Chapter 34: Filthy Rich Bosses: Chapter 34

I watch Cole’s broad shoulders as he walks away, his confident stride carrying him back out of my room. A small smile tugs at my lips despite the swirl of emotions in my chest. Turning back to the railing, I’m struck anew by the breathtaking sunset before me. The sky is ablaze with streaks of orange and pink, the sun a fiery orb sinking into the shimmering water.

‘Well, that was…intense,’ I mutter to myself, running a hand through my hair. It’s due for another dye job. I contemplate changing colors or sticking to the badass black cherry.

The salty breeze caresses my skin, and I inhale deeply, trying to clear my head. I came up to this balcony to figure things out, but Cole’s visit has only left me more conflicted.

‘Stay or go, Tessa. It shouldn’t be this hard,’ I grumble, my fingers drumming restlessly on the railing.

My eyes trace the horizon, as if searching for answers in the distant clouds. Can I really trust Cole, Chase, and Grayson to choose me? To want me? The cynic in me scoffs at the idea.

‘You’ve been burned before, remember?’ I remind myself sternly. ‘Men like that don’t fall for women like you. Hell, your own parents couldn’t bother to choose you.’

But then I recall the intensity in Cole’s eyes, the gentleness in Grayson’s touch. The pure joy that radiates from Chase and the way he fought for me. My heart flutters traitorously.

‘Oh, who am I kidding?’ I sigh, a rueful chuckle escaping my lips. ‘I’m in way too deep already.’

The last rays of sunlight catch on my forearm, highlighting the small scar there. It’s a reminder of my strength, yes, but also of the risks that come with caring too much. I trace it absently, lost in thought.

‘Maybe…maybe it’s worth the risk this time,’ I whisper, surprising myself with the hope in my voice.

As darkness begins to settle over the water, I straighten up, squaring my shoulders. No decision has been made, but at least I feel a little clearer. Whatever happens next, I know I’m strong enough to handle it.

I shake my head, pushing away from the railing. ‘All right, Tessa. Time to face the music…and whatever this surprise is.’

My footsteps echo in the empty stairwell as I descend, each step feeling heavier than the last. The house is eerily quiet, and I can’t help but wonder what the guys are up to.

‘Hello?’ I call out, my voice carrying a hint of nervous anticipation.

No answer. Just as I’m about to call out again, I reach the bottom of the stairs and freeze. A trail of deep red rose petals catches my eye, leading away from the staircase.

‘What in the world…?’ I murmur, following the path with my gaze.

My heart races as I trace the trail, the soft petals crunching gently beneath my feet. They lead me to the kitchen, where a single champagne flute sits on the counter, filled with golden bubbles.

I pick up the glass, bringing it to my nose. The crisp, fruity aroma tickles my senses. ‘Okay, guys. You’ve officially piqued my curiosity.’

Another scatter of petals catches my eye, this time leading toward the patio doors. I can’t help but smile, despite my lingering doubts.

‘I swear, if this is some elaborate prank, Chase…’ I mutter, but there’s no real heat behind my words. My hand hesitates on the door handle, butterflies dancing in my stomach.

‘Here goes nothing,’ I whisper, taking a deep breath before stepping outside.

As I step onto the patio, my breath catches in my throat. ‘Oh my God,’ I gasp, nearly dropping the champagne flute.

The entire space is aglow with what must be hundreds of flickering candles. Their warm light bathes everything in a soft, golden hue, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. The flames dance in the gentle evening breeze, casting mesmerizing shadows across the deck.

‘This is…unbelievable,’ I whisper to myself, my eyes wide as I take in the scene.

The candles form a path, leading down toward the beach. My heart hammers in my chest as I follow it, my bare feet sinking into the cool sand. With each step, the sound of waves lapping at the shore grows louder.

As I round a small dune, I suddenly see them—Chase, Cole, and Grayson. They’re standing near a beautifully set table right on the beach, illuminated by more candles and strings of twinkling lights.

‘Surprise,’ Chase says softly, his smile warm and inviting.

I feel my eyes start to well up. ‘You guys did all this?’ I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Cole steps forward, his eyes twinkling. ‘We wanted to show you how much you mean to us, spitfire.’

‘It’s…it’s overwhelming,’ I admit, blinking rapidly to hold back tears. ‘But in a good way. I’ve never had anyone do anything like this for me before.’

Grayson reaches out, gently taking my hand. ‘You deserve it, Tessa. And so much more.’

I look at each of them in turn, my chest tight with emotion. ‘I don’t know what to say.’

‘You don’t have to say anything,’ Chase assures me. ‘Just enjoy the evening with us.’

