- Ice Cream Sundaes -
It was weird what love could do to a person.
As people are born into the world, it seems that the only things that are necessary for survival are food, water, and the oxygen that we breathe. In biology, we learn that those are the three essential things in order for the human species, or any other living organism, to survive.
We are taught the survival of the fittest, all of these theories that the strongest ones are those who survive while the weak wither away. That those who are skilled enough to find resources and a shelter at which they can sleep under, are the only ones who will make it till the end.
But that is the perspective of one that has yet to fall in love.
Love changes everything.
Food, water, even oxygen becomes quite useless when a person falls in love.
The only thing that a person requires to survive becomes that one person, the special someone, that seems to be the sun of their universe by which everything revolves around.
Love was like magic. A supernatural power that seemed to spill into everyone's lives and alter them for the better. It wasn't tangible, nor was it visible. And it's existence was only proved upon that warm feeling that resided in one's chest when they held the love of their life against themselves. Or when they kissed them or made love to them.
Love was the only thing that was needed for survival.
And Xavier and Raine had found it.
They had found it in the sweet bickerings that they'd get into every time Raine wanted to do something that Xavier believed was dangerous. They had found it in all of the moments Xavier would spend kissing Raine instead of attending meetings or press conferences. They had found it in each exquisite dessert item Raine would experiment on. They had found it in every second they spent together and even in each second they spent apart, yet still close in the heart.
It had been ten months since Raine's birthday when Xavier had surprised her with something she never believed she was destined to have.
Moving back home was a dream that Raine dreamed of each night she spent in her old apartment that was nothing but cold, as she slept with a constant fear in that back of her mind that her demons would find her one day.
But unlike all of the crazy dreams that she had each night, this one actually came true.
The moment Xavier announced to the press that Thorn Inc would be shifting over to California, a wild ruckus has formed all over the country. People were curious as to what had led such a powerful CEO to shift his company, one that was born in the heart of New York, to the other side of the country. But their curiosity was resolved quite quickly when the news of Xavier's purchase in Pebble Beach came forth and the media was quick to link Raine to the matters.
Of course like every company, disagreement was evident in this transition. Shifting over the headquarters didn't settle as well with the board of directors and shareholders that depended on the success of Thorn Inc to thrive.
Yet, Xavier being the master of business that he was, was good at convincing the people that change was what was needed in other to reshape the company and give it a fresh face so that it could continue dominating the market.
As soon as everyone was on the same page about the future of the company, Thron Inc was settled to switch it's home from New York City to the City of the Fog: San Francisco.
Although Xavier's original plans for the new Headquarters were a simple tower that shot from the land into the sky and was topped with an exquisite penthouse that was built to their taste, the building quickly evolved from a simple company into a campus.
Thorn Campus became the talk of the town when it became developing from the ground up.
Consisting of three towers, Thorn Campus was a revolutionary entity that the world watched emerge in awe. The central building reached up to 70 floors total and was titled the Main Tower in which the top five floors featured a private penthouse built specifically for Raine and Xavier while the rest of the floors were dedicated to the company's functional unit.
There were two additional buildings, one on each side of the Main Tower that served purposes of their own and were named the Sun Tower and the Moon Tower according to Raine's suggestions. The Sun Tower featured a Thorn Inc Premium Hotel for tourists or employees and while the Moon Tower became a location for nonprofit organizations that Thorn Inc planned to create. The Moon Tower would also feature special programs for interns or students to get hands-on experiences in the business world.
All three of the towers were connected by a glass bridge that was located on the 50th floor.
Raine was delighted when Xavier announced his idea for the Moon Tower because philanthropy was a way to give back to the community and with everything that she had gone through, she was determined to start working solutions on helping people who had been stuck in similar situations as her, people that were exposed to domestic violence or any other form of violence.
Her past has been relentless towards her, but she had been given another chance to grow. And she believed that everyone should be given that chance as well. So as soon as the suggestion of philanthropy came up, Raine was the first to take the reigns. Xavier himself had been a part of the community, going to events that benefited children who grew up in tough conditions. But when Raine mentioned her ideas, he was happy to widen his horizons on the matters and really reach out to anyone who'd possibly need help.
