Page 63 of Shadows of Obsession

"Do you think the trip will go smoothly? You know, with that kind of drive?" she asked.

"Yeah," I replied flatly. "They know what they're doing."

The easy banter we'd had earlier evaporated. I shrank inward, eyes glued to the TV, pretending to watch.

After finishing my meal, I set my plate down and stood. "I'm heading up to bed," I said curtly.

Anna looked up, surprised. "Already? It's still early."

"I'm tired," I replied, giving her a half-smile that didn't reach my eyes. "Long day."

She seemed to sense something was off, eyes searching my face, but didn't press. "Okay, well, I'll take care of the dishes. Seems only fair," she offered.

"Thanks," I mumbled, then walked away without another word.

I need to get a grip.

I headed upstairs to the guest room, closing the door behind me and leaning back against the wood. The guilt was overwhelming, crushing my chest like a physical weight.

What the hell is wrong with me?

I'd spent years building walls around my heart, protecting myself from feeling anything for anyone. And now, in a few weeks, Anna had slipped past those defenses without even trying.

But I couldn't do this. Couldn't betray Nikki's memory. Couldn't let myself feel this way.

I needed to pull back, rebuild those walls before they crumbled completely.

Friends. That's all we can be.

Even if it killsme to keep pretending.

CHAPTER 19

Jaxon

Idescended the stairs, a wave of relief washing over me as I realized Anna was already outside working. The awkwardness from the night before still clung to me like a second skin, and I wasn't quite ready to face her yet. Conflicting feelings swirled in my mind. A tangled mess I knew I needed time to sort out. I had to ignore her for now and work through this on my own.

As I stepped into the kitchen, the cool tile floor greeted me, along with Chester's lazy tail wag. I reached down, patting the dog's head affectionately before sliding open the patio door, leaving it slightly ajar so he could come and go as he pleased throughout the day.

My gaze drifted outside, catching sight of Anna working with a horse in the distant paddock. Her infectious energy radiated even from afar, and I felt a twinge of gratitude that she seemed unaffected by my sudden withdrawal. She seemed fine. Everything was fine.

Grabbing my keys, I headed for my Jeep, my mind shifting to the task at hand: checking on Jared. A sense of unease settled in my stomach as I anticipated dealing with my brother's unpredictable attitude. It always put me on edge, but I knew it was necessary to keep a close eye on him, to prevent any trouble from spilling over into my own life.

As the Jeep bumped along the gravel road, I tried to focus on the immediate issues, like Jared's inability to find stable work or housing, instead of dwelling on the inner turmoil I felt about Anna. The guilt that had been gnawing at me since the previous night threatened to surface, but I shoved it down, choosing instead to distract myself with the tasks ahead.

One problem at a time, Mercer.

Pulling into the driveway, I parked and stepped out. Usually, I'd find Jared sprawled on the couch with the television blaring, but today was different. The acrid smell of cigarette smoke drifted through the air, leading me around the corner.

There, leaning against the deck railing, stood Jared, a cigarette dangling from his lips. His face was etched with a sullen, almost defiant expression, and I braced myself for the confrontation I knew was coming.

"You're smoking outside, huh?" I said, trying to keep my voice even.

"Yeah, don't want to stink up your precious cabin," Jared replied, his tone laced with sarcasm.

"Good. Maybe you should take a walk while you're at it," I said, nodding toward the woods. "Might be nice to get some fresh air and clear your head."

"Why? You can't stand having me around or something?" Jared shot back, his eyes narrowing.