Chapter 5: Filthy Rich Bosses: Chapter 5

The sun warms my skin as I lean back in the patio chair, watching Chase attempt to juggle oranges from the fruit bowl. His dirty blonde hair catches the light, giving him an almost angelic glow. I can’t help but smirk as he fumbles, sending an orange rolling across the stones.

‘And for my next trick,’ Chase announces with a theatrical bow, ‘I shall make this lovely lady smile!’

I roll my eyes, but feel the corners of my mouth twitching upward. ‘I think you need more practice before taking this show on the road.’

Chase plops down in the chair beside me, his knee brushing against mine. ‘Ah, but I got you to smile, didn’t I? Mission accomplished.’

His playful grin is infectious, and I find myself relaxing despite my initial reservations. The scent of his cologne mingles with the fragrant blooms surrounding us on the patio.

‘So, tell me, Tessa,’ Chase leans in conspiratorially, ‘what’s a girl like you doing in a place like this?’

I arch an eyebrow. ‘Seriously? That’s the line you’re going with?’

He shrugs, unapologetic. ‘Hey, the classics never go out of style.’

I shouldn’t encourage him, but I can’t resist playing along. ‘Well, if you must know, I’m here to rescue damsels in distress from cheesy pick-up lines.’

Chase clutches his chest in mock offense. ‘You wound me, fair maiden! And here I thought we were having such a lovely time.’

His exaggerated pout is ridiculous, and I can’t help but laugh. ‘You’re impossible, you know that?’

‘Impossibly charming, you mean,’ he winks, leaning back in his chair with an air of smug satisfaction.

I shake my head, marveling at his confidence. Part of me wants to dislike him for his entitled attitude, but there’s something disarmingly genuine about his playfulness.

‘So, what do you do for fun when you’re not rescuing damsels?’ Chase asks, his tone softening to something more sincere.

I hesitate, not used to opening up. But his warm gaze coaxes an answer from me. ‘I volunteer at an animal shelter. It’s…important to me.’

Chase’s eyes light up with interest. ‘She’s a do-gooder. Tell me more.’

As I start to share stories about the shelter, I’m surprised to find myself genuinely enjoying our conversation. Chase listens attentively, asking thoughtful questions. Maybe there’s more to him than I initially assumed.

The evening stretches into night, filled with laughter and increasingly flirtatious banter. Despite my better judgment, I find myself drawn in by Chase’s carefree charm.

A nagging voice in the back of my mind reminds me that I shouldn’t be getting involved with someone so connected to Grayson. But as Chase’s eyes crinkle with laughter at one of my dry comments, I can’t bring myself to care. It’s been so long since I’ve felt this…light.

The evening stretches on and the bottle of wine has turned into another.

‘You know what we need?’ Chase says suddenly, a mischievous glint in his eye. ‘A good old-fashioned game of Truth or Dare.’

I raise an eyebrow. ‘What are we, teenagers at a slumber party?’

‘Come on, where’s your sense of adventure?’ He leans forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. ‘Unless you’re scared?’

I scoff, even as a thrill runs through me. ‘Please. You don’t know who you’re dealing with.’

‘Prove it, then,’ he challenges, grinning widely.

‘Fine,’ I say, surprising myself. ‘But keep it PG. I don’t need Grayson firing me for indecent behavior on his patio.’

Chase laughs. ‘All right, all right. I’ll be a perfect gentleman. You go first. Truth or dare?’

I consider for a moment. ‘Truth.’

‘Hmm…’ Chase taps his chin theatrically. ‘What’s the most embarrassing song on your playlist?’

I groan, feeling my cheeks heat up. ‘Do I have to?’

‘Those are the rules, kitten,’ he says, looking far too pleased with himself.

‘Fine,’ I mutter. ‘It’s…’Barbie Girl’ by Aqua.’

Chase’s delighted laughter echoes across the patio, and I can’t help but join in, despite my embarrassment. As our giggles subside, I realize I’m actually having fun. It’s been so long since I’ve let my guard down like this.

‘Your turn,’ I say, determined to get my revenge. ‘Truth or dare?’

Chase leans back, a cocky grin spreading across his face. ‘Dare. I’m not afraid of anything you can dish out.’

I narrow my eyes, thinking. ‘I dare you to…do your best impression of a cat trying to cough up a hairball.’

His eyes widen for a moment, then he shrugs. ‘Easy peasy.’ He clears his throat dramatically, then starts making the most ridiculous hacking noises I’ve ever heard, complete with exaggerated facial expressions.

I can’t help but burst out laughing. ‘Oh my God, stop! That’s horrifying!’

Chase winks at me, looking far too pleased with himself. ‘Your turn, Tessa. Truth or dare?’

I hesitate. The responsible part of me knows I should say truth, keep things safe. But there’s a spark of excitement in Chase’s eyes that’s infectious. ‘Dare,’ I say, surprising myself.

His grin widens. ‘I dare you…’ he pauses for effect, ‘to go skinny dipping.’

My heart skips a beat. ‘What? No way! I said PG!’

‘Come on,’ he coaxes. ‘Where’s that bravery you were boasting about earlier?’

I bite my lip, conflicted. This is crazy. I shouldn’t even consider it. But there’s a part of me that’s thrilled by the challenge, by the way Chase is looking at me like I’m the most fascinating thing he’s ever seen.