And of course, his chance of working alongside Raine was what he was truly happy about.
Raine's cafe, that Xavier was exceptionally excited about, even more than Raine herself, was at the base of the Main Tower alongside two other eateries. And like Raine's drawing from her childhood, it was named Raine Clouds and Thunder Bakery.
It seemed like everything was finally falling into place. Soon, they'd be all settled in California leaving this life behind.
But it was a bittersweet departure.
"Xavier?" Raine said popping into his office. The last few weeks had been incredibly hectic for Xavier.
He had had so much to take care of with the big move that he was about to make. And even though he had started promptly ten months ago, it seemed like the workload was never-ending.
Raine had been patient though, trying her best to keep herself healthy so that Xavier wasn't constantly worried about her and could actually focus on the work that he was responsible for. She'd do her best to help out with anything that she was able to do and she was thankful for Jordon who had been so loyal and helpful in the whole process.
Since Jordon was such a big part of their lives, Xavier had insisted that he come along with them to California too, Xavier even offering him a suite of his own in the Premium Hotel at the Sun Tower.
And because Jordon himself had been with the Thorns for such a long period of time, it wasn't hard to get him on board. He'd be joining them in the big move too, as well as a large handful of the other employees that would continue their work in San Francisco.
"Yeah Babe?" Xavier asked, peaking up from the pile of paperwork that he'd been working on.
"All of the boxes have been packed. I told Nick to take them to the airport." She informed, sitting down in front of him in one of his chairs.
"Thank you so much for handling that," Xavier said, rubbing his exhausted face. "I'm so sorry that I've been of no use."
"Xav, you've been working your butt off." She pouted. "Don't you dare call yourself useless."
"I know Babe." He nodded, letting out a breath. "I'm almost done though, I just need to finish signing these escrow papers for one of my properties and then we'll be off."
"Escrow papers?" Raine asked with confused. "You sold the house?!"
"No, no." He quickly refuted. "Relax, Love. We both agreed to keep this house."
"Then what property did you sell?"
"It's this other old house that I owned." He explained, not fully meeting her eyes. "Haven't been there in years and doubt I'll ever go. I didn't want to have to deal with it so I just sold it."
"Oh." Raine nodded with understanding. "Ok then, I'm going to go make a coffee for you so you don't fall asleep and drool on these papers. You look like you're about to pass out."
Xavier chuckled. "I'd love that."
"Alrighty," Raine said standing up. "Our flight leaves tonight."
"Yes, ma'am." Xavier nodded. "Have Jordon make sure the jet's ready to go?"
"Yup. I already asked him." She replied. "Also, I left some boxes behind. We don't need them at the house right now. As soon as the penthouse in completed and we shift there, Jordon will send them over."
"Sounds like a plan." Xavier smiled at her before Raine disappeared to get him a cup of strong coffee which was much needed.
Even though the building wasn't complete, Xavier still wanted to take Raine out of New York as fast as he could. And ever since they had taken ownership of Raine's family home in Pebble Beach, Xavier had hatched up a plan to use it as a temporary home until the penthouse was complete.
The penthouse was estimated to take another month before the finishing touches were added and meanwhile, they decided to take a quick break at their new paradise in Pebble Beach.
* * *
After Xavier had finally finished whatever work he had leftover before he headed out of the state, he trailed around the house, inspecting all of the rooms.
When he had bought the house a few weeks after taking over the CEO position at the company, he had been on top of the world. Not because he suddenly had a surplus of money to spend but rather because it meant not living at the house he had grown up in.
But now as he walked around, it was no longer the same mansion that he had decorated by the top interior designer in the world. It was a home that was scattered with little things that Raine had brought along with her. Her essence was in each room of the house, whether it was one of her books that laid on the coffee table or her candles that were always lit and filling the room with a sweet fragrance.
But Xavier's absolute favorite was the kitchen which she had conquered in the most sweetest of ways.
