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

“Eww, hell no. That’s gross. Jake is like a brother to me, there’s literally nothing there at all. No spark—there never was. I mean; I appreciate he’s good to look at, but I just don’t get any butterflies from it, from him. He’s just Jake, and he knows how to annoy me on so many levels, just like my brothers.” She squeezes my arm, as though trying to reassure me and there’s only honesty in that sweet face. “You’ve nothing to worry about from over here! I’m all like eww, no. Jake is not someone I would ever go there with … And I’m like, totally hot for Richard right now.” She grins, and I bat her away playfully.

“You know that’s not how it is with him. He told you that already.” I try and defend our relationship, a slow rise of heat hitting my cheekbones.

“I know, so did you … Three times already. Thou doth protest too much.” She bursts into a childish, but adorable giggle and I try for a subject change instead.

“I can’t imagine you being anything other than you are now.” I’m trying to steer back to our pre-Jake conversation.

“Jake introduced me to all his friends, he would let me hang out with them and come away on trips. He really took me under his wing … I see him doing it with you, and I guess, Sophie, because my mom says she raves about both of you.” Leila’s smile is infectious, but this makes me stop and take note.

Is that what Jake does with me? Protects me like a little sister? No! He kissed me … He touches me in ways that would be wrong if I was his sister …

“Jake and I are just friends, and co-workers … He doesn’t need to take me under his wing.” I respond over brightly, but she gives me a knowing look.

“Whether he does or doesn’t, I know him. He’s very protective of you. It’s really kind of sweet.”

“We have a weird relationship … forced together, I guess, and it’s made us really close.” I know I’m trying to sound nonchalant, but truth is, I’m fluttering from her observations.

“It’s more than that. You forget, I’ve known him since I was seven. His flirty little remarks, his almost aggressive protectiveness of you, and the way he just had to butt in over your hair. Jake doesn’t do stuff like that with girls he isn’t invested in.” Leila stops me with a hand on my arm, turning me to face her. Even though I’m small, I stand taller than her curvy little frame.

“You’re reading too much into things. I’ve been his PA for a year now, we really are completely platonic in every way.” I can’t help the creep of blush at the little white lie; platonic didn’t involve sleep kissing in the slightest. “He flirts with every girl he meets; he can’t help himself. It doesn’t mean anything.”

“No, he doesn’t. He doesn’t have to make any verbal effort at all. Girls tend to throw themselves at him, literally. Jake is all about the hot looks and quick smiles, he never has to try; it’s boring to witness. He rarely breaks out the cheesy come ons, or fast lines, for any girl. Until you … with you he uses so many cringe worthy lines, he’s so obvious. Emma, I think the boy has it bad. You gotta trust me on this.” Leila can’t stop beaming at me, but I shake my head.

seriously does not look at me

am I trying

stop with this

denial, you’re both going through, I want to be maid of honor.” She winks at me and wraps an arm around my waist, ushering me

going to happen.” Even though the words sound true, a little hard jab in

out, or you will. Then

end to it. The text is from Jake, informing us that they’re heading to the mainland so to meet them at the bistro for dinner. Leila knows where we’re going, so we go

* * *

The journey is short, and before we know it, we’re stepping out onto a

with little palm roofs over each table which spill out

sands of the outer part of the bistro. Jake has picked us an almost shore-side table. He stands up as we

about beside his chair, demonstrating something ridiculous. They’re both

eyes coming to lock with mine in recognition. His mouth almost drops open as he runs his eyes over my hair then back to my face. A spark of

Holy hell.

me in that way before and it sends a shiver through my abdomen, heating my pelvic floor

Jesus, Emma.

hand impulsively straight to my hair and pushes a strand back off my face gently. Runs his fingers through it lightly, the motion tingling my scalp seductively; his face is close enough to feel his breath on my low neckline of my dress, and I almost stop breathing with this intimacy. He

his piercing eyes suddenly heavy, his pupils dilated. I guess they’ve already been drinking before

I inhale slowly, trying to not to openly react to his proximity. Every

shyly. He leans down, planting a gentle unexpected kiss on my cheek causing a sensation of warmth and stomach fluttering with the brief graze. I