Page 59 of Shadows of Obsession

"So, you just jump the one?" I asked, genuine curiosity sparking a bubble of laughter from Anna. She covered her mouth as she giggled. I realized I must have said something stupid.

"No," Connor replied, grinning at Anna's reaction. "There are four jumps in total, so we've got six more standards to move. If you and I carry them, it should go faster. That way, we can save Squirt over here from dragging them." He nodded toward Anna.

Anna's laughter cut off abruptly, her eyes widening in mock horror. "Squirt?!" she exclaimed, playful disbelief lacing her voice as she placed her hands on her hips.

Connor shrugged with a mocking grin and led the way back to the barn, me following to grab the rest of the jump standards. Meanwhile, Anna busied herself arranging the poles in the riding ring, carefully making sure the jumps lined up evenly.

Once all four standards were in place, complete with poles, the day had shifted into late afternoon. The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the ground. Connor was free from meetings and training sessions, and it was getting too late for Anna to ride, so she left the ring as it was, planning to start fresh tomorrow.

We made our way back to the house, and I suggested we talk about Connor's upcoming trip over pizza, to make up for the night I'd missed when Jared showed up unexpectedly. It was the least I could do after bailing on the cookout.

Chester greeted us at the door, his tail wagging enthusiastically as he weaved between our legs. Anna and Connor headed upstairs to clean up while I went into the kitchen to wash my hands and preheat the oven.

Anna was the first to return downstairs, her blouse swapped for a snug-fitting T-shirt that clung to her curves. I caught myself staring,my eyes lingering on the smooth expanse of her skin before quickly shifting to the oven, feeling a mix of interest and caution. I told myself to focus. My feelings for Anna were growing, which I couldn't deny anymore, but I wasn't sure what to do with them, especially after telling Connor I wasn't interested in anything more than friendship.

She moved past me to the fridge, her arm brushing mine in a quick moment that sent a shiver down my spine. She pulled out a couple of beers, the bottles clinking softly as she handed one to me, her fingers grazing mine. I fought to keep my composure.

She made her way into the den, and I followed, drawn by her presence in a way I couldn't explain.

We settled onto the sectional. Anna tucked her legs underneath her and reached back to grab the knitted blanket draped over the couch. As she slid it over her legs, she caught my eye and waggled her eyebrows. A playful nod to our "teenage" moment getting in trouble for falling asleep outside with that same blanket.

I chuckled, lifting my beer to my lips, enjoying the lightheartedness despite the weight pressing down on me.

When Connor finally came down, we ate pizza while a movie played quietly in the background. The conversation shifted to plans for his absence. We talked about how to handle the horses, with Connor ensuring Anna would have everything she needed. Since Connor and two others from his team would be gone, they'd agreed Anna would be responsible for the horses in the old barn, while Denny handled the sale horses. That would lighten Denny's load and let him focus on other ranch responsibilities.

When the topic turned to living arrangements, Anna adjusted her seating, crossing her legs to face us better. She leaned forward slightly, speaking earnestly.

"Jaxon, you don't need to put yourself out for me. I'm sure I'd be fine," she insisted, her voice tinged with concern. She was trying to minimize her needs.

I shook my head, dismissing her worries. "It's not like that," I said, voice soft but firm. "I want to be here. Connor's right to be concerned. With Jared at my place and you on your own here, I'd rather not take any chances." I gave her what I hoped was a reassuring smile.

"I'll be gone for three weeks, Anna," Connor said gently, emphasizing the seriousness. "That's a long time to be alone in the house, especially given your history. I know you were alone before, but you never stayed anywhere for long. I just want you to know you're safe here, and you'd feel safer with Jax around."

Anna chewed the inside of her cheek, her gaze fixed on the TV screen. I could see her wrestling with her thoughts, the tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers gripped the blanket too tightly. Her anxiety over Connor's extended absence was clear, but she wouldn't want him to cancel his trip just because she was uneasy.

She took a deep breath and turned to face us, both of us waiting for her response.

"Fine," she said quietly. "I would feel better with Jaxon here. You're right." I could tell the words were hard for her to say, an admission of vulnerability. "I appreciate it." She had finally accepted the help.

"But—" Anna began, but I held up my hand to stop her.

"No buts," I interrupted gently. "It'll be fine. You don't need to worry about how I feel or what's going on with me. I want to be here for you."

I meant every word. No matter the complications Jared brought, no matter the confusion swirling inside me over my growing feelings for Anna, none of that mattered as much as making sure she felt safe.

I watched the tension in her shoulders ease, the knots of worry loosening their grip as my reassurance sank in. She nodded, clearly trying to let my words wash over her.

"Okay," she said, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Thanks, Jaxon. But you should know, Harper and I already have a girls' night planned."

She grinned mischievously, her eyes sparkling with humor. I rolled my eyes, leaning back into the couch with a quiet sense of relief. Glad we'd gotten through the hard part, convincing her to accept my presence without guilt.

I shook my head, pretending to be annoyed, but a small grin tugged at my lips. I wondered what I had gotten myself into.

She followed my lead, sinking into the cushions to relax for the rest of the movie, the warmth of her body next to mine a comfortingpresence. Connor turned up the volume, and we settled in to enjoy the evening.

For the first time in days, with Jared temporarily out of mind and Anna relaxed beside me, I felt somethingclose to peace.

CHAPTER 18