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.

to haul his friend into a head lock and plaster his cheek with

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 the men

pouts at Jake sexily,

get a

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

that Mr. Smooth Carrero.

I’m hoping for a threesome 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 ruins the atmosphere by biting on her lip suggestively and making direct eye contact with Jake. She’s practically screaming, “Take me.”

empty cocktail glass from me and puts it 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

that Marissa had been there too and not with a beau in tow to occupy her. Again, a look on her face aimed at Jake, and I assume

on that

a sharp pain in my heart.

hand, his mouth lingering close to my temple longer than necessary as though he’s watching me, or simply feeling my hair against

juice. He has a knack for buying me drinks that I really like, always varying them so I don’t get

he’s holding out, some past memory they’re all discussing, and I feel strangely lost. His sudden 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

my calm. He pauses and locks her eye, before he turns his head 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

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

so tired, it’s been a long day.” I smile 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 far away from Marissa and her silent messages across the table. She’s like a thorn I can’t pull

it causes me to dig Jake in the ribs. A mock