The Carrero Effect - Falling for the Boss (Billionaire CEO)

“Rosalie.” I smile, graciously, as I arrive. I don’t wait for her to announce my presence to Jake, his door is sitting half open, so I walk straight in. He’s typing on his laptop, eyes narrowed in concentration. The sight of him jars me as he’s sat in a pale blue shirt, open, as usual at the collar, sleeves rolled up. He looks too divine for words and I can almost forget how pissed at him I am for a second. His dark hair is freshly trimmed and styled. He looks like a model for businessman of the year and I still my beating heart and clear my throat to catch his attention.

“Sit. Emma.” He thrusts a thumb to the chair which always sits at the side of his desk, without looking up.

Hmmm. Like father like son!

“You’d better shut the door too.” He adds as I go to move forward. I sigh loudly, then turn and shut the door. I should be acting grateful instead of irritated because I know he’s calling me here to talk about Dan Gabrielle but what happened between me and him last night, has left me feeling raw and irritated. I’m hurt.

The look on his face doesn’t bode well, maybe he wasn’t able to fire him after all. I walk around his desk and slide into the seat closest to him. It reminds me of the many times I’ve sat here before, wasting time, chatting to my ex-boss, and laughing until my sides ached, and now here we are, like strangers. I miss “Funny Jake”. I miss all those moments.

As I sit, I catch his eyes running over my exposed legs under my skirt, then he shifts in his chair as though he’s suddenly extremely uncomfortable. He shuts his laptop and swivels his seat to face me. His expression grim.

“So, this morning I sat in a board room with half of legal, three from HR and Margo, negotiating Gabriel’s early retirement … He accepted the severance … He’s gone.” His tone is almost nasty, his fire filled green eyes are narrowed and he doesn’t sound happy at all.

“You’re mad about that?” I feel instantly guilty, wary of his unusual mood and fully aware this is my fault.

Has he changed his mind about sacking Gabriel after all? Maybe he thinks I overreacted last night?

“No, Emma. I’m mad that the son of a bitch got paid off to leave. That I couldn’t just outright fire him… Legal was all over my ass and brokered a deal because they didn’t want a messy sexual harassment case… Bad for business.” He snarls through gritted teeth, turning back to his desk and clenching fists on either side of his laptop.

“I see.” I sound small and childlike. I should’ve known this could happen seeing as Sexual harassment is still taboo in this crazy world of high-profile business and men in suits.

managed to contact three of them and they’ve agreed to come forward about his advances on them too … He’s a snake … You weren’t the

lifts to my shoulders, making me tense and I sigh. He has no idea how hard

is not dealing with it … I’m pissed … I want his ass raked over coals and I’ll make sure he gets what he deserves and what he deserves isn’t

regardless.” I snap, nervy with his aggression and not in the mood

hands on you!” He clatters decanters, indicating just how angry he is, and I take a steadying breath. My

me hope that there’s more to us than this weird toing and froing thing

here, the strong stench of brandy. I hesitate but take a sip of the burning liquid, coughing and placing it on his desk instead. His

to gaze out

told you … He’s gone … As far as you’re concerned, it’s done. No one knows anything about you

turns to look at me and I try

really do mean, thank you … He’s no idea what he’s done for me.

and watches me closely. His brows

Emma … About last night? I’m sorry I acted like such

by this revelation. I never thought he’d ever mention last night again, especially with the way he was acting a moment ago. I glance away,

can see him from the corner of my eye, he leans forward in his chair, resting his

… Not as anything …” He sets his gaze on the New York skyline outside over my shoulder, breaking the spell, he has

can’t swallow, or move, my hands are frozen on my lap, my breathing stills. He has no idea of the impact his sentence has

pain fuels my need to leave and my hostility. I go to storm away but he’s