CHAPTER 9
Anna
I stepped out of the truck, a familiar unease twisting my stomach into knots. Despite immersing myself in the comforting routines of ranch life, the prospect of going out in public stirred an anxiety I couldn't shake, like a dark cloud hanging over me, persistent and suffocating.
The summer heat beat down relentlessly, yet the mountain valley still looked postcard-perfect.
The quaint town of Warren, nestled between the peaks, seemed sheltered from the worst of the sun's intensity.
I tried to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding us, but it did little to ease the fluttering anxiety in my chest.
Main Street stretched ahead, lined with charming mom-and-pop storefronts.
The sidewalks buzzed with activity—laughter, idle chatter, the sounds of small-town life in motion.
It was all a stark, almost painful reminder of how far I'd drifted from this kind of casual normalcy after months of isolation.
Connor's decision to have Jaxon join us had caught me off guard.
Considering the tension simmering between Jaxon and me, the sharp words, the long silences, it seemed an odd choice.
But Connor had been adamant. Jaxon would drive into town with us, tag along on my errands, and ride back with us afterward.
I hadn't exactly had the luxury of saying no.
As it turned out, the trip served more than one purpose.
Connor had a lunch date with Morgan, and while he was preoccupied, Jaxon had been tasked with shadowing me.
What might've felt like a minor inconvenience to someone else hit me like a slow-building storm.
As we stepped onto the sidewalk, my nerves tightened further.
I glanced at Connor, dressed sharply in a crisp white button-down tucked into dark jeans, clearly ready for his date.
Then my gaze shifted toward Jaxon's impassive expression as we started toward the town hall offices.
Two days ago, Jaxon had stormed out of the barn after Connor mentioned the plan. At the time, I hadn't understood his reaction, but now it made sense. He hadn't volunteered. He'd been forced into this role. And today, his reluctance showed in every step, every glance.
He hung back by the truck, arms crossed over his chest, posture casual but watchful.
He wore a plain gray T-shirt stretched over broad shoulders, dark jeans, and his usual scuffed boots.
A black baseball cap sat low on his brow, casting shadows over his eyes.
Everything about him was familiar and distant at once.
I swallowed hard, trying to concentrate on what Connor was saying, but my gaze kept flicking to Jaxon. His eyes missed nothing. He looked more like a silent bodyguard than someone here to keep me company.
Connor's voice cut through the ambient sounds of Main Street, grounding me again.
"Alright, so you've got a solid plan? You know where you're headed?"
I nodded, trying to keep my voice steady. "Yeah. I'm going to get some new clothes, pick up a phone, then we'll meet you back here when I'm done."
"Good. Stick close to Jaxon, and text me the minute you get the phone so I've got your new number," he said with a firm nod. His eyes flicked to Jaxon briefly, then down to his watch, before he turned and disappeared into the town hall, where Morgan was no doubt already waiting.
I let out a quiet sigh as I turned to face Jaxon.
He looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here, hands shoved into his pockets, gaze downcast as he scuffed the toe of his boot against the sidewalk.
Connor had said it was to keep me from getting lost. Absurd, since Main Street was basically a straight line, but Jaxon had clearly been roped into it against his will.
"I'm sorry you got stuck babysitting me," I said, letting the sarcasm slip out before I could stop it. Jaxon glanced up at me, our eyes meeting for a second before he looked away again. "I know you don't want to be here," I added, more quietly this time.
He held my gaze for a heartbeat, his expression unreadable. Then he gave a curt shrug. "It's fine. Let's just get this over with."
He started walking without waiting for me, his long strides already carrying him ahead. I exhaled slowly, then hurried to keep up, his indifferent silence dragging my anxiety along like a weight.
Our first stop was a clothing boutique tucked between a hardware store and a small café.
The storefront, painted a cheerful yellow, had elegant lettering across the front: Harper's Boutique.
The window display showed off breezy dresses and artfully arranged accessories, the kind of soft beauty that belonged to a different world than mine.
As we walked further down the street, other storefronts caught my attention.
A bookstore under a green-striped awning displayed stacks of glossy new releases.
The inviting scent of freshly baked pastries floated out from the café, cinnamon and butter, warm and familiar.