Now the kitchen was the heart of the home, always warm and filled with the scents of exotic creations Raine had made. The oven was always filled with some kind of chocolate dessert and the fridge filled with cakes or pastries. There would always be the soft humming as Raine busied herself, trying to pass time while Xavier worked like a maniac.
A laugh escaped Xavier's mouth as he entered the kitchen, and just like he had expected, Raine was walking around the place, putting treats into small containers.
"What happened?" Raine asked, confused by Xavier's random laughter.
"Nothing." He shrugged. "Just thinking about how you've transformed this house into a home. You're so adorable."
"Well, I had to spice up your life since you were such a grump before." She teased.
"Did you just call me a grump?"
"Yes," Raine replied. "Are you gunna do something about it?"
"Yes I am," Xavier said, walking towards her with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
In one swift movement, he threw her over his shoulders, hauling her out of the kitchen.
"Xavier!" She squealed. "Put me down!"
"Nope!" He said. "Don't feel like it."
"Xavier!" Raine began to whine. "I was packing food."
"I'll have one of the housekeepers handle that." He replied. "I'm taking you with me though."
Raine giggled and began to tickle Xavier from her upside-down position over his shoulders but Xavier was quick to fight back with a pinch on her behind.
"Ahh!" Raine laughed out loud. "Xavier! Where are you taking me?"
"To our spot." He said, finally setting her on her feet. "One last time."
* * *
"I'm going to miss this so much," Raine mumbled softly against Xavier's chest.
There was a silence in the air as the both of them thought about all of the times they had spent out here. Their first date, all of the long, warm afternoons they had spent just under the sun, soaking in the fresh air the fruity fragrance of flowers that blew through their nose at each gust of wind. Even after everything had resolved and Raine was heeling at home, Xavier would often carry her out to the garden and sit for hours with her talking about nothing in particular but just enjoying the time that they got to spend together. All of the morning breakfasts that they had enjoyed at the break of dawn in the cool weather. The chilled air as they had camped out, hanging up old sheets along the tall, sturdy trees in order to make the perfect screen to project old romantic comedies that they'd watch together under the stars.
"Raine."
"Hmm?" She said looking up at him.
"I'm not selling this place." He responded. "We can come here whenever we want, it's still ours."
"I know." She replied. "I'd never let you sell this place. It's like our safe haven."
"Aren't you excited to go back to your home though?" Xavier asked.
"Of course I'm excited," Raine said. "California was a place I vowed never to leave when I was a little girl. My mom would always tease me and say that what if my Prince Charming wanted to live elsewhere. That I'd have to move away one day with him. But I'd always refuse to it."
Xavier chuckled. "I'd never make you leave your home."
"But you are my home now," Raine said back. "I'm happy that I am going back, but it is only because I am going back with you. Thank you for doing this Xavier. Thank you for being willing to picking up your entire life and moving across the country just for me.
"Well I do love you a lot, but I didn't do this just for you. I did it for us, for me." He smiled.
"I know I told you that I never wanted the position that I was handed when my father passed away." He began. "It wasn't because I didn't want to do the job or I had other careers I'd rather choose. I love what I do, I just didn't want to be something that came after my father, I wanted my own identity and now because of you, I finally get a chance to make one. I get to start fresh and make Thorn Inc into what I wanted it to be. I get to make my own roots and redesign the company in a way I would have liked it to be. I get to make it bigger and better with new morals that can help shape the future generations in a better light, that isn't all focused on getting the most profits but rather on getting the best outcome on another level."
"I'm glad you are finally getting to follow that dream of your's Xavier. You deserve the world and I know that you are going to rock it in San Francisco!" She cheered, kissing his cheeks.
"The only thing I want to be willing to deserve is you, Raine. As long as I have you, I have the world."
"Well, that's a great thing cause you are stuck with me till the end, Babe!"
"Wouldn't want it any other way." He laughed. "So, is there any other work that needs to be done? Or did my Queen handle it all on her own while I was working away in my office."
Raine giggled. "Nah, I've gotten everything that we need for now. We're only staying in Pebble Beach for a few weeks before we shift into the penthouse."
"Yes." Xavier nodded. "And Jordon will bring along anything else we need when he shifts as well."
