His Girlfriend's Mother I

THE afternoon sun beat down on the sprawling mansion. Its heat shimmered off the terracotta roof tiles, making the air thick and heavy with the scent of jasmine and chlorine.

Laughter, bright and carefree, spilled from the backyard, echoing off the manicured hedges and the crystal-clear water of the infinity pool. Jordan watched it all from the cool sanctuary of the kitchen, a tall glass of iced tea sweating in his hand. Chloe, his girlfriend, a vibrant splash of ...