Chapter 25: Chapter 25

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.