As we settle around the table, the ocean breeze carries the scent of grilled seafood and fragrant herbs. Chase pours champagne into delicate flutes, the bubbles catching the candlelight.

‘To new beginnings,’ Grayson toasts, his blue eyes locked on mine.

We clink glasses, and I take a sip, the crisp coolness a stark contrast to the warmth blooming in my chest. For once, the idea of staying, of choosing them, doesn’t feel so terrifying.

‘So, Tessa,’ Cole starts, his voice playful, ‘I’ve been meaning to ask you this for awhile. What’s the craziest animal rescue you’ve ever done?’

I laugh, grateful for the easy conversation starter. ‘Oh, you wouldn’t believe me if I told you.’

‘Try us,’ Chase challenges with a grin.

As I launch into the story of rescuing a stubborn donkey from a sinkhole, I find myself relaxing. The guys listen intently, laughing at all the right moments, and I’m struck by how natural this feels.

‘I can’t believe you didn’t give up,’ Grayson says, shaking his head in admiration.

I shrug, feeling a blush creep up my neck. ‘I’m not really the giving up type.’

‘We’ve noticed,’ Cole says softly, his hand brushing mine as he reaches for the salt.

The touch sends a shiver through me, and I realize that maybe it’s time to stop running. Yes, it’s scary to open up, to trust, but as I look around at these three incredible men, I think that maybe it’s scarier not to try.

I’ve made my choice. I’m staying.

As the last bites of dessert disappear, Chase stands up abruptly, a mischievous glint in his eye. ‘Who’s up for a night swim?’

I raise an eyebrow. ‘In the ocean? Isn’t it a bit cold?’

He laughs, shaking his head. ‘Yes, freezing actually. I was talking about the heated pool. Come on, it’ll be fun!’

‘I don’t have my swimsuit,’ I protest weakly, but I can already feel my resolve crumbling under his infectious enthusiasm.

‘Who said anything about swimsuits?’ Chase winks, already pulling his shirt over his head.

My mouth goes dry as I watch him strip, his tanned skin glowing in the moonlight. Before I know it, he’s sprinting toward the pool, bare ass on full display.

‘Last one in is a rotten egg!’ he calls over his shoulder.

Grayson rolls his eyes, but there’s fondness in his voice when he says, ‘Shall we indulge him?’

I nod, suddenly feeling bold. ‘Why not?’

As we make our way to the pool, shedding clothes along the way, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. The warm night air caresses my skin, and I shiver, not entirely from the temperature.

Chase is already doing laps when we reach the pool. He stops, treading water, and wolf-whistles as I step to the edge. ‘Damn, kitten. You’re a sight for sore eyes.’

I blush but don’t cover myself. Instead, I dive in, the heated water enveloping me like a warm embrace. When I surface, Chase is right there, his wet hair plastered to his head, eyes sparkling with mirth and something deeper.

‘Hi,’ I breathe, suddenly very aware of our proximity.

‘Hi yourself,’ he murmurs, closing the distance between us.

His lips meet mine, soft and insistent, tasting of salt and the chocolate dessert we just shared. I melt into the kiss, wrapping my arms around his neck as he pulls me closer.

‘I’ve wanted to do that all night,’ Chase whispers against my lips.

‘What took you so long?’ I tease, running my fingers through his damp hair.

He grins, nipping at my bottom lip. ‘Just savoring the anticipation, darling.’

As we kiss again, more heated this time, I feel myself being gently guided toward the shallow end of the pool. Chase’s hands roam my body underwater, leaving trails of fire in their wake.

‘Is this okay?’ he asks, pulling back slightly to meet my eyes.

I nod, breathless. ‘More than okay.’

Chase’s expression softens, and he cups my face in his hands. ‘Kitten, I…I love you. I know it might seem fast or crazy, but I do. You make me want to be better, to actually grow up a little. And I want to take care of you. Even though I’m well aware you can take care of yourself.’

My heart swells, and I can’t help but giggle. He kisses me again, slow and deep, pouring all his emotions into it. As we make love in the warm water, surrounded by the night sky and the soft glow of the pool lights, I know that I made the right decision, that this is where I belong. With them. With him. And for once, I’m not scared of what the future might hold.

I’m still catching my breath when I feel strong hands on my hips, gently turning me around. Cole’s intense gaze meets mine, his eyes dark with desire. Without a word, he presses me against the pool’s edge, his muscular body flush against my back.

‘Is this all right?’ he murmurs, his breath hot on my ear.

I nod, my voice barely a whisper. ‘Yes.’

Cole’s fingers trail up my spine, sending shivers through me despite the warm water. He grips my throat, not roughly, but with a firmness that makes my breath catch.

