Page 61 of Shadows of Obsession

Jaxon

I walked back to my Jeep with a slight smile tugging at my lips, the tension in my shoulders easing as I savored the memory of Anna'splayful banter. It felt good to see her so relaxed and smiling, she'd had a lot on her plate lately.

As I started the engine and headed toward my cabin, my mind wandered to dinner. I hadn't actually planned on cooking tonight, but I'd figure something out. It was better than the alternative of serving her something frozen.

Shepherd's pie. I can do that.

The drive didn't take long. Pulling up the gravel driveway, I spotted the usual signs of Jared's presence: the front porch littered with an ashtray full of cigarette butts and a pile of empty beer bottles by the recycling bin.

Great.

My patience began fraying at the edges.

I stepped inside the cabin to find Jared sprawled on the couch, the TV blaring way too loud. Empty potato chip bags littered the floor, and a half-eaten pizza sat on the coffee table. Jared didn't even glance my way when I walked in.

"Jared," I said, keeping my voice steady. "We need to talk."

He glanced at me over his shoulder, then lazily flipped back to the TV. "Yeah? What about?"

I took a deep breath, holding back the urge to snap. "What's about to happen is you start looking for a job or a place to stay. This can't be a permanent arrangement."

Jared rolled his eyes. "I'm working on it," he said flatly, disinterest dripping from his words. "But it takes time, man. You don't just get out of jail and snap your fingers. Chill out."

"You haven't even tried," I replied, crossing my arms. "You've been here almost two weeks and haven't left the cabin except with me. All you do is watch TV and make a mess." I gestured around at the chaos.

Jared sat up, eyes flashing with defiance. "What, you got a problem with me relaxing? I'm out, and you're complaining I'm not dancing around like a puppet. Maybe you should make up your mind."

I narrowed my eyes, my patience wearing thin. "You know what you should be doing? Looking for work, finding a place to stay. I can't babysit you forever."

Jared stood, fists clenched at his sides, glaring. "Yeah? What, you're too good to help your own brother? You think I'm just gonna jump through hoops because you said so? Screw that. I don't need your crap, Jaxon. You think you're all high and mighty with your little cabin and horsey friends? You'd be nothing without me."Are you kidding me?

I held my ground, meeting his glare with steel. "I'm taking you back into town in a couple of days to look for jobs and find you a place to stay, even if it's the motel. You need to be in town, where you can actually meet people and find something. This setup isn't working."

Jared smirked and shook his head. "Yeah, whatever. Just let me know when I need to pack, 'cause I'm not gonna jump when you say 'jump.' You're not my boss, Jaxon." He flopped back on the couch, attention already drifting back to the TV.

I sighed, heavy with resignation. It was always like this with Jared. I couldn't let it get to me, but I had to be firm. I'd give him a couple of days, then that was it.

I headed to the kitchen, opening cupboards and the fridge to see what I could cook for Anna. The place was a mess, but I'd find something to work with.

Leaving my cabin, I felt a mix of frustration and relief. I'd given Jared clear expectations, but that was never enough. Right now, my focus was different: dinner plans with Anna.

Pulling into Connor's driveway, the familiar sights of the ranch began to ease my nerves. The barns, the pastures, horses grazing in the fields, all of it a world away from the chaos Jared brought into my life.

I parked the Jeep and unloaded my bags, just a couple of duffels with clothes and a backpack with essentials. I carried them inside and dropped them in the guest room Connor had set up for me. The space was neat and simple, with a bed, a small dresser, and a window overlooking thefront yard.This'll work.

I took a deep breath, savoring the stillness, and headed back outside. The sun was dipping lower, casting a warm glow across the ranch. As I walked toward the barn, the rhythmic sound of hoofbeats caught my attention. It was Anna, riding in the ring, working on the jumps we'd set up the day before.

I paused by the fence, resting my arms on the top rail, watching her.

Anna was riding Choco, and their bond was clear in every movement. The chestnut gelding moved with smooth grace, muscles rippling under his glossy coat. Anna sat confidently, posture straight but relaxed, her body moving in harmony with the horse.

As they approached the first jump, Anna shifted with Choco. She leaned slightly forward, hands light on the reins, giving him freedom to stretch out over the jump. Choco took off effortlessly, soaring over the rail with room to spare. Landing, Anna shifted her weight to keep him balanced, letting him canter a few strides before slowing.

Damn. She's good.

I found myself mesmerized by the fluidity of their movements, the silent communication between rider and horse, a connection almost tangible.

The second jump was taller. Anna guided Choco into a tight turn, then leaned back slightly, asking him to gather himself before taking off. He responded instantly, soaring over the vertical, forelegs tucked neatly beneath him.