Page 75 of Filthy Rich Bosses

"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.

---