"That's good." Raine smiled. "I can't wait to see what the penthouse looks like. I feel like we have spent forever designing everything, I want to see what it looks like it real life."
"It's gorgeous and I cannot wait for you to see it."
"The view is going to be insane from up there!"
"Well, I don't know about you, but my view in the morning is perfect wherever I am." He winked.
"You're impossible, Xavier." Raine blushed. "Now get up! We should leave soon."
"Yes, ma'am." Xavier nodded, standing up and giving her a hand to get up.
* * *
The wind was howling in their ears as they left the black sedan and made their way up the narrow staircase of the jet.
The night sky was filled with a million stars and the moon glowed from behind a few clouds that had covered it.
The duo was dressed in nothing but relaxed clothing since they'd be flying through the night.
"Pick your seat." Xavier smiled at Raine who was so much more relaxed than the first time he had sat in that same aircraft with her. Her eyes were no longer filled with fear and her heart no longed thumped with anxiety.
Instead, excitement was bubbling from within her. She was finally going home.
"Still scared of flying?" Xavier asked, a smirk playing on his lips when he noticed her taking the window seat right above the wing of the plane.
"Nope," Raine said, making an adorable pouty face. "Not scared anymore."
"Awe." Xavier mocked. "I was hoping you'd hug me through the entire thing."
"Does someone want a hug?" Raine teased, buckling up. "You can just ask, you know? I don't bite."
"Oh, I know how much you bite." He winked.
It wasn't long before the final signal was given and the jet sped across the runway, lifting off of the ground at a steep angle.
Raine peered out through the window, noticing the city grow smaller and smaller.
A few years ago, when she had arrived in New York, she'd never thought she'd ever been able to head back. It was a new city, big and different from what she was used to. The endless city lights, the loud traffic, the constant buzz of pedestrians that filled the street. New York was truly the city that never slept. And despite everything that had happened to her, it had treated her far more well then what she had expected it to.
Xavier had told her how it was a place that he wanted to escape. How it was a place that was filled with so many bad memories, so much pain and suffering.
But it was the city they fell in love in. And nothing could ever change that.
Now as it faded in the distance, she thought about her life. What it had been before she had come, and what it had been now. She looked at Xavier who was already looking back at her as he often would.
He smiled at her. It was a soft smile but it conveyed all of the emotions that they were currently feeling. And Raine couldn't do anything but rest her head against his chest and hold him.
"I love you." She told him.
"I love you too." He said back, grazing his fingers through her soft hair.
"I'm excited."
"Me too," Xavier replied. "It will be fun, I promise."
"I trust you."
"I'm ready for a lot of sun, sand, and beaches." He grinned mischievously. "And let's not forget the bikinis."
Raine rolled her eyes.
"When is Jordon joining us?"
"He'll be here as soon as some more of the Campus is completed. He's private suite is still under construction and he wanted to make sure it was perfect before he brought his wife down."
"HIs wife?!" Raine said with shock, getting off of Xavier and facing him with wide eyes. "Jordon is married?! Since when!?"
"Babe, relax," Xavier said, pulling her back into his arms.
"Xavier, I've spent such a long time with him! He's never mentioned a wife!" She said. "And I don't think I've ever seen a ring on his finger." She mentioned, glancing down at her dad's wedding band that rested on her thumb once more.
"He's married Raine, it's just a bit complicated though."
"But he's never said a thing about her. He actually never talks of his family now that I think about it."
"As much as I'd like to tell you, I don't think it is my story to share," Xavier replied.
"He's practically family." Raine shrugged.
"He is." Xavier nodded. "He's been with us ever since I was a child."
"He really cares about you."
"I could say the same," Xavier said. "He is very fond of you."
"I just feel so bad now. All of this time we spent together and I don't even know he has a wife." Raine groaned. "God I'm such an awful person."
"Hey," Xavier said. "Don't stress yourself out about it. He doesn't share his personal life with anyone. Heck, he rarely mentions her to me. And I'm sure he'll tell you when he's ready to."
"I guess." Raine huffed.
"Alrighty Baby, you need to catch some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a long day."
