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 only

me tense and I sigh. He has no idea how hard it is for me to sit here with him, clearly avoiding all talk of last night and

ass raked over coals and I’ll make sure he gets what he deserves and what he deserves isn’t

saved a lot of future assistants from being groped, regardless.” I snap, nervy with his aggression and not

to stand and stalking past me to his drink cabinet. “He laid his hands on you!” He clatters decanters, indicating just how angry he is, and I take a steadying breath. My heart aching but this time not in pain.

say things like this? Making me hope that there’s more

I can smell it from 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 temper seems to dissipate slightly as he slugs it back and slides

he turns to gaze out on the skyline, every muscle in his body taut while

you … He’s gone … As far as you’re concerned, it’s done. No one knows anything about you … I made sure of that.” It’s low

he turns to look at me and I try so hard to seem amicable and genuinely

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

and he turns to me and watches me closely. His brows furrow, and his gaze

like such an asshole.” Okay, that now. Great! At least he

ever mention last night again, especially with the way he was acting a moment ago. I glance

confuse me,” I mutter quietly, keeping my gaze on the art on the far wall, unable to make eye contact while this subject lingers in the air. I can see him from the corner of

I … We don’t work … Not as friends, not as boss and PA … Not as anything …” He sets his gaze on the New York skyline outside over my shoulder, breaking the spell, he has over this situation, “I think it’s best if we both try to keep our distance and keep things civil … I’ll back off over this Europe job, Emma. Maybe it’s a great idea. If you want, I can make some calls? Ensure that you get the position?” His voice is

my breathing stills. He has no idea of

me.” My pain fuels my need to