All Chapters of Falling for my cocky Boss: Chapter 81 - Chapter 90

TESSA'S POVI took a deep breath and stepped into the office, trying to regain my composure. It was exactly as it had been, yet something was different. My desk still retained that slight smell of coffee in it, my notepads and pens lay just where I'd left them. Yet, I returned with a sense of mission-and bearing scars from battles that had taken place.Aiden was standing beside my desk when I got there. He smiled at me then-a smile containing so much in the curve of relief-and turned back with a slight nod. There was calmness between us now, an understanding that had not been there before. He respected that space I needed, yet made sure I knew he was here-assuring, unchanging. For that at least, I was grateful.Tessa," he whispered, his voice low as our colleagues went in and out of the room, paying very little attention to us. "It's really great to see you back. I know it took much for you to come back.""It's good to be back," I said, dead-serious. "And thank you… for standing by me

TESSA'S POVIt came through just as I reached to turn off the soft glow of my bedside lamp, which dimly lit the bedroom. Curious, I jumped onto my phone then, and up came the name of Aiden. Just words on that screen, yet my heart was racing with the following:Aiden: "I'll be picking you up tomorrow morning. Wear casual clothes. There's somewhere important I really want to take you."But vague and unexpected, with all of that came a thrill that couldn't be totally denied. He had only said it was important, I was to dress causally, and left it at that. I stared a bit at the message, this weird mix of excitement and nerves, finally responding with a quick "Okay."---A pair of jeans and a comfortable sweater were what I chose for the next morning-perfect for a casual, daylong outing, though I still had no idea where Aiden was taking me. Just as I finished getting ready, I heard a car outside. Then, looking out of the window, I saw Aiden waiting for me. In a rush, my heart leaped to grab

TESSA'S POVI sat at my desk sorting the last of that day's files. Aiden sauntered in, exuding precisely the same aura of command he usually does-with a hint of mischief sparkling in his eyes. I looked up; hence, my eyebrows rose further because his stance was off, too casual for what he pulls off."Tessa," he said, easing a casual lean against the door frame. "I think you've done enough for today. Why don't we wrap it up and get on our way home, hmm?”I blinked back at him. "Are you sure? There's still lots to get through, and I thought you wanted final reports by tomorrow."He waved his hand indifferently. "I've changed my mind. You've been going at it without rest for a long time; it's time you had some time off." He walked up to my desk, shutting the files I was working on with a light tap of his hand. "Go. Take the day off. I insist.”His eyes were level, his voice even, but something wasn't quite kosher, I could have sworn. "Okay. if you're really sure," I said.He nodded, reach

Tessa's P.O.V.I had stood in front of the mirror, ironing my dress for what felt like the hundredth time. Aiden told me today was going to be special, that he wanted me to meet his dad-officially, as his girlfriend. My stomach fluttered. Meeting a boyfriend's father was a huge step, and I could feel those nerves sparkling right across my skin. I took a deep breath, hoping to steel them.Aiden came behind me, his hands falling on my shoulders, and he gave me that reassuring smile through the mirror. "You look beautiful," he whispered-soothing balm for frayed nerves."Are you sure about this?" I asked, my lip pulled between my teeth. "I mean… your father…He turned me to him, his face warm, sure. "Tessa, you are the most important person in my life. My dad needs to know that." He squeezed my hand, his thumb stroking my knuckles. "Besides, he already loves you which makes it a whole lot easier."‘He loves me as a hard working secretary, not his son's girlfriend,’ I thought in my head.

Aiden's POVI smoothened my tie, facing the mirror, then steadied at my reflection. This was it-the night I would be taking Tessa into the world, not as my colleague or friend but as the woman I loved. We'd been through so much, and just thinking about her standing by my side, gunning against those people with the strength of our connection, was making my heart pound.I could still remember just how she had looked at me the moment I'd asked her to stand with me tonight, as a partner in every sense of the word that counted. Surprise, joy, the flicker of worry-the emotions crossed her face. She nodded, said yes, and in that moment, I knew I had done the right thing. It was not just about tonight and making a statement to the world; it was more like a promise tonight-to her, to us.My chain of thoughts was disrupted by the knock at the door. "Aiden, we are going to be late if you keep staring at yourself," Tessa said, jokingly peering in with a playfully bright smile.I turned to take he