Chapter 18: Filthy Rich Bosses: Chapter 18

The harsh fluorescent lights of the ER make my eyes ache as I sit on the edge of the exam table, my newly bandaged arm cradled against my chest. The antiseptic smell burns my nostrils, and I am so ready to be out of here.

I glance over at Cole, who’s pacing back and forth like a caged tiger, his brow furrowed and jaw clenched, and try not to roll my eyes.

‘Cole, you’re going to wear a hole in the floor if you keep that up,’ I say, trying to inject some levity into the tense atmosphere.

He stops abruptly, his intense gaze locking onto mine. ‘How can you be so calm about this? You were attacked by a dog!’

I can’t help but roll my eyes. ‘It’s not like it’s the first time. That Rottweiler last year? Now that was a bite.’

Cole runs a hand through his hair, mussing up his usually perfect style. ‘Are you—that doesn’t—you could have been seriously hurt.’

‘But I wasn’t,’ I counter, wiggling my fingers to prove my point. ‘Just a couple of stitches and a tetanus shot. No big deal.’

He approaches me, his eyes softening as he gently takes my uninjured hand. ‘Spitfire, you have to be more careful.’

My heart skips a beat at his touch, and I’m not sure how to respond. Why does he care so much? We barely know each other. I swallow hard, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through my chest.

‘I appreciate your concern, Cole, but this is part of my job. Sometimes, rescuing animals comes with risks.’

He sighs heavily, his thumb absently tracing circles on the back of my hand. I stare at our joined hands, a mix of confusion and something else I can’t quite name swirling in my gut. What’s his deal? Why does he seem so invested in my well-being? I was pretty sure he hated me until about twenty minutes ago.

Before I can overthink it, I gently pull my hand away and hop off the exam table. ‘Well, no need to worry anymore. I’m all patched up and ready to go. Maybe next time, I’ll wear full body armor to my rescues, okay?’

Cole doesn’t laugh at my joke, but the corners of his mouth twitch slightly. ‘Don’t tempt me. I might just buy you some.’

The ER doors burst open with a bang, startling me and making me jump. Chase comes barreling in, his hair wild and his eyes wide with panic. He spots me and practically sprints over.

‘Kitten! Oh my God, are you okay?’ he exclaims, his hands hovering over me like he’s afraid to touch me. ‘I came as soon as I heard. What happened? How bad is it?’

I blink, taken aback by his intensity. ‘Chase, I’m fine. It’s just a—’

Before I can finish, Grayson strides in, his presence commanding the room. His piercing blue eyes lock onto me, concern etched into his features. He turns to the nearest doctor, his voice low and authoritative.

‘I want a full report on her condition. Now.’ He demands, ‘And I expect the best care possible. Spare no expense.’

People actually do that in real life? I feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment. ‘Guys, seriously, it’s not a big deal. I’m okay.’

Chase grabs my uninjured hand, his grip tight. ‘Not a big deal? Kitten, you were attacked!’

‘By a scared dog,’ I clarify, trying to pull my hand away. ‘It happens sometimes.’

Grayson’s brow furrows deeper. ‘We need to discuss your safety protocols. This is unacceptable.’

I look between them, their concern overwhelming me. The small exam room suddenly feels suffocating, their bodies too close, their voices too loud. I take a deep breath, fighting the urge to bolt.

‘Look, I appreciate your concern, but you’re all being ridiculous,’ I say, my voice strained. ‘It’s a minor injury. I’m fine. Can we please just go back to the house?’

But they don’t seem to hear me. Chase and Grayson are talking over each other about specialist consultations and potential lawsuits. The walls feel like they’re closing in, and I desperately need some air.

‘I need some space,’ I mutter, but my words are lost in their worried chatter.

I close my eyes, trying to center myself. How did a simple dog bite turn into such chaos? And why do they even care this much? It doesn’t make sense, and the confusion only adds to my growing discomfort.

We finally make it back to the house, and I’m ready to collapse into bed and forget this whole ordeal. But as we step through the door, I’m hit with another surprise.

‘Juniper?’ I blurt out, seeing her standing in the foyer. ‘What are you doing here?’

She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. ‘I heard about the accident. I wanted to make sure everything was okay.’

I bite back a sarcastic comment. Of course she did. I am definitely the one she’s worried about—not. Before I can respond, Douglas appears, his eyebrow raised as he takes in the scene.

‘Ms. Carter,’ he says, his tone clipped. ‘How…thoughtful of you to drop by unannounced. I wasn’t aware we were expecting guests. I must say, your stealth is impressive—one might even call it alarming. However did you manage to get inside without my notice?’

Juniper’s smile falters slightly. ‘Oh, I just thought—’

‘Clearly. Thinking does seem to be your forte,’ Douglas cuts in smoothly. His eyes flick to me, softening. ‘Miss Tessa, let’s get you upstairs before this evening becomes any more…theatrical.’

Grayson steps forward. ‘I can help her—’

‘That won’t be necessary,’ Douglas says firmly. ‘I believe Miss Tessa could use some peace and quiet after all the excitement. I trust you’ll occupy yourself heroically elsewhere.’

I catch a glimpse of Juniper’s face as Douglas steers me toward the stairs. Her lips are pursed so tight it’s a wonder she doesn’t whistle. For once, I’m glad Douglas doesn’t suffer fools—or attention seekers.

‘Thanks,’ I murmur as we climb the steps, leaving the circus behind.

As we reach the top of the stairs, I let out a deep breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Douglas’s steady presence beside me is comforting, a stark contrast to the overwhelming—and unnecessary—concern downstairs.

‘Thank you, Douglas,’ I say softly, leaning against the wall for support. ‘I don’t think I could’ve handled another minute of…that.’

He inclines his head, his tone dry. ‘Understandable. Even the hardiest souls have their limits when it comes to melodrama.’ He sighs. ‘They mean well, Miss Tessa. But it was clear you were uncomfortable with all the fuss.’

I laugh, but it comes out more like a choked sob. ‘Is it that obvious?’

‘Only to anyone with a pulse,’ he replies with a faint smirk. “Unfortunately, that narrows the list considerably. The boys seem more inclined to perform concern than practice it.”

As we walk toward my room, I’m struck by a sudden, sad realization. My closest confidant at the moment is a man old enough to be my grandfather. I voice this thought before I can stop myself.

‘It’s kind of pathetic, isn’t it? That Grayson’s old house manager is the only one who seems to get me.’

Douglas stops, turning to face me with a raised eyebrow. ‘I prefer the term ‘experienced’, if you don’t mind. And there’s nothing sad about having standards for connection, Miss Tessa. Some people just aren’t worth the headache—no matter their age.’

His words warm me, and I manage a genuine smile. ‘You’re right. Thanks, Douglas. For everything.’

He nods, opening my bedroom door. ‘It’s what I’m here for,’ he says, pausing just long enough to add, ‘And if Ms. Carter is still downstairs when you’re rested and ready to come back down, I’ll see to it she experiences an epiphany about overstaying her welcome. Some might call it a miracle.’

With that, he steps aside, leaving me to wonder what chaos Juniper might be brewing below. Whatever it is, I trust Douglas will handle it with the same understated precision he wields like a scalpel.