Page 60 of Shadows of Obsession

Anna

Today was the day.

I'd been enjoying Connor's company, but I knew a break would do us both good. I appreciated his protective instincts—I really did—but his overbearing older brother act was starting to wear thin, grating on my nerves like sandpaper.

I lugged the last of Connor's three suitcases to the barn, where the truck was hitched to the large six-horse trailer, parked and ready to go once everything was loaded. The suitcases were heavy, the handles digging into my palms as I carried them, but I didn't mind the physical labor. There was something satisfying about the burn in my muscles, the tangible effort of helping.

Connor was in his office with Denny, giving final instructions, their voices muffled behind the closed door. Meanwhile, the other stable hands groomed the horses, wrapped their legs for protection during the drive, checked their halters, and brushed off any shavings stuck to their coats. The familiar scent of hay and horses filled the air, comforting in its normalcy.

Slowly, the horses were loaded into the trailer one by one, their hooves clopping against the rubber-covered metal ramp as they walked up. Hay nets hung in front of each stall to keep them occupied duringthe journey, the sweet scent of alfalfa wafting through the air. The trailer's windows were open, allowing a refreshing breeze to circulate.

Mark sat in the truck's passenger seat with the door open, checking a small monitor mounted on the dashboard. It showed a camera feed so they could watch the horses in transit, ensuring their safety and comfort. He gave a thumbs-up to Felix, who was closing the trailer door, the metal latch clicking into place with a sense of finality.

I hefted Connor's suitcase into the truck bed, stacking it with the others belonging to Mark and Felix. The three were heading out together, so they needed the back seat clear, leaving room for road trip snacks and a cooler. The trip was set to be a long one, and they didn't want any extra baggage in the way.

I stepped back as Mark started the truck, the engine roaring to life and the air conditioning kicking in. Connor emerged from the barn, his expression serious, and did a final walk-around, inspecting the tires on both trailer and truck. It was going to be a long journey, twenty hours straight without stopping, save for fuel and quick bathroom breaks. He wanted to make sure everything was ready for the haul.

Connor walked over to me and pulled me into a tight hug, lifting me off the ground with the force of his squeeze. I had to slap his back a couple of times and gasp for air before he finally set me down.

Okay, okay, I need to breathe!

Keeping his hands on my shoulders, he gave me a serious look, his honey-colored eyes filled with concern.

"If you ever start to feel something is off—" he began.

"I'll call you," I replied, rolling my eyes. I appreciated his concern, but sometimes it felt like he didn't trust me to take care of myself.

"And if you feel uncomfortable—"

"I'll have Jaxon here with me, Connor," I reminded him gently.

"I know, I know. I just... worry," he admitted, looking down at the ground, his shoulders slumping slightly.

My expression softened. "Everything will be okay. I won't leave the ranch unless it's with Jaxon. I promise." I wrapped my arms around him for a more sincere hug, pressing my cheek against his chest, feeling the steady thump of his heartbeat. "Have a great time, and good luck with everything. I'll text and call every day."

Connor sighed deeply, clearly reluctant to leave, but he nodded. He glanced over my shoulder toward where Jaxon stood by the side of the house, arms crossed over his chest. Jaxon gave him a reassuring nod, his usual silent promise to keep watch over me.

Connor returned the nod before climbing into the driver's seat, the door slamming shut behind him. I stepped back, waving as the truck slowly pulled out of the driveway, gravel crunching beneath the tires.

As the trailer's taillights vanished into the distance, I relaxed, a weight lifting off my shoulders. I wasn't sure Connor would actually leave, and it felt good knowing he trusted me to hold down the fort.

Finally, some breathing room.

I caught Jaxon's gaze as I turned toward the house and flashed him a playful smile, stopping just in front of him with my hands on my hips.

Jaxon cocked an eyebrow, amusement playing at the corners of his lips. "Yes?"

"What are you cooking me for dinner tonight?" I asked, my voice light with innocent curiosity. I leaned forward slightly, as if the answer were crucial.

Jaxon snorted and chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm cooking you dinner, am I?"

"Well, I cooked for you last, so it's only fair you return the favor," I replied, leaning into my words. "Dinner at six sound good?"

"Fair enough," he said, shrugging in mock resignation. A small grin tugged at his lips.

I grinned back, giving him a quick wave before turning to head back to my work. As I walked away, I felt his eyes on me, and something about that made me smile even wider.

This is going to be a good three weeks.