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

“It’s kind of heartbreaking to watch him suffer … Unrequited love.” Richard breaks in, stifling a grimace as Daniel slaps his back with a noisy ‘thwap’.

“Fuck you. Both of you.” An annoyed tone and no smile.

“You know when you know … Right?” Vincent throws a wink at Daniel too and three of the four men burst out laughing, Daniel rolls his eyes and gives them the finger.

“Tried so damn hard to let him down gently, he’s just too sensitive.” Jake ruffles Daniels hair playfully, chuckling at him.

“I’ve caught him sobbing into his Hagen Das a few times when you stood him up, Jakey.” Richard shoves Daniel in the ribs playfully and they all laugh at their friend.

“He stole my Endless Love CD when you missed his birthday bash last year. Perfect crying anthems on there.” Leila quips in, throwing a huge grin at Jake, yet avoiding Hunter completely.

“I swear to god, you guys better stop with this shit. Even if I was that way inclined, I wouldn’t jump Carrero’s bones. I know where he’s been, I have standards.” All of the men turn to Jake with eyebrow wiggles, and he only sneers at them.

“Umm, I think I’ve way higher standards than any of you three.” He defends himself with a frown and a haughty tone.

“Questionable.” Leila throws him a disbelieving look. “But you’ve improved a lot.” She then smiles at me, concealing nothing. A big hearty, playful type of smile.

“Leave her out of this.” Jake warns, squeezing me a little too tightly. I haven’t been able to help laughing along with all of them, but things just shifted tone and Jake feels suddenly tense. Mr. Protector. unleashed.

“You know when you know, right?” Vincent smirks Jake’s way and I try and ignore the way all three men seem to look at Jake for a split, perfectly timed moment, all three with raised eyebrows and smirking expressions. Eerily unified.

think so.” Jake makes kissing noises, releases me to haul his friend into a head lock and plaster his cheek

fights as everyone snorts in laughter. Everyone except Marissa. Her straight faced, bitchy self has been observing with nothing but boredom this whole time, but she seems to change tactic as soon as

Jake sexily,

a grip and take

little girl. It’s kind of sweet really.” Jake prods Daniel with his beer bottle and receives two fingers on one hand and one on the

Smooth Carrero. has the biggest man crush on me.” Daniel picks up a beer,

at Vincent and Richard who throw on matching “Eww” faces. Everyone laughs, even Marissa this time and then she goes and ruins the atmosphere by biting on her lip suggestively and making direct eye contact

messages. Jake just seems to adjust his hold, so I can move in and lay my head against his neck comfortably. His arm moving further around to accommodate me, he switches his beer bottle to his left hand, so it hangs in front of me. His other takes my empty cocktail glass from me and puts it down. He doesn’t falter, just continues talking to his men folk as

as I realize that Marissa had been there too and not with a beau in tow to occupy

been his hook up on that trip?

the thought away, nausea rising with a sharp pain

round of drinks on the canopied table. Jake hands me a fresh cocktail with his free hand, his mouth lingering close to my temple longer than

I’ve no idea what he ordered for me this time, but it has a tropical coconut flavor and I could drink it like juice. He has a knack for buying me drinks that I really like, always varying them so I don’t

departure from my body and the realization that I was only happily listening into this group the way I was because of him. He always grounds me, makes me comfortable, wherever we are, and I

his arm around my shoulders. This time, though, he pulls me in tightly and kisses me on the side of my face quickly and firmly. I experience an instant rush of warmth and satisfaction at his touch and equally at Marissa’s frosty scowl. I guess he’s sending her a message, telling her

go back to the boat?” he asks softly, for my ears only. His eyes

actually really drunk, and I’m probably going to fall over or pass out.” Truth is,

causes me to dig Jake in the ribs. A mock “hey!” to get him to behave. He gives me an