Page 28 of Shadows of Obsession

At least, that's what I kept telling myself.

Before I could dwell on the unsettling feeling any further, we reached the boutique's entrance. The bell above the door chimed softly as I stepped inside, immediately greeted by a cheerful voice that seemed to dispel the creeping shadows in my mind.

"Anna!" Harper's enthusiastic greeting echoed through the boutique, her vibrant red hair a striking contrast against the store's soft pastels. She wore a flowing sage green dress that complemented her coloring beautifully, silver bangles jingling on her wrists as she moved. "I'm so glad you took my advice and came to visit. And you brought Jaxon along too. How lovely!"

Jaxon looked around the boutique with visible discomfort, clearly out of his element in the elegant, feminine space, so much so that I giggled under my breath at his expense.

The interior was a cozy blend of soft lighting, luxurious fabrics, and a delicate floral fragrance that drifted through the air, lavender mixed with something sweet, maybe vanilla. Plush cream-colored rugs and beautifully arranged racks of colorful clothing added to the boutique's charm. Jaxon shifted his weight from foot to foot, hands jammed into his pockets, looking like a caged animal searching for an exit.

Harper's warm welcome and the boutique's inviting ambiance worked wonders on my nerves. The soft pastels and subtle floral prints were a soothing contrast to the bustling street outside. I smiled at Harper, trying to push away the uneasiness that had gripped me earlier.

"I'll just wait outside," Jaxon mumbled, avoiding eye contact with Harper as he backed toward the door. His voice was gruff and uncomfortable. "Take your time."

I nodded, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of my lips as Jaxon made a hasty retreat. The sense that he was relieved to leave, even if he tried to hide it, was clear. And honestly? I was relieved too. Maybe a little shopping with Harper was just what I needed.

"I'm really glad to see you too," I replied warmly, turning to Harper. The sound of a familiar voice brought comfort, and I felt myself relax a little. "I could use some help finding a few new outfits."

Harper's emerald eyes sparkled with excitement as she led me deeper into the boutique. "Absolutely! You've come to the right place. We just got a new shipment in, and I think you'll find some things you'll love." Her enthusiasm was infectious, and the way she gestured animatedly made me smile.

I followed Harper through the store, the soft music and subtle scents adding to the relaxed atmosphere. Mellow jazz played over the speakers, mingling with the gentle hum of other customers browsing nearby. As we moved through the racks of clothing, I felt a small but comforting shift in my mood.

Through the large front window, I could see Jaxon settling onto the bench outside. Even from here, his body language was tense—shoulders rigid, spine straight. He removed his baseball cap and ran a hand through his dark hair before tugging the cap back on and lowering the brim. His eyes swept the street constantly, never resting for more than a few seconds. One knee bounced restlessly, and his jaw was set in that hard line I'd come to recognize as barely contained tension.

"Earth to Anna?" Harper's voice pulled my attention back inside.

"Sorry," I said, turning away from the window. "Just… distracted."

Harper followed my gaze briefly, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "He's quite the watchdog, isn't he?"

I felt heat creep into my cheeks. "Connor insisted."

"Mmm-hmm," Harper hummed, clearly not buying it but graciously letting the subject drop. "Now, let's find you something that'll make you feel amazing."

With Harper's guidance, I began picking out a few pieces that caught my eye, dresses in soft blues and earthy greens, flowing blouses in cream and rose, and comfortable jeans in various washes made their way into my arms. The soft fabrics and rich colors broughta genuine smile to my face. As we moved from one section to the next, Harper chatted animatedly, sharing stories and offering suggestions. It was nice to be distracted, to focus on something other than the chaos in my mind.

But every so often, my eyes drifted back to the window.

Jaxon had shifted positions, now leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, hands clasped in front of him. His head turned slowly, methodically scanning left to right and back again. A couple passed by with a dog, and I watched his entire body tense until he recognized them as harmless and relaxed, if only slightly. Whatever had him on edge was getting worse, not better.

"You know," Harper said, holding up a beautiful teal sundress against me to check the fit, "if you're worried about him, you could always cut this short and go check on him."

"I'm not—" I started, then stopped. Was I worried about him? Or was his tension just feeding my own anxiety? "He's fine. He's always like this."

Harper raised an eyebrow but didn't press. "Well, this color is gorgeous on you. It brings out your eyes. You should definitely try it on."

As I headed toward the fitting rooms with an armful of clothes, I couldn't resist one more glance out the window. Jaxon was on his phone now, but his free hand rubbed the back of his neck in…agitation? His shoulders were hunched forward, and even through the glass, I could see the tension in every line of his body.

Something's wrong.

The thought settled in my gut like a stone, heavy and cold. But what could I do about it? March outside and demand he tell me why he was acting like we were in enemy territory? That would go oversowell.

I tried on the clothes Harper had picked, and honestly, she had excellent taste. The teal dress fit perfectly, and the jeans were comfortable without being too casual. A flowing white blouse with delicate embroidery along the neckline was exactly my style. But even as I admired my reflection in the fitting room mirror, my mind kept drifting back to Jaxon outside.

When I emerged with my selections, Harper was already at the register, her bright smile firmly in place. But as I glanced out the window again, I noticed Jaxon had stood up. He was pacing now, just a few steps back and forth in front of the bench. His hand went to his hip, then dropped. Went to his back pocket, then dropped. Restless, agitated energy radiated from him in waves.

As I approached the boutique's antique checkout counter, a beautifully weathered piece with ornate brass fixtures and a polished wood surface, our relaxed laughter and easy conversation began to fade as the shopkeeper's curiosity visibly piqued.

"So, if you don't mind me asking…" Harper began, giving me a friendly yet inquisitive look as she folded my purchases with practiced ease, "What brings you into town today? Just a fun little shopping spree to treat yourself?"