"Hmm," Raine said nuzzling into his chest and shutting her eyes. "Love you."
"I love you more." He said kissing the top of her head.
* * *
"I'm going to grow very fond of this salty air." Xavier smiled as he breathed in the crisp air of the California coast.
Their flight had landed in a matter of five short hours onto a private airport just miles away from People Beach.
The house resided in a gated and secure community which was why Xavier wasn't too worried about the lack of Jordon or their other security guards for the matter of a few days.
A black sedan arrived promptly as soon as Xavier and Raine set their feet onto the black asphalt of the airport. Their driver introduced himself as Christopher and handled their luggage as Raine made out the strip of pristine blue in the distance.
"There's the shore." Xavier glanced down at Raine. "Ready to go home."
"More than ever." She smiled.
The drive to their house was a pleasant one and Xavier took in the landscape while Raine reminisced her days when she used to see these sights on a daily basis.
"I've never been to California much," Xavier commented. "It's beautiful here."
"And has the most perfect weather." Raime grinned.
"Very true."
Soon enough, they arrived at the house to be welcomed with an arrangement of balloons and rose petals that led the way up the driveway.
Xavier nodded at Christopher, satisfied that he had successfully done the job he had asked for, before taking Raine's hand and leading her up the driveway.
"And when did Mr. Surpises get the chance to pull all of this off?" Raine asked him, taking the chance to pitch one of his cheeks.
"I always make time to catch you by surprise." He winked.
The house was just as Raine had imagined it from the outside, but it was the inside that she was dying to see.
The two of them had gotten together with an architect and an interior designer to completely change up the inside of the house.
With all of the things that were changing around them, Raine felt that it was best the house change as well.
The once traditional house was now transformed into a beachy paradise. Since it was only meant to be a vacation house for the couple, they had decided to have fun with the interior and make it as unique as possible.
The whole front of the house was lined with panoramic windows that looked out at the blue water that stretched on for miles before them. The walls were a fresh white color and the ceiling a canopy style that featured exceptional wood beams. Unique chandeliers with interesting designs hung from above and sparkled against the sun that was shining brightly through the windows. A shiplap wood accent wall shot up from behind the entertainment set and artsy paintings and other decorations were spread throughout the room to add life to the adobe.
From the entrance, Raine could see the completely renovated kitchen, a practical paradise for any chef. Navy blue shaker cabinets stretched along the wall and around the matching island that was topped with Calcutta marble countertops. All of the knobs and handles and faucets where a matte gold color that complemented the navy blue to perfection.
All in all, it was exceptionally amazing and exactly what Raine and Xavier had thought up together. It was chic and fun and felt like home.
"This is amazing!" Raine shouted, running into the house unable to contain her excitement. "It looks so much better in real life!"
"It is quiet the place, isn't it?" Xavier smiled.
It was so much different from his lavish mansion in New York, but within the few minutes they had set foot in the house, it felt more homier to him then any of his other houses had ever felt.
"Gosh!" Raine breathed out. "I love it so much!"
"I love you so much."
"Come here." Raine ran, right into his arms only for Xavier to pick her up and for her to wrap her legs around his waist.
Within seconds their lips were sealed in a passionate kissed that seemed to convey everything their hearts had wanted to say without wasting any words at all.
Xavier walked forward, his lips not for once letting go over Raine's until she was pressed up against the wall.
Xavier deepened the kiss and Raine surrendered to his love without a moment of hesitation. She kissed him back with just as much fire as he put in until finally, their lungs gave out and they pulled apart for air.
"Oh my god." Raine panted against Xavier's chest.
He was still holding her in his arms.
"I could get used to that." He smirked.
"You're acting like we don't do that on a daily basis anyways."
"Well, I'd like to do it on an hourly basis." He pouted.
"You're crazy." Raine rolled her eyes, pushing away from him and walking into the kitchen with Xavier right behind. "Is there food?"
"Yup." Xavier nodded, directing her to the fridge. "I had it stocked with everything you might possibly want."
"Perfect." She smiled. "Cause I'm starving and also dying to use to this amazing kitchen."
"Baby, we've been traveling all night, you should rest."
