As we sit on the couch playing the new Zombie Hunters game, it’s me, Jesse, and his friend Mark, with Jesse’s mom Elena seated next to me. Her thigh is pressed warmly against mine, and her low-cut top brushes against my arm, making it hard to concentrate on the game. Jesse and Mark are focused on the screen, unaware of the growing tension.

“Mom, I’m starving. We should get some snacks,” Jesse says.

Elena smiles. “Why don’t you and Mark run to the store and grab something?” Jesse nods, and the two of them quickly leave.

Once the door shuts, Elena leans in closer, her voice soft. “Looks like it’s just the two of us now.”