CHAPTER 20 #2
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 of me 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."
Another sigh, then a pause. "Fine. But if I hear anything else, I'm coming back. Take care of her, Jaxon."
"I will," Jaxon said, glancing down at me with a soft smile. "You know I will."
After the call ended, we remained on the couch, my body still nestled in his lap. He rubbed my back gently, and my breathing slowed into a steady rhythm. My grip on his shirt loosened as exhaustion finally took over.
The last thing I registered was the warmth of his chest beneath my cheek and the steady beat of his heart.
Jaxon
I watched Anna drift off to sleep in my arms, her breathing finally steady after the emotional storm of the afternoon. A strange peace settled over me as I held her, feeling the weight of her trust in the way she relaxed completely against me. She felt safe with me.
Eventually, I knew I needed to move. With slow, deliberate motions, I rose from the couch and carefully laid her down, pulling the knitted blanket over her. I brushed a strand of hair from her face, my fingers lingering on her cheek for a moment before I pulled back.
In the kitchen, I sat at the table, a cup of coffee warming my hands as I replayed the day's events. I took a deep breath, letting the scent of freshly brewed coffee calm my nerves. The quiet of the early afternoon was broken only by the faint sound of birdsong in the distance.
I carried my coffee to the porch and settled into a chair overlooking the ranch, basking in its calm.
Inside, I'd left Anna to rest after her flashback.
The things she'd shared made my blood boil.
The thought that there was more to her story, and that she had run for her life, spoke volumes about how bad it had been.
I sipped my coffee, my thoughts darkening. The idea of anyone screaming at someone as kind and gentle as Anna, let alone hitting her, fueled a rage that simmered just beneath the surface. My grip tightened on the cup, knuckles whitening as the image of Anna in pain burned in my mind.
He hit her. Screamed at her. Made her feel like she had no right to leave the house.
The thought of what Daniel had done, what he might still be capable of, ignited a deep need to protect her. If he showed up at the ranch, I knew without a doubt what I'd do. I would kill him without hesitation.
Closing my eyes, I tried to rein in my anger. I didn't want Anna to see me like this—consumed by rage and violent thoughts. I needed to be her calm, her safe haven.
But the idea of Daniel coming near her, of even speaking to her, sent a shiver of pure hatred down my spine. If he shows up here, he's a dead man.
As the sun began to set, casting a soft glow over the ranch, I marveled at its beauty and stillness. I wanted to preserve this sanctuary for Anna, to keep Daniel from tainting the refuge she'd found here.
With a deep breath, I took another sip of coffee, letting the calm of the ranch temper my anger.
But my resolve stayed firm. If Daniel ever showed up, I'd do whatever it took to keep Anna safe. No matter the cost.