"But I want to use all of these fancy appliances." She pouted.
"It's all yours, Little Rose." He kissed her cheeks. "But you need to catch some sleep since we didn't catch any on the jet." He winked, remembering the rather steamy time they had just had in his aircraft.
"Not my fault you were so keen on joining the mile high club."
"Tell me you didn't love it ." He dared her.
"Shut it." Raine giggled, pushing him back. "Ok fine, I'll rest but you mister, have to join me."
"Oh, I'd loveâ"
"To rest." Raine gave him an accusing look. "Only rest."
Xavier raised his hands in surrender.
"Fine by me." He said. "But don't ask me for it later."
***
"Xavier, what is that awful smell?" Raine asked when she entered the kitchen rubbing her eyes to push the sleep away.
"Raine!" He turned around shocked. "Shit! You're up already?"
"Yeah." She shrugged. "It's been hours. What are you doing here?"
"Ok, so I tried surprising you with dinner but the stupid stove got too high and I was grating the parmesan and next thing you know, the everything is burning."
Raine burst out into laughter he's his incredibly adorable face that was contorted in a look of disappointment.
"What were you making?"
"Risotto. But now it looks more like mud." He huffed, tossing the pan into the sink.
"It's ok, I can whip something up."
"Nah, I was thinking we can do something a little different."
"Like?"
"Pizza and ice cream sundaes?" He answered, holding up a container of ice cream.
"That's an interesting combination, but I'm down for anything that involves ice cream."
"Great." He smiled happily. "I ordered some pizza a few minutes ago and all of the things for the sundaes are in the pantry," Xavier replied. "Wanna go pick out a movie to watch while I get all of this cleaned up?"
"Sounds like a plan." She cheered before heading towards the living.
It wasn't long before the pizza arrived and the duo devoured it in less than a few minutes while the movie played in the background. It had been such a long time since they had found such peace in their lives. There was nothing to worry about, no one to disturb them. Just them and the vast ocean waiting right outside.
"Time for some sundaes?" Xavier asked, getting out of his seat and heading to the kitchen. Raine followed him, ready to ravish her sweet tooth.
"Hell yeah!"
Raine waited patiently while Xavier scooped out multiple flavors of ice cream in two bowls, adding various toppings before Xavier found the can of whipped cream.
"Would you like some whipped cream?" Xavier asked, his voice turning from calm to seductive in mere seconds.
"Sure..." Raine replied, completely captivated by his spell.
"Where would you like it?" His voice almost an audible whisper yet his eyes filled with a blazing fire.
"Hmm..." She hummed along.
"Raine?" He leaned in causing her mind to forget the ice cream and her heart to prepare herself for his lips that would come to follow. Her eyes closed on their own, her lips prepared to be savored like there was no tomorrow.
But instead, all she felt was the cool touch of whipped cream that Xavier squirted onto her cheeks.
Her eyes shot opened and met Xavier's cobalt blue ones that were ignited with mischief.
"Xavier!" Raine screeched.
But before she could do anything else, Xavier's warm and wet tongue trailer along the edge of her chin and up her cheek, licking the whipped cream off.
"Oops." He said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Wrong target." He shrugged before turning around and topping the sundaes with a perfect dollop of whipped cream.
Raine stood there in shock, processing whatever had just happened.
"You're insane." She said as she watched Xavier pour chocolate syrup over the top before dumping rainbow sprinkles over it as if nothing had happened a few seconds ago.
"Yeah?" He said, looking up from his creation. "Just wait until we finish these sundaes and I drag you up to the bedroom."
Raine blushed, thinking to herself why she still even bothered. This was typical Xavier. The flirting, the sexy look he gave her, the seductive voice and his completely breathtaking eyes that sparkled with mischief.
Time may pass, people may go, problems may come. But one thing was sure, and that was that Xavier would be Xavier.
Raine's incredibly sexy yet loveable, cute but overprotective, charming but hot, boyfriend.
The keeper of her heart and the owner of his.
____________________
A/N: Bonus chapter at last!!! I hope you guys enjoy this little bit of Raine and Xavier!
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