Page 16 of Filthy Rich Bosses

“I live here!”

“Look, I can explain.”

But I'm not listening. My mind is racing with possibilities, none of them good. "You broke in, didn't you?" I accuse, my temper flaring. "Do you have any idea whose house this is?"

I hear footsteps pounding down the hall. Chase bursts into the room, his hair disheveled and chest heaving. "What's going on? I heard screaming."

His eyes dart between me and the intruder, and I can see the gears turning in his head. Knowing Chase, he's probably conjuring up some wild fantasy scenario.

"Call the police," I tell him, not taking my eyes off the woman. "We've got an intruder."

The woman's eyes widen even further. "No, please! There's been a misunderstanding!"

I shake my head, frustration building. So much for a relaxing morning. "Chase, why are you just standing there? Do something!"

Chase's face breaks into a wide grin, his eyes twinkling with mischief. It's the kind of look that usually means trouble. "Oh man, this is too good," he chuckles, not moving an inch to help.

I glare at him, my patience wearing thin. "What's so funny?"

“With that winning personality, I’m sure you’re just rolling in women who can’t get enough of you,” the little trespasser scoffs.

I growl, but Chase holds up his hands, still grinning like an idiot. "Whoa, slow down there, Cole. This isn't an intruder. This," he gestures to the woman, who's now clutching her towel like a lifeline, "is Tessa, our new dog trainer."

My jaw drops. "Dog trainer? Since when do we need a dog trainer?"

"Since Grayson decided his precious pup needed professional help," Chase explains, his eyes never leaving Tessa. He turns his focus to me. "The neighbor is pressing charges after the dog bite. The lawyer said if he can’t get Zeus under control they’ll have to put him down.”

“Fuck.”

“Yeah.” His attention turns back to the girl. “But I've got to say, Tessa knows how to train a dog. Among other things."

I roll my eyes, feeling a headache coming on. Of course Grayson would hire someone and move her into the house without telling me. And of course Chase would turn this into some kind of sexual fantasy scenario.

"Look," I say, pinching the bridge of my nose, "I don't care who she is or why she's here. I've had a long week, and I just want to unwind in peace."

Without waiting for a response, I turn on my heel and head for the door. I can hear Chase starting to apologize to the girl—his voice taking on that flirtatious tone he uses with every attractive woman he meets.

As I make my way to the home gym, I can't shake the image of her startled face from my mind. She was young and absolutely stunning from what I saw. But there was more to it.

There was something about her eyes, a mix of defiance and vulnerability that tugs at my insides. But I push the thought away. The last thing I need right now is more complications in my life.

Chapter 8

Chase

Iwatch Cole stalk off, his anger radiating like heat waves. The pool house door slams behind him with a resounding thud. I turn my attention back to Tessa, my breath catching in my throat.

She's standing in front of the wooden bench, nothing but a towel wrapped around her lithe body. Droplets of sweat glisten on her collarbone, drawing my gaze down to where the towel clings to her curves.

"Well, that was dramatic," I say, trying to lighten the mood. My voice comes out huskier than intended.

Tessa's eyes meet mine, those striking blue-green orbs filled with a mix of amusement and wariness. "Is it always like this around here?"

I can't help but chuckle. "Only on the good days."

My mind drifts back to last night, the feel of her slick skin against mine in the cool water of the pool. The memory sends a jolt of electricity through my body, and I shift my weight,suddenly very aware of how close we are in this small, steamy room.

"You know," I start, running a hand through my messy hair, "I don't think I properly thanked you for the swimming lesson."

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