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

I punch it in quickly before I change my mind and scan a list of names. Marissa is near the top; he’s been texting her recently.

What am I doing?

I notice a couple of other female names and feel instantly sick.

Why am I doing this?

I hesitate again and click Marissa’s name … The last text is from her to him. I pale as I scan it, knowing how stupid this is, but now I can’t unsee it.

I still love you Jake … We can make this work, I’m so glad this happened between us, a new beginning. xxx

It’s from two days ago and I feel physically nauseous. I close the screen, my hands shaking, and I slide it back on the desk. My breath instantly labored and my heart is fluttering.

Shit. I shouldn’t have looked; I shouldn’t have pried.

He’s sleeping with Marissa again. The tone suggests she was a past conquest. Maybe more.

The thought bothers me so much more than red head, or any other female I’ve ever known him with. Although that didn’t sound like nothing … That sounds like more than just sex. She told him she loves him … Jake never does love, he moves on quickly, so it never gets to that point.

How long has he been seeing Marissa, for love to be involved? Was that why she was being that way on the boat? Was he seeing her even then, behind Richard’s back? Even while kissing me?

I rub my face and realize my cheeks are flaming. I’m dizzy and sick. I shouldn’t have done that. I need to eat … Maybe it will make me feel less faint. I’m hot, stifling; maybe I need a glass of water. All I know is that I am out of sorts and the room is claustrophobic so suddenly. I get up to move from the table and the swirling dizziness hits me out of nowhere.

Shit.

I reach out to grab the table and miss.

* * *

far away. I flutter my eyes open and realize there are several faces

What the hell?

my skull up with one hand and pulls me slowly to

was in, my head still spinning, and the scratchy carpet is irritating my skin. Some

I’ve ever fainted before and if that’s

full blown passed out.” Jake studies my face with a

so good, I’m shaking inside and it’s spreading to my

and adding to my wooziness; this is so embarrassing. He’s still holding me like

right now. I want a doctor to look at you.” Jake is oblivious to anything but the marching

and weak, I don’t feel right at all, sleepy almost. I take a breath and the creep of heat expands over me, maybe that’s got something to do with this too. “I’m just too hot,” I stammer as he leans forward and

follows my gaze and looks up as though for the

they all file back through to the other room. Except it’s a glass wall and I’m aware of

the building hears how Carrero’s PA flaked out over a simple contracts

up.” I try,

trying to make me sip again, but I take the glass from

fucking scare, shorty.” He sighs and takes

he’s still sweary

watches me intently for a second then moves to pull me with him. He keeps his hands on my hips as I waiver, holding me still. “I’m good … I’m just a tad unsteady.” My voice is still shaking, and my body feels cold despite the heat. I

says without hesitation. Full commandeering mode on and I know he won’t

needed to …” I wave my hands airily and the words

maybe I’m still a

going and you’re seeing a doctor.” He’s in “no argument” mode, bossy and frowning.

order lunch instead, then I’ll be perfect.” I try a smile and fail.

on me.” He has a dark look and I’m too fuzzy to even begin to decipher it, too tired

not a good combo.” He slides me closer to him with both hands on my waist and steadies me against him, so he

Like I’m a