Page 9 of Filthy Rich Bosses

"Red or white?" I call over my shoulder, eyeing the wine rack.

"Red," Tessa replies, her voice closer than I expected. I turn to find her leaning against the counter, arms crossed. "If you're going to force me into this 'party’, I might as well enjoy it."

I can't help but grin. "That's the spirit, kitten."

She rolls her eyes, but I catch the ghost of a smile. "I thought I told you to stop calling me that."

"You did," I agree, snagging a bottle of Merlot. "But it suits you so well."

I lead the way out to the patio, the warm evening air enveloping us. The sun's just starting to set, painting the sky in vibrant oranges and pinks. I set everything down on the table, gesturing grandly.

"Your private party awaits, my lady."

Tessa snorts but takes a seat. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"

"It's part of my charm." I wink, pouring us each a generous glass of wine. "So, tell me something about yourself that isn't in that contract Grayson had you sign."

She takes a sip, considering. "I...I rescue animals," she says finally. "Mostly dogs, but I've got a soft spot for any creature that needs help."

My heart melts a little. "Is that how you ended up with your dog?"

Her face softens, and I realize it's the first time I've seen her truly relax. "Yeah, that's my Lulu. Found her abandoned in a park. She was so tiny, I thought she was a puppy at first."

I lean in, genuinely intrigued. "What was she doing in a park?"

As Tessa launches into the story of Lulu's rescue, I can't help but marvel at how animated she becomes. Her eyes light up, and her hands gesture expressively. I find myself hanging on every word, drawn in by her passion.

This girl is something else, I think to myself. And I'm determined to unravel every fascinating layer.

Chapter 5

Tessa

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.

---