Page 68 of Shadows of Obsession

"I know," I sighed, closing my eyes and leaning into Jaxon's chest. I focused on the steady rhythm of his breathing beneath my cheek as he continued to rub my back and hold me close.

The gentle pressure of his touch and the familiar comfort of his embrace helped me relax, making me feel safer than I had in a long time.

But there was something I needed to ask, something that had been bothering me since last night.

"Did I do something to make you mad last night?"

Jaxon's hand stilled on my back, and I felt him take a deep breath. At first, he said nothing, simply shaking his head as he resumed the gentle rubbing. But the tension in his body and his hesitation were obvious.

He adjusted his position slightly, lifting my head from his chest so our eyes could meet.

"No, it wasn't you," he finally admitted, his voice low and tinged with hesitation. "I felt things yesterday—for you—that made me feel guilty, like I was betraying Nikki. I know she's been gone for years,but... I couldn't help it. And in the moment, I didn't want to feel those things. I just needed some space to clear my head."

Oh.

Understanding washed over me as he spoke. "I understand," I reassured him softly, my fingers tracing the lines of his shirt. "I get it. You loved her. It's not easy to move on from that."

"Yeah, I did," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "And she didn't deserve what happened to her. No one does."

I nodded, sensing the depth of his emotions. I rested my cheek against his chest, offering comfort through my touch. "But you can't blame yourself for those feelings. It's natural, right? And it doesn't mean you love Nikki any less."

He tightened his arms around me. "I know," he whispered. "But it's hard to let go. I never thought I'd feel anything for anyone else."

I leaned back, meeting his gaze. "It doesn't mean you're betraying Nikki. You're allowed to find happiness. I didn't know her, but I bet she would've wanted that for you."

Jaxon nodded slowly, holding my gaze. "Thanks for understanding," he said, his voice growing steadier. "It helps to hear it from you."

With a small smile, I settled back against him, my body fitting perfectly in his lap. "I'm glad you told me. I just... I don't want you to push me away because of it. Not when we've made good progress on being friends."

A comfortable silence settled over us, the warmth of our embrace soothing our respective wounds. I rested my head on Jaxon's chest, my gaze unfocused as I stared at the far wall.

While I cherished these quiet moments, my mind raced with what Jaxon had shared. His guilt about moving on from Nikki, about his growing feelings for me. It was understandable. Grief was a complex, winding path.

As much as I was beginning to feel something for him too, as much as I enjoyed his company, I couldn't help but wonder if my presence was complicating things for him. Maybe I should give him space. If he felt like he was betraying Nikki, maybe he needed time to work through those emotions without pressure. After all, I understood the need for time and distance to heal from trauma. Yet, another part ofme clung to these moments with Jaxon. The part that felt calm in his presence, that longed for the connection we were building. It wasn't just about safety. It was the laughter we shared, the quiet understanding, and the warmth of his arms around me. I wondered if space would really help him, or if it would only leave us both lonelier.

Jaxon's phone vibrated in his pocket, the sudden buzz breaking the calm. I started to move off his lap to give him room to answer, but he stopped me. Leaning back, he pulled the phone out while keeping me close.

He glanced at the screen and winced. Connor's name. He looked at me, waiting for my cue. I gave him a confident nod. He tapped the speakerphone and set it on my leg, centered between us.

"What the fuck, Jaxon?!" Connor's voice exploded through the speaker, making both of us flinch. "I've only been gone one day! What the hell happened?"

My eyes widened at Connor's outburst. Jaxon held up a hand to calm me before speaking, his voice steady.

"Hey, Connor. It's not what you think, man. Anna's okay. There was a small incident, but she's fine. I promise."

He tightened his arm around me, pulling me closer.

Connor's voice came again, a bit more controlled but still sharp with concern. "A small incident? Jaxon, if she's hurt—"

"She's not hurt," Jaxon cut in quickly, glancing at me. "She's shaken up, but no serious injuries. She's right here with me, safe and sound. She can hear you."

A brief silence followed, then a heavy sigh. "You should've called me," Connor said, his tone softening. "Anna, are you okay? You sure you're not hurt?"

I leaned forward, speaking clearly into the phone. "I'm okay, Connor. Really. Just a little shaken. Jaxon's taking good care of me."

"Alright," Connor replied, still sounding skeptical. "But you know I'll come back if I have to. Don't make me regret leaving you in charge, Jaxon."

Jaxon rolled his eyes and gave a quiet chuckle. "I've got it covered. Just keep your focus on the horses, okay? We'll handle things here."