CHAPTER 18
Anna
Today was the day.
I'd been enjoying Connor's company, but I knew a break would do us both good. I appreciated his protective instincts—I really did—but his overbearing older brother act was starting to wear thin, grating on my nerves like sandpaper.
I lugged the last of Connor's three suitcases to the barn, where the truck was hitched to the large six-horse trailer, parked and ready to go once everything was loaded.
The suitcases were heavy, the handles digging into my palms as I carried them, but I didn't mind the physical labor.
There was something satisfying about the burn in my muscles, the tangible effort of helping.
Connor was in his office with Denny, giving final instructions, their voices muffled behind the closed door.
Meanwhile, the other stable hands groomed the horses, wrapped their legs for protection during the drive, checked their halters, and brushed off any shavings stuck to their coats.
The familiar scent of hay and horses filled the air, comforting in its normalcy.
Slowly, the horses were loaded into the trailer one by one, their hooves clopping against the rubber-covered metal ramp as they walked up.
Hay nets hung in front of each stall to keep them occupied during the journey, the sweet scent of alfalfa wafting through the air.
The trailer's windows were open, allowing a refreshing breeze to circulate.
Mark sat in the truck's passenger seat with the door open, checking a small monitor mounted on the dashboard.
It showed a camera feed so they could watch the horses in transit, ensuring their safety and comfort.
He gave a thumbs-up to Felix, who was closing the trailer door, the metal latch clicking into place with a sense of finality.
I hefted Connor's suitcase into the truck bed, stacking it with the others belonging to Mark and Felix.
The three were heading out together, so they needed the back seat clear, leaving room for road trip snacks and a cooler.
The trip was set to be a long one, and they didn't want any extra baggage in the way.
I stepped back as Mark started the truck, the engine roaring to life and the air conditioning kicking in.
Connor emerged from the barn, his expression serious, and did a final walk-around, inspecting the tires on both trailer and truck.
It was going to be a long journey, twenty hours straight without stopping, save for fuel and quick bathroom breaks.
He wanted to make sure everything was ready for the haul.
Connor walked over to me and pulled me into a tight hug, lifting me off the ground with the force of his squeeze. I had to slap his back a couple of times and gasp for air before he finally set me down.
Okay, okay, I need to breathe!
Keeping his hands on my shoulders, he gave me a serious look, his honey-colored eyes filled with concern.
"If you ever start to feel something is off—" he began.
"I'll call you," I replied, rolling my eyes. I appreciated his concern, but sometimes it felt like he didn't trust me to take care of myself.
"And if you feel uncomfortable—"
"I'll have Jaxon here with me, Connor," I reminded him gently.
"I know, I know. I just... worry," he admitted, looking down at the ground, his shoulders slumping slightly.
My expression softened. "Everything will be okay.
I won't leave the ranch unless it's with Jaxon.
I promise." I wrapped my arms around him for a more sincere hug, pressing my cheek against his chest, feeling the steady thump of his heartbeat.
"Have a great time, and good luck with everything. I'll text and call every day."
Connor sighed deeply, clearly reluctant to leave, but he nodded. He glanced over my shoulder toward where Jaxon stood by the side of the house, arms crossed over his chest. Jaxon gave him a reassuring nod, his usual silent promise to keep watch over me.
Connor returned the nod before climbing into the driver's seat, the door slamming shut behind him. I stepped back, waving as the truck slowly pulled out of the driveway, gravel crunching beneath the tires.
As the trailer's taillights vanished into the distance, I relaxed, a weight lifting off my shoulders. I wasn't sure Connor would actually leave, and it felt good knowing he trusted me to hold down the fort.
Finally, some breathing room.
I caught Jaxon's gaze as I turned toward the house and flashed him a playful smile, stopping just in front of him with my hands on my hips.
Jaxon cocked an eyebrow, amusement playing at the corners of his lips. "Yes?"
"What are you cooking me for dinner tonight?" I asked, my voice light with innocent curiosity. I leaned forward slightly, as if the answer were crucial.
Jaxon snorted and chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm cooking you dinner, am I?"
"Well, I cooked for you last, so it's only fair you return the favor," I replied, leaning into my words. "Dinner at six sound good?"
"Fair enough," he said, shrugging in mock resignation. A small grin tugged at his lips.
I grinned back, giving him a quick wave before turning to head back to my work. As I walked away, I felt his eyes on me, and something about that made me smile even wider.
This is going to be a good three weeks.
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's playful 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 the front 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.