‘You’ve gotten under my skin, Tessa,’ he says, his voice low and husky as he enters me from behind. ‘In ways I never expected.’

I gasp at the sensation, gripping the pool’s edge. Cole sets a harder pace than Chase, each thrust deliberate and powerful.

‘Cole,’ I moan, overwhelmed by the intensity of it all.

His lips brush my shoulder. ‘I want a future with you. With all of us. I never thought I’d say that to anyone again, but you…you’re different.’

I turn my head, meeting his eyes over my shoulder. The vulnerability I see there, mixed with the raw desire, nearly undoes me.

‘I love you, Tessa,’ Cole says, his voice thick with emotion. ‘God help me, I do.’

Tears prick at my eyes as I reach back to touch his face. He captures my lips in a searing kiss, pouring all his pent-up feelings into it. As we move together, I feel something shift inside me—a certainty that this, right here, is exactly where I’m meant to be.

As Cole slowly withdraws, I feel a gentle hand on my cheek. I turn to find Grayson there, his blue eyes soft in the candlelight. He leans in, pressing his lips to mine in a kiss so tender it makes my heart ache.

‘Hey there, beautiful,’ he murmurs against my lips.

I can’t help but smile. ‘Hi.’

Grayson’s thumb traces my jawline as he studies my face. ‘Are you okay? Not too overwhelmed?’

‘I’m perfect,’ I assure him, leaning into his touch. ‘This is…more than I ever imagined.’

He smiles, a rare, unguarded expression that lights up his entire face. ‘Good. Because I’d like to continue, if you’re willing.’

My pulse quickens. ‘Yes, please.’

Grayson takes my hand, leading me toward the attached jacuzzi. The warm bubbles welcome us as we slip into the water. He settles onto one of the built-in seats and gently pulls me into his lap.

‘Is this all right?’ he asks, his hands resting lightly on my hips.

I nod, suddenly feeling shy despite everything we’ve already shared tonight. ‘More than all right.’

Grayson’s eyes search mine, and I see a flicker of vulnerability there. ‘I’ve been looking forward to this,’ he admits softly. ‘To finally being with you, without interruptions.’

I wrap my arms around his neck, pressing closer. ‘Me too,’ I whisper, my heart pounding with anticipation and something deeper, warmer.

I sink down onto Grayson slowly, gasping as he fills me. His hands tighten on my hips, guiding my movements.

‘God, Tessa,’ he breathes, his voice rough. ‘You’re so beautiful. So sexy. You’re…everything.’

I can’t help the blush that spreads across my cheeks. ‘Gray…’ I start, but he silences me with a kiss.

His lips are soft yet insistent against mine, and I lose myself in the sensation. We move together, finding a rhythm that’s slow but intense. Each thrust sends sparks of pleasure through my body.

I break the kiss, panting. ‘You feel amazing,’ I murmur, running my fingers through his hair.

Grayson’s eyes lock with mine, full of emotion. ‘You’re amazing,’ he says. ‘I never thought…I never expected to find someone who would make me want to move forward again.’

My heart skips a beat. ‘What do you mean?’

He takes a deep breath. ‘You make me think about the future, Tessa. A future I want to build…with you.’

I feel tears prick at my eyes, overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment. Grayson’s hands cup my face gently.

‘I love you,’ he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. ‘I know it’s fast, and complicated, but…I love you.’

My breath catches in my throat as Grayson’s words sink in. The warmth of the jacuzzi suddenly feels like nothing compared to the heat blooming in my chest. I look into his eyes, then glance over at Chase and Cole, who are watching us with soft smiles.

‘I…’ I start, my voice trembling. ‘I love you too. All of you.’

The realization hits me like a tidal wave. It’s terrifying and exhilarating all at once. I’ve spent so long building walls, protecting myself, but these three men have somehow managed to scale them all.

Chase moves closer, his hand finding mine in the water. ‘You mean that, sweetheart?’

I nod, a tear slipping down my cheek. ‘I do. God, I really do.’

Cole’s deep chuckle rumbles through the air. ‘Took you long enough to admit it, spitfire.’

I can’t help but laugh, the sound bubbling up from somewhere deep inside me. ‘Hey, I’m new at this whole…letting people in thing.’

Grayson’s arms tighten around me, his lips brushing my ear. ‘We’ve got all the time in the world for you to get used to it.’

And suddenly, I can see it. A future with these men. Mornings filled with laughter, evenings spent curled up together. It’s not just a fleeting desire anymore—it’s something I want desperately.

‘I want this,’ I whisper, looking at each of them in turn. ‘Forever.’