Page 57 of Shadows of Obsession
I finished quickly and walked the bay back to the barn. After turning him out, I decided to take Choco for a trail ride. With Jared going into town with Jaxon, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to explore the trail leading to Jaxon's house. I liked it best because it wound through the woods, offering seclusion from the rest of the ranch.
I quickly texted Connor to let him know my plans, then mounted up and gently squeezed Choco's sides. He recognized the path and seemed eager, picking up the pace with a spirited trot.
The trail was shaded by tall trees, their leaves rustling in a gentle breeze that cooled the air. Dappled sunlight flickered across the path, creating a calm, serene atmosphere that immediately eased the tension in my shoulders.
I loosened the reins and let Choco gallop. It was exhilarating. The wind whipping through my hair, the rhythm of his hooves beating against the earth, the way my body moved in perfect sync with his. This was freedom.
As we galloped, I couldn't help but think about Jared and the uncomfortable feeling he gave me. Jaxon said he was looking for a fresh start, but those eyes... they seemed to pierce right through me, sizing me up. It reminded me too much of Daniel, whose charming exterior had eventually given way to darker intentions.
The thought sent a chill down my spine despite the warmth of the sun filtering through the trees.
I urged Choco on, wanting to make the ride quick and be back before Jaxon returned. The peacefulness of the trail offered much-needed escape from the anxiety brewing back at the ranch.
After five minutes of galloping, I slowed Choco to a gentle trot, allowing him to catch his breath. I patted his neck, feeling the warmth and rhythm of his muscles beneath my hand. It was important to savor these moments, especially after having left him behind with the fear I might never see him again. Knowing I had him again brought comfort.
As we meandered through the woods, I thought about how much had changed since I'd arrived here. I'd been working with Sam's horses, getting them back in shape, hoping that one day I might be able to take them to a show. Connor's shows were different from the ones I used to attend, but I felt certain he'd support me if I asked.
When I spotted the start of the clearing where Jaxon's house stood, I decided it was time to turn around. But something caught my eye.
The front door was slightly ajar, as if it hadn't been closed tightly enough to latch. That wasn't right.
Knowing Jaxon and his meticulousness, the way everything in his cabin had a place, the way he moved with such deliberate precision, it felt wrong. Off.
Curious and slightly concerned, I dismounted and walked up to the porch. I cautiously opened the door, reaching inside to turn the lock. It clicked into place. I closed the door fully, pulling it tight and checking the handle to make sure it was secure. I was satisfied that the door was fixed.
Satisfied that everything was as it should be, I walked back down the steps to where Choco waited patiently.
I pulled out my phone to send Jaxon a text, wanting to let him know about the door.
[Me]:I rode out toward your house and saw your front door wasn't shut. I closed and locked it, just so you know.
The response came almost immediately.
[Jaxon]:It wasn't shut all the way?
[Me]:No. It was cracked, just touching the frame. It looked like you didn't pull it tight.
[Jaxon]:Okay, thank you for fixing it. Wouldn't want any wild animals finding their way in. Jared is enough.
I laughed softly at his response, the tension in my chest easing. His dry humor had a way of cutting through the awkwardness and reminding me that underneath all the complicated layers, he was still the same person who'd sat with me by the fire last night. The same person whose shoulder I fell asleep on.
Heat crept up my neck at the memory. I tucked my phone back into my pocket and led Choco over to the stairs, using them to hoist myself back into the saddle. I took one last look toward Jaxon's house, making sure everything seemed normal.
Instead of galloping back, I took my time, letting Choco walk leisurely. And as we moved through the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, I realized something that made me smile.
For the first time since arriving at the ranch, I felt like I was heading home, not to Connor's place. The thought brought warmth spreading through my chest, a feeling of belonging I hadn't experienced in ages.
As I emerged from the woods and turned toward the barn, I noticed Connor working with a young filly, demonstrating her for potential buyers. He held the horse's lead, guiding her gently while someone else rode an older horse, likely the filly's mother, giving the buyers a sense of lineage and demeanor.
Watching Connor in his element, I felt a wave of admiration. He had a natural rapport with horses, but it was his easy charisma with people that really set him apart. The way he interacted with clients, his relaxed yet confident manner, made the whole process seem effortless. His success was clearly deserved.
After leading Choco back to the barn and turning him out with the other horses, I paused by the riding ring where I'd been working with Sam's horses. The ground poles were spread around, ready for warm-ups and exercises, but I found myself longing for more.
I missed the thrill of jumping. The precise timing. The sense of accomplishment that came from clearing a well-set course.
The idea of setting up jump standards crossed my mind. If I could convince Connor, maybe we could build a simple jumping course. With him heading off to a big horse show soon, my itch to compete was getting stronger, reminding me of the days I'd spent with Sam at shows, filled with excitement and long hours with friends.
The shows I was thinking about were quite different from the ones Connor frequented, but he'd gone with me before despite coming from a Western riding background. He was a natural at jumping, picking up the technical aspects quickly and enjoying every course he completed.