My stomach growled in response. A record shop a few doors down was painted with a colorful mural, its bold patterns and bright swirls adding life to the street.
I paused for a moment, just to take it all in.
The rhythm of a small town going about its day.
The gentle buzz of voices, the clink of dishes from the café, the creak of a door swinging open.
It was all so ordinary, so real, and so far removed from what I'd known for the last few months. I tried to let it comfort me.
But something felt...off.
It started as a subtle prickling at the back of my neck. A low hum of discomfort I couldn't place. I glanced over my shoulder, scanning the street, but everything looked the same—normal, harmless.
Still, the feeling didn't fade.
I told myself it was just nerves, that being back in town after everything was bound to mess with my head. But the pressure only built, like invisible eyes were tracking my every step.
Jaxon seemed completely unfazed. He walked with the same easy stride, relaxed but aware. The fabric of his gray shirt moved with him, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing tanned forearms. Nothing about his posture hinted at alarm.
But I couldn't shake the weight in my chest. The sense of being observed, targeted somehow. My hand clutched my purse a little tighter as I tried to focus on the present.
I took a slow, steady breath. I can do this. I had come this far. A quick shopping trip, a new phone, and then I could go back to the ranch. I wouldn't let my nerves win. Not here. Not now.
At least, that's what I kept telling myself.
Before I could dwell on the unsettling feeling any further, we reached the boutique's entrance. The bell above the door chimed softly as I stepped inside, immediately greeted by a cheerful voice that seemed to dispel the creeping shadows in my mind.
"Anna!" Harper's enthusiastic greeting echoed through the boutique, her vibrant red hair a striking contrast against the store's soft pastels.
She wore a flowing sage green dress that complemented her coloring beautifully, silver bangles jingling on her wrists as she moved.
"I'm so glad you took my advice and came to visit.
And you brought Jaxon along too. How lovely! "
Jaxon looked around the boutique with visible discomfort, clearly out of his element in the elegant, feminine space, so much so that I giggled under my breath at his expense.
The interior was a cozy blend of soft lighting, luxurious fabrics, and a delicate floral fragrance that drifted through the air, lavender mixed with something sweet, maybe vanilla.
Plush cream-colored rugs and beautifully arranged racks of colorful clothing added to the boutique's charm.
Jaxon shifted his weight from foot to foot, hands jammed into his pockets, looking like a caged animal searching for an exit.
Harper's warm welcome and the boutique's inviting ambiance worked wonders on my nerves. The soft pastels and subtle floral prints were a soothing contrast to the bustling street outside. I smiled at Harper, trying to push away the uneasiness that had gripped me earlier.
"I'll just wait outside," Jaxon mumbled, avoiding eye contact with Harper as he backed toward the door. His voice was gruff and uncomfortable. "Take your time."
I nodded, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of my lips as Jaxon made a hasty retreat. The sense that he was relieved to leave, even if he tried to hide it, was clear. And honestly? I was relieved too. Maybe a little shopping with Harper was just what I needed.
"I'm really glad to see you too," I replied warmly, turning to Harper. The sound of a familiar voice brought comfort, and I felt myself relax a little. "I could use some help finding a few new outfits."
Harper's emerald eyes sparkled with excitement as she led me deeper into the boutique. "Absolutely! You've come to the right place. We just got a new shipment in, and I think you'll find some things you'll love." Her enthusiasm was infectious, and the way she gestured animatedly made me smile.
I followed Harper through the store, the soft music and subtle scents adding to the relaxed atmosphere. Mellow jazz played over the speakers, mingling with the gentle hum of other customers browsing nearby. As we moved through the racks of clothing, I felt a small but comforting shift in my mood.
Through the large front window, I could see Jaxon settling onto the bench outside.
Even from here, his body language was tense—shoulders rigid, spine straight.
He removed his baseball cap and ran a hand through his dark hair before tugging the cap back on and lowering the brim.
His eyes swept the street constantly, never resting for more than a few seconds.
One knee bounced restlessly, and his jaw was set in that hard line I'd come to recognize as barely contained tension.
"Earth to Anna?" Harper's voice pulled my attention back inside.