Page 72 of Filthy Rich Bosses

"I know this isn't...normal," Cole says, his voice softer than usual. "We're aware that our situation is unconventional, to say the least."

Chase snorts. "Understatement of the century, dude."

"But," Grayson continues, squeezing my hand, "we want you to know that we're all in this. Together."

I swallow hard, my heart racing. "All of you? But...why me?" Chase just gives me a bemused smile and presses a kiss to my temple.

I bite my lip, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety bubbling up inside me. "I...I don't even have a passport," I confess.

Chase's eyes light up, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "No problem, sweetheart! We'll take you anywhere your heart desires in the good ole' US of A. And if London tickles your fancy..." He winks at Cole. "We'll get you that passport faster than you can say 'tea and crumpets’."

I can't help but giggle at his enthusiasm, some of my nervousness melting away. Grayson leans in, his voice gentle. "What Chase is trying to say, in his own unique way, is that we want you to be comfortable. There's no pressure."

Cole nods, his intense gaze softening. "We can start with something closer to home if you prefer. The important thing is that you're with us."

I look around at their faces, feeling a whirlwind of emotions. Part of me wants to bolt, to run from this intensity, this connection that feels both thrilling and terrifying. But then I catch Chase's eye, and he flashes me that smile of his that makes my heart skip a beat.

"I..." I start, then pause, taking a deep breath. "Okay. Let's do it. Let's go...somewhere."

Chase whoops, pumping his fist in the air. "Adventure time, baby!"

I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in years. "But maybe we start with Malibu? Baby steps, you know?"

"Baby steps it is," Grayson agrees, squeezing my hand.

As Chase launches into an animated description of his beach house, I can't help but wonder what I'm getting myself into. But looking at these three men, I realize I'm excited to find out.

Chapter 33

Cole

The setting sun paints the water in shades of gold and crimson, a breathtaking backdrop to Tessa's silhouette as she leans against the balcony railing. My chest tightens at the sight of her, dark hair dancing in the ocean breeze. She's so goddamn beautiful that it almost hurts to look at her sometimes.

I clear my throat. "Enjoying the view?"

Tessa turns, a small smile playing on her lips. "It's not bad."

"Not bad? This is a million-dollar view, sweetheart." The words come out more gruffly than I intended.

She arches an eyebrow. "Is that what this is about? The money?"

I wince internally. Way to go, Cole. "No, of course not. I didn't mean—"

"Relax," Tessa says, her smile widening. "I'm teasing. I know you're not that shallow."

Relief washes over me. She gets me in a way Morgan never did, never even tried to. Tessa's proven time and again she's not here for the fancy house or the lifestyle. She's here because...well, I'mnot entirely sure why she’s choosen to be with the pack of us. But I know it's not about the money or privilege.

I can't fight how I feel about her anymore. I don't want to. As I watch her turn back to the sunset, I realize I'm done running from this, from her. Whatever this is between us, I'm all in.

I step behind Tessa, my arms encircling her slender frame. The ocean breeze carries the scent of her, intoxicating me. I can't resist pressing my lips to her shoulder, savoring the warmth of her skin.

Tessa leans back into me, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "Well, well. I didn't take you for the romantic type, Cole Ashford."

I love it when she says my name and her teasing tone makes me grin against her skin. I lift my head, meeting her greenish-blue eyes in the fading sunlight. "Oh, you'd be surprised. I'm actually the most romantic of the three of us."

"Is that so?" She arches an eyebrow, a challenge glinting in her gaze.

I laugh, the sound mingling with the crash of waves below. "Hard to believe, right? I know I've been...difficult. Angry." My arms tighten around her instinctively. "I've made some spectacularly bad choices. Trusted the wrong people. Ignored more red flags than is healthy."

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