Page 130 of Shadows of Obsession

I turned my head, pressing a tender kiss to his jawline. "Home," I repeated softly, testing the word. It felt right. It felt true.

This was home.Hewas home.

For the first time in longer than I could remember, I wasn't running from something. I was running toward something: a future I was choosing, a man who appreciated me, a life I was building with my own hands.

"So," Jaxon said after a comfortable silence, his fingers tracing lazy patterns across my stomach, making me shiver, "when do you want to officially move your stuff over? We should probably tell Connor too."

I laughed, the sound bright and happy in the quiet room. "I think Connor already knows we're basically living together. But yes, we should make it official. Maybe this weekend? I don't have that much."

I turned in his arms, wanting to see his face. His eyes were soft, unguarded, full of love and contentment that mirrored everything I felt.

And wrapped in his arms, in our new bed, in the cabin we were rebuilding from the ruin, I believed in our future with absolute certainty.

CHAPTER 35

Anna

Ifelt a sense of pride wash over me as I sat back in Connor's home office, the soft glow of the computer screen illuminating my face in the dimming evening light. The past week had been a whirlwind. Cleaning, organizing, photographing, writing descriptions until my fingers cramped, but seeing my vision finally come to life filled me with an indescribable sense of satisfaction. I did this. This is mine.

I'd poured my heart and soul into preparing the ranch for its new chapter. Now, as I meticulously uploaded the last few photos to my newly minted professional Airbnb account, a surge of excitement coursed through my veins, making my hands tremble slightly on the mouse.

With each click and the quiet hum of the computer processing, I felt myself getting closer to realizing my dream. I had made strategic decisions, choosing to start slowly by listing just three of the six available cabins. It was a calculated move, allowing everyone involved to acclimate to the new venture before diving in headfirst. Baby steps. Build it slowly. Do it right.

The cabins were more than just buildings to me now; they reflected my passion and dedication to creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for our guests. I'd pored over every detail, from selectingfresh linens, soft Egyptian cotton in neutral tones that felt luxurious without being pretentious, to choosing personalized décor that balanced rustic charm with modern comfort.

Each cabin had its own character. The largest one, which I'd named "Ponderosa," featured a stone fireplace and leather furniture that gave it a classic lodge feel. "Meadowlark" was lighter and airier, with whitewashed wood and vintage Wyoming photographs on the walls. "Stargazer" was the smallest but coziest, with a telescope on the porch and constellation maps framed above the bed.

I'd added touches I hoped would make guests feel at home: local wildflower arrangements, handwritten welcome notes, baskets of Wyoming-made soaps and lotions. Little details that showed care, that said,you're welcome here.

But it wasn't just the cabins that had my energy poured into them. The barn had undergone a complete transformation, thanks to Jaxon's tireless efforts. His strong hands and unwavering determination breathed new life into the old structure. Fresh paint on the stalls, new lighting that made everything bright and welcoming, organized tack rooms that actually made sense.

With the adjacent ring now leveled, dragged, and ready for riding lessons, I felt confident that we were well on our way to creating a memorable experience for visitors. The horses,my horses. I still couldn't quite believe Connor had given them to me. They were healthy, well-trained, and perfect for beginners. The thought settled in my gut with a gratifying certainty: This could actually work. This could really work.

My finger hovered over the mouse, the cursor poised directly above the "publish" button on the Airbnb website. The weight of the moment settled on my shoulders, a mix of excitement and trepidation making my heart race. I quickly cut off the spiral of negative thoughts before they could take root:What if no one books? What if I fail? What if—no.I shook my head. I'd worked too hard, planned too carefully, to let fear stop me now.

I took a deep breath, straightening my spine as I exhaled slowly. The cool air of the office kissed my skin, crisp and air-conditioned, sending a shiver down my back that had nothing to do with temperature and everything to do with anticipation.Do it. Just do it.

With a final, decisive click, I sealed my fate.

The page refreshed, and my listings sprang to life before my eyes, professional photos showcasing sun-drenched rooms and inviting spaces, descriptions I'd agonized over for hours, pricing that Connor assured me was competitive but fair.

The smile that spread across my face was one of pure, unadulterated joy. The culmination of weeks of hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of those I loved. Tears pricked at my eyes, happy tears this time, as I stared at the screen. I'm a business owner. I actually did it.

"I'm proud of you, Anna."

I jumped slightly, my hand flying to my chest as I spun in the office chair. Jaxon leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest, the look on his face made my breath catch, telling me he'd been watching for a while.

"How long have you been lurking?" I asked, but there was no heat in the question, just warmth and happiness bubbling up like champagne.

"Long enough to see you take the leap," he said, pushing off the doorframe. His footsteps were soft against the plush carpet as he made his way into the office, eyes never leaving mine. "The look on your face when you hit that button... Anna, you were glowing."

Heat flooded my cheeks, but I couldn't stop smiling. He perched on the edge of the desk beside me, body angled toward mine in a gesture of support and affection that felt as natural as breathing.

"I was terrified," I admitted, looking up at him. "Still am, a little. What if—"

"No what-ifs," he interrupted gently, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. His calloused fingers lingered against my cheek, and I leaned into the touch automatically. "You did something amazing. You took an idea and made it real. That takes courage." Courage. Me. Who would have thought?

I tore my gaze away from the screen, my smile growing even wider as I met Jaxon's eyes. The admiration I found there was overwhelming, almost too much to bear. It made my chest tight with emotion. Gratitude, love, and a fierce determination not to let him down, not tolet any of this fail.