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 above

What the hell?

one hand and pulls me slowly to sit, a hand sliding

scratchy carpet is irritating my skin. Some of the suits move back as I struggle upright, held by Jake’s strong arm as he kneels over me. I have no

make excuses. I feel so odd. Like this is all some weird dream. I don’t think I’ve ever fainted before and if that’s what this is, it’s surreal. I can only assume that’s what happened and why I’m on the floor

studies my face with

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

take a sip anyway. Heat radiating from my face and adding to my wooziness; this is so embarrassing. He’s still holding me like fine China and I’m

a doctor to look at

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 starts unbuttoning my jacket with one hand, easing it off for me. Someone hands him a damp paper towel, and he holds it behind my neck; it feels good, it helps a little to clear the fogginess and I

swimming head is starting to pass. I notice there’s still an audience and frown, he follows my gaze and looks up

a few minutes … Give her some space,” he commands. There’s a mutter of chatter and they all file back through to the other room. Except it’s a glass wall and I’m aware

to go away now, I bet everyone in the building hears how Carrero’s PA flaked out over a simple

up.” I try, but he

to make me sip again, but I take the glass from him and drink myself. His eyes on

scare, shorty.” He sighs

he’s still

up, I feel better.” He watches me intently for a second then moves to pull me with him. He keeps his hands on my hips as I

Jake says without hesitation. Full commandeering mode

sit … I just needed to …” I wave my hands airily

I’m still a bit

doctor.” He’s in “no argument” mode, bossy and frowning. I sigh

be perfect.” I try a

you’ve never keeled over on me.” He has a dark look and I’m too fuzzy to even begin to

on my waist and steadies me against him, so he can let go with

I’m a child with a