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

It’s not long before the sun dries me off, the glistening heat on my shoulders, warming me through, making me feel lazy and forgetting all about his smoldering looks. We walk a fair bit and skim pebbles on the waves; easy, quiet companionship. I find so many beautiful shells to take home for Sarah and we pass the time with small talk, about Sophie, about work. I never realized how easily we blend when we’re just chilling out. It’s natural, unforced, and we talk about everything from current events, and movies, to what we think is happening on the boat in our absence. I like it; I think he’s right. We needed this. We needed this time to chill and relax with each other again, remove all the pent-up frustration and agitation. Rebuild our easy friendship. I needed this to let go of all the Chicago crap.

“Here, Emma.” I turn back and he hands me his shades again, now the sun has moved higher in the sky. I was shielding my eyes without even realizing. I smile and put them on noting they have a crazy rubber band thing across the back that holds them to your head when swimming. I guess that’s how he kept them on his head on the swim over here and I give him a grateful smile.

“Thanks.” I accept gratefully as he throws another pebble into the water, looking at me oddly. I can’t help but notice the expression, but I can’t decipher it.

“What is it?” I tilt my head to watch him.

“You seem a bit more relaxed now we’re over here.” That’s an understatement; being away from over-sexed women with lusty gazes certainly takes the edge off the atmosphere. I am regretting not coming on this trip as just the two of us. I think I would have preferred it.

“I feel more relaxed,” I answer lightly, without explanation.

“You look it.” He skims another stone, like an expert. I watch him, catch his smile, and return it.

“I’m glad you made me come.” Hard to admit but he was right.

“I’m glad I didn’t have to force you.” His smile turns mocking and that little eyebrow raises as dimples appear.

“Technically, you gave me no choice.” I frown back at him.

know that.” His voice is gentle. Irony without meaning it. He has no clue how overbearing he can be sometimes. I just laugh and

Sure, I do, Carrero.

be getting back; the others will think we don’t like them.” He’s watching me, and I can’t help but notice the way

Yes, we should.

them over. Following him to the shore to wade out until the water lifts our feet

it, but I prove him wrong. It’s exhausting, but all those sessions in the gym lately, the early morning jogging, has been

* * *

the padded double loungers on the main deck. Jake’s beside me, leaning toward Daniel’s bed, his strong back covered in a pale gray T-shirt, in the mid-day sun. They’re talking about the New York Giant’s game they recently went to at the MetLife Stadium, while I’m leaning

Jake staring back at me as she picks up strands of my hair, talking about cutting it short; he frowns when she mentions a real short pixie style, but I shrug

sweet little voice breaks into my thoughts. The girl is the dictionary definition of a perky blonde. All smiles and cuteness, ample boobs, and

catch Jake watching me again and

is?” he breaks in with a frown,

no clue. Woman like a drastic change every so often.” Leila quips at him,

not broke, then don’t fix it.” Jake raises eyebrows in reply and his eyes skim my hair, an air of

up every so often. Try on a new look.” This has a comedy battle of two obviously good friends

two of them. Jake reaches out, takes a strand, and tucks it