Chapter 32: Filthy Rich Bosses: Chapter 32

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon hits me as I descend the stairs, my bare feet padding softly against the cool hardwood. I pause at the kitchen doorway, blinking in surprise. Both Cole and Grayson are home, bustling around the kitchen like it’s any ordinary weekday morning.

Before I can fully process this unexpected sight, a blur of motion catches my eye. Suddenly, Chase is there, his familiar scent of sandalwood and sea salt enveloping me as he pulls me into a passionate kiss. His lips are warm and insistent against mine, and I can’t help but melt into him, my hands instinctively reaching up to tangle in his messy blonde locks.

‘Good morning, beautiful,’ he murmurs against my lips, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

I pull back, slightly dazed. ‘Morning,’ I manage to reply, my voice still husky from sleep. ‘What’s all this?’

Grayson looks up from where he’s expertly flipping pancakes, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. ‘Breakfast,’ he says simply, but there’s a warmth in his blue eyes that makes my heart skip a beat.

‘Sit down, spitfire,’ Cole calls from the coffee maker, gesturing to the island where a veritable feast is laid out. ‘We’ve got quite the spread.’

I slide onto a stool, eyeing the platters of fresh fruit, fluffy scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon with a mix of hunger and suspicion. ‘This is…a lot. What’s the occasion?’

The three men exchange glances, and I feel my stomach tighten. Chase plops down next to me, draping an arm casually over my shoulders. ‘Well, we were thinking…’

‘We’d like to take some time away,’ Grayson finishes, setting a steaming stack of pancakes in front of me.

I feel myself starting to shrink inward, my shoulders hunching slightly. They want to leave? After everything that’s happened? I should have known this was too good to be true.

Cole must sense my unease because he quickly adds, ‘All four of us, Tessa. Together.’

‘Oh,’ I breathe, relief washing over me. But then confusion sets in. ‘Wait, what?’

Chase grins, squeezing my shoulder gently. ‘A little getaway. You, me, Gray, and Cole. Well, Lulu and Zeus too. What do you say?’

I look around at their expectant faces, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. Part of me wants to jump at the chance, but another part—the part that’s used to disappointment and abandonment—holds back.

‘I…I don’t know,’ I stammer, reaching for my coffee mug to have something to do with my hands. ‘This is all so sudden.’

Grayson’s expression softens as he takes a seat across from me. ‘We understand it’s a lot to take in, Tessa. But we thought it might be nice to have some time away from everything. To figure things out. To figure us out.’

I take a sip of coffee, buying myself time to think. The idea is tempting, but terrifying. ‘Where would we go?’ I ask, stalling.

Chase’s eyes light up. ‘Oh, we’ve got some ideas. But first, pancakes!’ He reaches across me to snag a stack, his proximity sending a shiver down my spine.

As I watch them interact, passing the syrup and divvying up the bacon, I feel a warmth spreading through my chest. It’s chaotic and unconventional, but there’s something undeniably right about this moment.

Maybe, just maybe, I can let myself enjoy this. Even if it’s just for a little while.

Chase grins, syrup dripping from his fork as he gestures excitedly. ‘So, we’ve got options, babe. Fantastic options. I’ve got this sweet beach house in Malibu—private, secluded, perfect for skinny dipping.’ He winks, and I feel my cheeks flush.

Cole rolls his eyes but can’t hide a small smile. ‘Or,’ he adds, his deep voice steady, ‘we could go to my place in London. It’s in the heart of the city, lots of culture and history to explore. And the best chicken vindaloo you’ve ever had.’

My head spins at the choices. Malibu or London? It seems surreal. ‘I…I’ve never been to either place,’ I admit, feeling small and inexperienced compared to their worldly lifestyles.

Grayson reaches out, his hand warm on mine. ‘There’s no wrong choice, Tessa. We just want to spend time with you.’

I look at each of them in turn—Chase’s playful grin, Cole’s intense gaze, Grayson’s reassuring smile. It’s overwhelming, but in the best possible way.

‘I know this isn’t…normal,’ Cole says, his voice softer than usual. ‘We’re aware that our situation is unconventional, to say the least.’

Chase snorts. ‘Understatement of the century, dude.’

‘But,’ Grayson continues, squeezing my hand, ‘we want you to know that we’re all in this. Together.’

I swallow hard, my heart racing. ‘All of you? But…why me?’ Chase just gives me a bemused smile and presses a kiss to my temple.

I bite my lip, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety bubbling up inside me. ‘I…I don’t even have a passport,’ I confess.

Chase’s eyes light up, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. ‘No problem, sweetheart! We’ll take you anywhere your heart desires in the good ole’ US of A. And if London tickles your fancy…’ He winks at Cole. ‘We’ll get you that passport faster than you can say ‘tea and crumpets’.’

I can’t help but giggle at his enthusiasm, some of my nervousness melting away. Grayson leans in, his voice gentle. ‘What Chase is trying to say, in his own unique way, is that we want you to be comfortable. There’s no pressure.’

Cole nods, his intense gaze softening. ‘We can start with something closer to home if you prefer. The important thing is that you’re with us.’

I look around at their faces, feeling a whirlwind of emotions. Part of me wants to bolt, to run from this intensity, this connection that feels both thrilling and terrifying. But then I catch Chase’s eye, and he flashes me that smile of his that makes my heart skip a beat.

‘I…’ I start, then pause, taking a deep breath. ‘Okay. Let’s do it. Let’s go…somewhere.’

Chase whoops, pumping his fist in the air. ‘Adventure time, baby!’

I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in years. ‘But maybe we start with Malibu? Baby steps, you know?’

‘Baby steps it is,’ Grayson agrees, squeezing my hand.

As Chase launches into an animated description of his beach house, I can’t help but wonder what I’m getting myself into. But looking at these three men, I realize I’m excited to find out.