them. Cory’s tongue darted out to wet her suddenly-dry lips. Tyler’s eyes followed the movement, darkening with clear desire. She could feel his body tense, fighting the urge to pull her flush against him.

“Mom,” he breathed, common sense clearly warring with unspeakable Want. Cory’s core clenched hard at the forbidden moniker.

“I’m not your mom, Tyler,” Cory whispered. She rose up on her tiptoes, her breath mingling with his. The Of course, he still calls me that. The thought thrilled her.

Tyler’s eyes fluttered shut. His Adam’s apple bobbed hard as he swallowed, fingers flexing into her hips. Cory pressed closer, drawn in by the magnetic pull. Just one taste…

The slam of the car door sent them springing apart guiltily. Tyler’s eyes flew open, his gaze a frantic race between the front door and Cory’s flushed face.

“Tyler? Cory? I’m home!” Their eyes darted back to the door as Cory’s new husband walked inside, briefcase in hand.

Tyler turned to Cory one last time, pupils blown wide with need. “We’ll finish this conversation later,” he mouthed, jabbing a finger towards his room. Cory nodded almost absently, equal parts fearful and anticipatory. What were they doing? What had they almost done?