‘Fine,’ I say, meeting his eyes in challenge. I smirk. ‘But turn around while I get in.’

Chase’s eyes widen, like he can’t believe I actually agreed. He holds up his hands in surrender. ‘Scout’s honor.’

He never averts his eyes. They’re glued to my every movement as I stand up and move closer to the edge of the pool. I could challenge him, tell him if he doesn’t turn around, I won’t follow through. But I…don’t want him to stop looking.

I take a deep breath, then slowly start to undress. I don’t know what possesses me, but I find myself exaggerating every movement, making a show of it. Chase’s eyes follow my every move, his breathing becoming noticeably heavier.

I can’t help but think, “What the hell am I doing?” But the way Chase is looking at me, like I’m the most desirable woman in the world, makes me feel powerful. Sexy. It’s intoxicating.

I’m down to my bra and panties now, and Chase looks like he’s about to combust. ‘You’re killing me, kitten,’ he groans.

I smirk, enjoying this newfound confidence. ‘That’s the point, isn’t it?’

I slip into the cool water, letting it envelop me up to my shoulders. The contrast between the night air and the pool sends a shiver down my spine. Chase’s eyes are glued to me, his expression a mix of awe and desire.

With a coy smile, I reach behind my back and unhook my bra. ‘Catch,’ I tease, tossing it at him. It lands on the patio with a soft plop, and Chase’s eyes widen comically.

‘Holy…’ he mutters, his voice husky.

I shimmy out of my panties under the water, feeling both exhilarated and nervous. ‘The grand finale,’ I announce, flinging them in his direction too. They sail through the air, landing at his feet.

Chase looks like he’s about to have a heart attack. ‘You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?’ He picks up my lavender lace thong and shoves it in his pocket after lifting it to his nose and inhaling.

I laugh, the sound echoing across the water as I glide backward into deeper water. ‘You don’t know me at all.’

He moves closer to the edge of the pool, his eyes never leaving mine. ‘Oh, I’d very much like to get to know you better,’ he says, his voice dripping with innuendo.

I feel a rush of boldness. ‘Well, what are you waiting for?’ I call out, splashing water in his direction. ‘Are you going to join me, or are you all talk and no action?’

Chase’s eyebrows shoot up, a challenge accepted look crossing his face. ‘Oh, kitten,’ he purrs, ‘you have no idea what you’re in for.’

I watch in awe as Chase’s hands fly to the buttons of his shirt, practically tearing it off. His lean, tattooed chest comes into view, and I feel a flutter in my stomach. He kicks off his shoes and shimmies out of his pants and boxers in one swift motion.

‘Damn,’ I breathe, drinking in the sight of him.

Without hesitation, he dives in, cutting through the water with powerful strokes. My heart races as he approaches, a predatory glint in his eyes. Before I can react, his strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me flush against his body.

‘Got you,’ he murmurs, his breath hot on my ear.

I shiver, despite the warm water. ‘Looks like you do,’ I reply, trying to keep my voice steady.

Chase’s lips curve into a wicked grin. ‘You naughty little thing,’ he purrs, his hands roaming down my sides. ‘Teasing me like that. I think you deserve to be punished.’

My breath catches in my throat. ‘Oh yeah?’ I challenge, even as my body thrums with anticipation. ‘What did you have in mind?’

Instead of answering, Chase crushes his lips to mine in a searing kiss. I melt into him, my arms wrapping around his neck as I return the kiss with equal fervor. His tongue traces the seam of my lips, and I part them eagerly, letting him deepen the kiss.

As things heat up, Chase’s hands continue their exploration. He cups my breasts, kneading gently, and I can’t help the soft moan that escapes me. His lips trail down to my neck, sucking and nipping at the sensitive skin there.

‘Chase,’ I gasp, tilting my head to give him better access.

His hand slips lower, ghosting over my stomach and down to where I need him most. I hold my breath, waiting for his touch.

I can’t believe I’m doing this. The rational part of my brain is screaming at me to stop, but every nerve ending in my body is on fire, begging for more. Chase’s fingers find their target, and a jolt of pleasure courses through me.

‘Oh God,’ I whisper, my head falling against his shoulder.

Chase chuckles, low and deep. ‘Feel good?’

I can only nod, words escaping me as he continues his ministrations. With a swift movement, he spins me around so my back is pressed against his chest. One arm wraps around my waist, holding me close, while his other hand resumes its exploration between my legs.

‘Chase,’ I gasp, feeling his erection pressed against my lower back. ‘We shouldn’t—’

‘Shh,’ he murmurs, his lips brushing my ear. ‘Don’t talk, just feel. Let go.’

His fingers work their magic, and I find myself grinding back against him, chasing the building pleasure. The cool night air on my exposed skin contrasts deliciously with the heat of Chase’s body behind me and the warm water surrounding us.

I’m teetering on the edge when I hear the distant sound of a car door slamming. My eyes fly open, but Chase doesn’t stop.

‘Chase,’ I pant, ‘I think someone’s—’

He cuts me off with a particularly skilled movement of his fingers, and I cry out softly as I tumble over the edge. The world narrows to the pulsing pleasure between my legs and Chase’s solid presence behind me.

As I come down from my high, I hear footsteps approaching. My eyes widen in horror as I see Grayson round the corner, his expression shifting from surprise to something unreadable as he takes in the scene before him.

‘Oh shit,’ I mutter, sinking lower into the water.