Page 103 of Shadows of Obsession

Today, I was giving the horses a day off, focusing instead on the tack room in the old barn. My goal was to make it look more professional, less like a cluttered storage space where Connor had just tossed things. The musty scent of old wood mingled with the fresh aroma of leather oil. Earthy, chemical, and oddly comforting all at once. It made me feel at home in a way few things did.

Resting my hands on my hips, I took in my handiwork, admiring the gleam on Sam's old competition saddle. The brass fittings caught the light, and I could see my warped reflection in the polished surface. Connor's going to be impressed when he gets back.

Suddenly, strong arms wrapped around me from behind, pulling me into a firm embrace that made me gasp. A broad chest pressed against my back, solid and warm, and I felt familiar stubble scratch deliciously against the side of my jaw.

Jaxon.

My initial surprise melted instantly as his lips found my neck, leaving a trail of warmth with each kiss that made my skin tingle and my breath catch. When he gently bit into the crook where my neck met my shoulder, the spot he'd discovered drove me crazy, my gasp of surprise turned into a soft moan I couldn't suppress. A rush of pure sensation washed over me, a feeling I knew this man evoked better than anyone else.

He chuckled at my reaction, the sound rumbling through his chest and vibrating against my back, before spinning me around to face him. His grin was mischievous yet affectionate, his blue eyes dancing with humor and something warmer, deeper.

"We're going to need stuff for the cookout tonight," he said, tucking a stray strand of blonde hair behind my ear with a tender touch that made my heart flutter. His calloused fingertips lingered against my cheek for a moment. "Want to come to town with me to get what we need?"

I chewed the inside of my cheek, my gaze drifting around the tack room. Saddles hung neatly on their racks now, bridles were organized by type, and the floor was finally free of dust and hay. I loved being around Jaxon, loved it in a way that scared me with its intensity. But the thought of finishing my work and having the room ready for Connor's return gave me a sense of satisfaction I didn't want to abandon. A little space might also be good, I thought, before I did something crazy like tell him I loved him.

"I'm really feeling motivated to get this room cleaned up today," I said, my voice tinged with regret I couldn't quite hide. "I want it done before Connor gets home."

The words felt wrong even as they left my mouth, and a pang of sadness twisted in my chest. I valued my time with Jaxon, craved it, honestly, but I knew that a little distance could be healthy too. Despite his insistence on taking things slow, my heart had other plans. It was racing ahead at full gallop while my brain tried desperately to hold the reins. I knew I was falling too hard, too fast and needed to slow down before I scared him away.

Jaxon noticed the hesitation in my eyes, he always noticed everything, and his expression softened with understanding. He smiled and lifted my chin with gentle fingers until I met his gaze. Hislips brushed lightly against mine, a kiss full of wordless reassurance that made my eyes drift closed.

"It's okay. I can manage, and I'll be back soon," he said, his voice low and warm like honey.

He started toward the barn's entrance, his boots scuffing against the concrete, but stopped abruptly. Turning back, he gave me a thoughtful look and reached for his belt.

Unclipping his radio, he held it out to me. "Keep this on you in case you need help from one of the guys for anything," he said calm, but in that steady tone that meant he wasn't really making a suggestion.

Doubt must have flickered across my face, the radio felt like overkill when Denny and the others were just across the property, because Jaxon stepped closer again. He softened his request with another kiss, his words a gentle whisper against my lips that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Please. For me."

I sighed, the sound more fond than exasperated, and gave his shoulder a light push. "Go, so you can get back faster," I said with a playful nudge, unable to suppress my smile. There was no way I could say no to that.

"Yes, ma'am," Jaxon replied with a grin, giving me a mock salute so adorable I couldn't help but laugh. Then he jogged out to his Jeep, his steps light and carefree, and I watched him go with a warmth blooming in my chest that had nothing to do with the summer heat.

As the sound of his Jeep faded, the crunch of gravel and the rev of the engine growing fainter, I stood in the tack room, holding the radio in my hand. It felt heavier than it should have, not because of its weight, but because of what it represented.He cares. He worries about me. He wants me safe.The thought brought a smile to my face I couldn't have wiped away if I tried. With a deep breath that filled my lungs with the scent of leather and hay, I clipped the radio to my belt loop, rolled up my sleeves, and got back to work.

Two hours later, I was toweling off my hair in the bathroom, the steam still clinging to the mirror and making everything hazy. The hotshower had felt amazing after the physical work of reorganizing the tack room, washing away the sweat and grime until I felt human again.

A shuffling noise drifted from downstairs, followed by Chester's deep bark.

I smiled at my reflection in the foggy mirror, surprised he'd made it back so quickly. Then again, Ihadtold him to hurry. Maybe he'd taken me seriously and rushed through shopping just to get back to me. The thought made warmth bloom in my chest, spreading outward until I felt like I was glowing.

After twisting my damp hair into a loose bun, with a few strands escaping to frame my face, I got dressed in a pair of ripped jean shorts and a fitted blue tank top. The heat today was oppressive, the kind that made the air feel thick and heavy, and if I was going to start setting up outside and getting the kitchen ready for the cookout, I wanted to be as cool as possible.

I checked my reflection one more time, noting the slight flush still lingering in my cheeks from the hot shower, before walking down the hallway toward the stairs.

"Jax?" I called as I descended, my bare feet silent on the wooden steps. "You didn't need to rush that fast."

My tone was teasing, affectionate, already imagining his response, probably something about wanting to get back to me, delivered with that crooked grin that always made my stomach flip.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, I headed straight for the kitchen, expecting to see him unloading grocery bags or raiding the fridge. But I frowned when I found it empty.

Huh. That's weird.

Puzzlement flickered through me like a candle flame. I looked across the hall toward the den and peeked in, but it was also vacant. The room sat quiet and undisturbed, afternoon sunlight slanting through the windows in long golden bars.

Growing more confused by the moment, I was about to head outside through the front door, maybe he was still getting stuff out of the Jeep, when I heard a noise coming from down the hall.