Page 10 of Filthy Rich Bosses

"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 toGrayson. 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?"

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