All Chapters of Counterbalance: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

By the time Friday rolled around, Xavier was jumping out of his skin. He and Peyton had discussed their...situation last Sunday, had sucked face like bandits to seal the deal, and then she'd gone home. He hadn't kissed her since.They'd agreed to keep the relationship from Gaines Industries and the public eye until they had a better grasp on what to do or in the event things became serious. Except, they were serious now because he hadn't kissed her since. Unsure of the boundaries or expectations, he didn't text or call her unless it was company related. The only time he'd seen her was at work. And damn if fantasy after fantasy about her and his desk didn't pummel him at the most inopportune times. Like the conference call he'd just finished. He shoved away from his computer and paced his office. They were set to head to Napa in two hours. His suitcase and hers were in his car in the parking garage because they'd be leaving right from work. And that was the other thing. Could the

From first stepping foot inside the Gaines' Napa Valley home two years before, Peyton had loved the place, and her opinion hadn't wavered since then. Four-thousand square feet of rustic chic in rural Italian style. Scents of lavender from the field blended with lemon from the grove, and wafted in through the open window to put her in sensory heaven. Little touches added charm, like the terra cotta tiled roof or the way they'd used an old barn door to design the dining room table.They finished dinner and sipped wine around the table as Xavier's parents talked about their recent trip to Hawaii. With one hand cradling his glass, Xavier idly ran his fingers through the ends of Peyton's hair from the seat beside her, his attention focused on the discussion. He'd always been more comfortable in his parents' presence, but she'd never seen him this happy. No barriers. No hesitation. Just the real him, minus the strain.She suppressed a shiver of delight at the ministration and his relaxed,

After his run, Xavier climbed the stairs and pulled out his earbuds, pausing outside Peyton's bedroom door. He was surprised she was still asleep and hesitated in waking her. She'd seemed exhausted lately and worn around the edges. But his mom was saddling the geldings and waiting for her. Plus, he really wanted to kiss her good morning without an audience.He knocked, but she didn't respond, so he opened the door and stepped inside the guestroom. The drapes were parted over the balcony doors and early morning sunlight fed in through the glass. Her blonde hair poked out from under a heap of blankets and a purple, grape-printed comforter.He walked closer and perched on the edge of the mattress by her hip, smiling. Curled on her side, she slept with one hand under her head and the other tucked to her chest. Her features relaxed, she looked like a sleeping angel with her round cheeks, long pale lashes, and hair light as a halo across the pillow. He fingered the quilt lower to expose mo

Peyton bit her lip and, from bed, stared at the ceiling in the Gaines' guestroom. What a day. Horseback riding, shopping. They'd punched out most of the benefit weekend details and Elaine had even managed to get Peyton onboard for Xavier's surprise birthday party. He wouldn't be overly joyful, but he'd calm down once he realized it was a small affair.And, holy wow. Xavier had given her an orgasm up against a tree. Then, they'd headed back inside to eat dinner with his parents and drank wine like he hadn't...given her an orgasm up against a tree. With his hands. After they'd danced. Under the stars.God, that man.She rubbed her forehead and clenched her thighs, aching. She may have had her mind blown, but he hadn't gotten release. If she was still needy and wanting more, she could only imagine what state he was in.Glancing at the door, she mulled over her options. Thus far, he'd been the aggressive one when it came to intimacy. Though she was seeing less and less of his social an

Late afternoon on Tuesday, Xavier leaned back in his chair as Peyton strode into his office wearing a navy blue dress that made her eyes brighter and hugged every subtle curve of her body. He scanned her long legs before letting his gaze hover on her mouth. And sighed. Those red lips had been wrapped around a certain part of him a few days prior, and he couldn't shake the reminder whenever she was within a hundred feet of him."You ready?" She smiled, setting her hands on her hips.Hell, yes. He was more than ready. For their date on Saturday and to take things to the next level. Damn, just to take her period. But that's not what she meant. The reporter and photographer from the magazine were here for his exclusive interview. He'd rather chew nails.He rose and smoothed his tie. "Sure.""Okay, just like we discussed, we're going to take photos with the heads of the various departments in the company, then sit down for the interview." She stepped in front of him and adjusted the l