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.

certainly seems to think so.” Jake makes kissing noises, releases me to haul his friend into

this whole time, but she seems to change tactic as soon as the men settle down and Jake comes back

pouts at Jake sexily,

a grip and take

it, you’ve been planning the Hunter-Carrero wedding since you were just a little girl. It’s kind of sweet really.” Jake prods Daniel with his beer

we’ll see which dude is crying into his Hagen Das. We all know that Mr. Smooth Carrero. has the biggest man crush on me.”

matching “Eww” faces. Everyone laughs, even Marissa this

glass from me and puts it down. He doesn’t falter, just continues talking to his men

last summer I’ve not got any interest in as soon 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? God please,

a sharp pain in my heart.

comes with a tray, laying down another 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 necessary as though he’s watching me, or simply feeling my

drink it like juice. He has a knack for buying me drinks that I really like, always varying them

at a picture on Hunter’s cell, that 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

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

asks softly, for my ears only. His

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,

while all male eyes immediately follow, and it causes me to dig Jake in the ribs. A mock