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.

kissing noises, releases me to haul his friend into a head lock and

but boredom this whole time, but she

at Jake sexily,

off, Señorita, get a grip and take

Hunter-Carrero wedding since you were just a little girl. It’s kind of sweet really.” Jake prods Daniel with his

is crying into his Hagen Das. We all know that Mr. Smooth Carrero. has the biggest

with the twins.” Jake winks at Vincent and Richard who throw on matching “Eww” faces. Everyone laughs, even Marissa this time and then she goes and

down. He doesn’t falter, just continues talking to his men folk as though my snuggling closer is the most natural thing in the world for us. I listen to the steady, strong thud of his heart under his shirt, enjoying the solid muscle under my cheek. None of the group seems to even acknowledge the way we are cuddled up together or the way

too and not with a beau in tow to occupy her. Again,

on that

a sharp

canopied table. Jake hands me a fresh cocktail with his free hand, his mouth lingering close to my

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 get sick of them. He knows me

feel strangely lost. His sudden departure from my body and the realization that I was

to me with a quick smile and straightens back up, returning 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 to back off and I’m reaping the rewards. I can’t say I mind. Glad to be back in

he asks softly, for my ears only. His eyes on mine,

faintly, but I know it should be, “I’m actually really drunk, and I’m probably going to fall over or pass out.” Truth is, I just want to get

male eyes immediately follow, and it causes me to dig Jake in the ribs. A mock “hey!” to get