Chapter 33: Filthy Rich Bosses: Chapter 33

The setting sun paints the water in shades of gold and crimson, a breathtaking backdrop to Tessa’s silhouette as she leans against the balcony railing. My chest tightens at the sight of her, dark hair dancing in the ocean breeze. She’s so goddamn beautiful that it almost hurts to look at her sometimes.

I clear my throat. ‘Enjoying the view?’

Tessa turns, a small smile playing on her lips. ‘It’s not bad.’

‘Not bad? This is a million-dollar view, sweetheart.’ The words come out more gruffly than I intended.

She arches an eyebrow. ‘Is that what this is about? The money?’

I wince internally. Way to go, Cole. ‘No, of course not. I didn’t mean—’

‘Relax,’ Tessa says, her smile widening. ‘I’m teasing. I know you’re not that shallow.’

Relief washes over me. She gets me in a way Morgan never did, never even tried to. Tessa’s proven time and again she’s not here for the fancy house or the lifestyle. She’s here because…well, I’m not entirely sure why she’s choosen to be with the pack of us. But I know it’s not about the money or privilege.

I can’t fight how I feel about her anymore. I don’t want to. As I watch her turn back to the sunset, I realize I’m done running from this, from her. Whatever this is between us, I’m all in.

I step behind Tessa, my arms encircling her slender frame. The ocean breeze carries the scent of her, intoxicating me. I can’t resist pressing my lips to her shoulder, savoring the warmth of her skin.

Tessa leans back into me, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. ‘Well, well. I didn’t take you for the romantic type, Cole Ashford.’

I love it when she says my name and her teasing tone makes me grin against her skin. I lift my head, meeting her greenish-blue eyes in the fading sunlight. ‘Oh, you’d be surprised. I’m actually the most romantic of the three of us.’

‘Is that so?’ She arches an eyebrow, a challenge glinting in her gaze.

I laugh, the sound mingling with the crash of waves below. ‘Hard to believe, right? I know I’ve been…difficult. Angry.’ My arms tighten around her instinctively. ‘I’ve made some spectacularly bad choices. Trusted the wrong people. Ignored more red flags than is healthy.’

Tessa turns in my embrace, her angular face softening as she studies me. I can see the walls she’s built, the same ones I’ve constructed around my own heart. But there’s something else there too—a flicker of hope, maybe?

‘But this?’ I continue, my voice low. ‘You? This feels like a good decision. Maybe the best one I’ve made in a long time.’

I can feel her hesitation, the slight tension in her body as she processes my words. Her eyes dart away, focusing on the horizon where the sun kisses the sea. I know she’s still not sure about us—about me, Chase, Grayson. The whole complicated mess we’re offering her.

‘Tessa,’ I say softly, cupping her face in my hands. ‘I hope you’ll choose to stay.’

She sighs, a sound so full of longing and fear that it makes my chest ache. ‘I’m scared, Cole,’ she whispers, her voice barely audible over the ocean’s rhythm. ‘Nobody’s ever…nobody’s ever stayed for me before. Nobody’s ever chosen me.’

The vulnerability in her admission hits me like a punch to the gut. I want to wrap her up, shield her from every hurt she’s ever experienced. Instead, I take a deep breath, willing my voice to remain steady.

‘That’s not true,’ I tell her, my thumb tracing the curve of her cheekbone. ‘Chase has. Chase has chosen you over and over again.’

Her eyes widen slightly, a mix of surprise and something like hope flickering in their depths.

‘And yeah, it may have taken us more time,’ I continue, thinking of my own stubbornness, the walls I’d built. ‘But I’ve chosen you too, Tessa. Hell, even Grayson…’ I pause, remembering the moment that shocked us all. ‘Grayson took off his wedding band for you.’

I watch as she processes this, her eyebrows drawing together in that cute little furrow she gets when she’s deep in thought. The breeze ruffles her hair, and I resist the urge to tuck a stray strand behind her ear.

I take a deep breath, my hands settling on her shoulders. ‘Look, I’m not saying it’ll be easy,’ I tell her, my voice low and earnest. ‘It won’t be. And I’m definitely not promising perfection.’ I can’t help but chuckle, thinking of the volatile mix of personalities we’re dealing with here. ‘But Tessa, I am saying it’ll be worth it.’

She looks up at me, those mesmerizing eyes searching mine. I can see the war of emotions playing out on her face—hope battling with fear, longing with doubt. It’s a struggle I know all too well.

‘Worth it, huh?’ she says, a hint of her usual sarcasm creeping into her tone. But there’s a softness there too, a vulnerability she rarely allows anyone to see.

I nod, feeling a surge of affection for this complicated, beautiful woman. ‘Yeah, worth it. You’re worth it, Tessa.’

She ducks her head, and I swear I catch a hint of a blush on her cheeks. It’s endearing, seeing this tough-as-nails woman flustered.

‘Oh, and speaking of worth it,’ I say, injecting a note of playfulness into my voice. ‘We’ve got a surprise for you downstairs. You know, when you’re ready.’

Her head snaps up, eyes narrowing suspiciously. ‘A surprise? From you three? Should I be worried?’

I laugh, the sound echoing across the balcony. ‘Maybe a little,’ I tease. ‘But in a good way, I promise.’