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 me. Hemming in like a bad

What the hell?

me slowly to sit, a hand sliding behind my back to support

office I was in, my head still spinning, and the 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

a little light-headed.” I try, but sound childlike, trying to 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

out.” Jake studies my face with a

lunch,” I answer weakly, confused by what’s going on, I don’t remember even falling. I don’t feel so good, I’m shaking inside and it’s spreading to my hands. Someone passes Jake a glass of water and

and adding to my wooziness; this is so embarrassing. He’s still holding me like fine China and I’m conscious of the many faces and quiet

a doctor to look at you.” Jake

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

audience and frown, he follows my gaze and looks

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

now, I bet everyone in the building hears how Carrero’s PA flaked out

up.” I try,

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

me a fucking scare, shorty.” He sighs and takes my glass when

well, he’s still

“Next time I’ll be more considerate with my fainting spells.” I add drily, and he frowns at me, but says nothing. “I can get 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 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

says without hesitation. Full commandeering mode on and I know he

… Go finish … I’ll sit … I just needed to …” I wave my hands airily and the

maybe I’m still a bit

and frowning. I sigh heavily, I

… make them order lunch instead, then I’ll be

seen you skip lunch before, you’ve never keeled over on me.” He has a dark look and I’m too fuzzy to

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

Like I’m a