Page 62 of Shadows of Obsession

I smiled, admiration welling in my chest. There was something captivating about watching someone who truly knew their craft.

Anna and Choco completed the circuit, slowing to a trot as they approached me by the fence. She was flushed from exercise but beaming with excitement.

She guided Choco to a halt near me, patting the horse's neck before turning her attention my way.

"So, have you figured out what you're cooking me for dinner?" she asked, her voice carrying a playful lilt.

I nodded, noticing how her hair had come loose from her ponytail during the ride, strands falling around her shoulders. "Yeah, I was thinking shepherd's pie. Sound good to you?"

"Shepherd's pie, huh?" Anna chuckled, tugging at her gloves to remove them. "Sounds delicious. Don't burn it, though," she teased with a cheeky grin.

I smirked, my gaze lingering on her a moment longer than I intended. The way her skin glistened with a light sheen of sweat, lips slightly parted as she caught her breath, it was captivating.

Get it together, Mercer.

I quickly refocused, clearing my throat. "I'll do my best not to, but no promises."

Anna laughed, rich and melodic. "I'll hold you to that." She shifted her attention back to Choco, leaning forward to give him one last affectionate pat. "I need to cool him down and get him settled. I'll be back at the house in a bit."

I nodded. "Take your time," I said, watching her walk Choco around the ring.

Eventually, I pushed off from the fence and headed back toward Connor's house. I had a shepherd's pie to prepare, and I was determined to make it worth the wait.

I was just finishing plating dinner when Anna walked into the kitchen, her hair still damp from a shower. The scent of honey and vanilla trailed in her wake, filling the space. She wore yoga pants and a flowing crop top that swayed lightly with each step.

She looked relaxed, at ease.

Anna moved to the counter where I was working and reached for a spoon, her fingers brushing mine. Without asking, she took a small bite of the shepherd's pie. Her eyes widened as the flavors hit, then she let out a soft moan, a satisfied expression spreading across her face.

"That's really good, Jax," she said, giving me a warm smile.

Jax?

The nickname threw me off, too intimate for the boundaries I'd tried to set coming from her.

I chuckled, feeling a burst of warmth at her reaction. "Thanks," I replied, surprised by how much I enjoyed her appreciation.

As I continued plating the food, I couldn't help but notice how her damp hair framed her face, the slight glow to her skin after the shower, the way her top hinted at her figure.

Don't.

Guilt crept in, tightening my chest. I'd never felt this way since Nikki died. Never allowed myself to consider being attracted to someone else. It was the kind of guilt that felt like betraying her memory.

This isn't supposed to happen.

I cleared my throat, focusing on the task, finishing the plates and setting them on the table. I forced a casual tone to mask the conflict inside. "Glad you like it," I said, stepping back to put some distance between us.

Just dinner. Just cooking for a friend. It doesn't mean anything more.

Anna seemed oblivious to my sudden shift. She grabbed her plate and a beer, then headed for the den. I took my plate and followed, feeling a mix of frustration and confusion.

Pull it together.

Anna plopped down on the couch and pulled out her phone, typing a quick message. A moment later, she got a response and turned to me with a bright smile.

"Connor says they're making good time," she said. "He said the horses are calm, and they should be at the next fuel stop in a few hours."

I nodded, forcing a polite smile. "Good to hear," I said, focusing on my plate instead of her.