Checkmate

24

Colton's house was nothing like I'd expected. Located in a gated community, from the outside with its floor-to-ceiling windows giving a view to what looked like the living room, or maybe a man cave, the sterling grey, and white combination on the modern facade gave off the essence of an A-typical masculine home. The driveway seemed large enough to hold up to seven cars with three, two of the super-car variety parked to the side.

As I turned off the engine, the front door opened and Colton walked out, trotting down the steps to greet Sam with a hug.

"How are you doing?" I heard Colton ask him as I went to the truck to get his stuff.

Sam answered with an enthusiastic, "Good!" and Colton chuckled in response.

"Yeah? You ready to spend some time with me?"

"Uh-huh."

"Awesome! I could hardly wait either," he said, the smile in his voice evident even though I wasn't looking at him.

He came up to me, nodding in greeting and I flashed him a friendly grin before he took the bag from me and led us into the house. The moment I step inside, I'm automatically in awe of the place. It felt more like we'd stepped into a luxurious hotel than a home. The black marble floors and grey furniture gave the house a somber vibe, the white walls and huge windows the only source of clarity.

  A huge flat-screen TV hung above the electric fireplace in the living room with a large grey couch backed up against the wall with the side glass sliding doors leading to the backyard. The majority of the house was like this, everything in pristine condition, clearly fit for a bachelor with Colton's means.

  Sam was gushing over the x-box along with the large selection of video games piled on the shelf.

"You ever played that one? Colton asked, picking up the Spider-Man pouch.

Sam shook his head and I walked closer, taking a look at the assortment.

"This has to go," I said, picking up the Mortal Combat one.

"You play Mortal Combat?!" Sam asked, his eyes suddenly full of adoration for his father whose pout only grew.

"Oh, come on, Kim."

I shook my head, "Way too violent. I want him back with all his innocence intact."

I look down at my son. When it comes to my peace of mind being threatened, I was immune to those hopeful puppy eyes.

"Not happening, buddy. Remember what happened last time we were at Alek's house."

I looked away and shuddered at the memory.

"Who's Alek?" Colton asked, looking between me and Sam.

His tight smile didn't fool me.

Alek and I became friends after Colton and I split so he had no way of knowing that Sephora had always been the one interested and not me. However, since my morning walk of shame, he has known I was seeing someone. Though Jarred and I weren't anything serious, watching this man burning with jealousy at the prospect of me living my life as I pleased gave my freedom an unexpected thrill.

"Just a friend," I said, glancing at him only to see his shoulders straightened just a little.

I held back a smirk, browsing through until I saw another game I didn't want Sam playing.

"Nothing zombie related for this one," I said, picking up the Left For Dead pouch, and turning to hand it to Colton.

"Resident Evil scared him forever and I need my eight hours of sleep," I said.