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

Chapter 98

I sit in the ladies’ restroom on a soft plush chaise lounge in the washing area. It’s the only place I could get to quickly that was private enough to bring myself back to inner calm. My head is all over the place. This is about more than just Jake. It’s everything. I’ve been holding it all in since the morning after my mother left. Her, my lack of ability to stay in control, the aching loneliness of Jake’s absence, and now seeing him. It’s all too much.

Maybe it’s time I faced reality and looked for another job. I was stupid to think I could work here, only floors away from him. Acting like we don’t know each other anymore. I just can’t do it.

I can’t handle the thought that any time I leave this floor I might see him. There’s a chance we could run into one another anywhere in this building, and I’ve just proven I can’t deal with it.

Looking around at the contemporary furnishings I sigh. My heart rate calmer, for now, but I know I can’t keep living like this, in the hope of feeling better.

How long before I’m an emotional train wreck again because I’ve spotted him across a hall? Or in an elevator? Or even in a meeting? I need to get a grip of myself.

I need to think about this rationally, think about what’s best for me and moving on with my life.

* * *

I take the elevator down to the lower floors where there’s a huge canteen for staff to eat with a pleasant seated area that is surprisingly private. I need time to think in a calm and quiet place, take a moment to browse the classifieds again and really think this through. Think my future through and where I go from here.

I grab a chair and sit by the large glass windows, with my English tea and bagel, to spend some time pondering over my next steps now I am back to calm. I have no intention of walking away from this table until I have a plan in my head about where I go next or what I do. I know one thing for sure, I can’t work here anymore. I was an idiot to come back at all.

I skim the classifieds in the paper someone had left on the table and I circle a couple of jobs, but neither have the lure of the one I’m in now, or even compare to being the PA to New York’s richest playboy. They don’t meet the salary I’m used to having either.

to try harder.

out my cell and scroll through some online job sites. There’s a position for a PA to some European businessman

doing this? Have I really decided to leave Carrero

up to see Rosalie beaming at me. My old assistant. She looks pretty today, long auburn hair loose around her shoulders and

Rosalie! It’s nice to see you.” I smile back, easily, folding my paper over and moving it aside, gesturing to her to sit. She smiles brightly and flops

overtaking her face beautifully and for the first time I realize just how much I’ve missed her. I never really gave the idea much thought when we worked together but seeing her. She used to ease my stresses and organize finer details, leaving me free to be brilliant. My secret weapon. But above all, she always had a smile for me,

really miss your hot chocolates, a lot.”

distance a couple of times and I don’t know, it’s

Rosalie, it’s not rude … I guess I’m the talk of the office, right?” I sip my tea and raise an eyebrow. It’s

so much gossip about why you left.” She blushes fully this time, averting her

it out there. Rosalie’s never been

intently and I freeze with my cup mid-air and shake my head. Carefully

elsewhere, Rosalie. Jake and I …” I sigh. “We reached a place in our relationship that wasn’t working anymore.”

not much fun to

Jake does best.” I tap my nails on the tabletop, trying to end this line of conversation. Squirming as heartache

squeaks, alerting me to where she’s looking, sitting up straight in a flash, she’s noticed my notes on the pad beside me … The European PA job. I

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