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

“You two look very relaxed.” Sylvana points out, standing by her kitchen island making a salad as we enter, my body flushes seven shades of morbid embarrassment. Jake mock frowns at me and leans in to whisper for my ears only.

“There’s no hiding what you’ve been up to is there?” His mouth lingering seductively by my ear and I give him an elbow jab to move him away. Luckily, Sylvana seems oblivious or at least has the good grace to pretend she is.

“We had a little stroll in the greenhouse and the garages.” He answers his mother smoothly, no hint of shame in his voice or manner. I keep my face down so my hair hides my hues of pink skin, heating all over.

“Oh, my roses are looking beautiful today, I only watered them this morning, that’s if you noticed the flowers, of course.” She beams at us and I catch a knowing look in her eye which only makes me want the floor to open up and take me.

Jake lets go of me and dives into the fridge for two bottles of water and hands me one, I didn’t think I needed it but I’m soon dragging it into my throat like someone who has been stuck in the Sahara for a week. Trying to push down my external blush and calm that internal flurry of panic and awkwardness.

Jake’s quizzing his mother on anything he’s missed within the family for the last couple of weeks as this is the first time he’s been home since being with me. I get lost inside my own head, thinking of nothing, just a sense of fatigue and a slight surreal feeling in the back of my mind. I blame him and his undying energy and libido. I’m in much need of a holiday from him to just lay down and sleep.

I’m a little warm too, both of their eyes on me and I look up warily.

“Emma isn’t really okay with all this yet, Mamma.” Jake warns and pulls me toward him and slides me into a stool by him. I’m confused but say nothing. I must have completely zoned out for a bit and have no idea what they said.

“Well, it isn’t going to go away, and it isn’t exactly the way I expected my first grandchild to come into the family.” She sounds upset and my stomach tightens at the topic.

Great time to zone back in, well done.

“It’s not how I imagined becoming a father either,” he mutters, glancing to me for signs of anger or even emotion but I keep it all locked safely inside and just focus on my bottle of water and the growing heat up my spine. I catch him looking at me with a frown, second guessing my blank expression. Sometimes his knowing me this well is a curse. I tighten my resolve to give nothing away and ignore him.

pushes, oblivious to anything I may be feeling as she doesn’t know my PA Emma face at all, or my ability to lock

I can still feel his eyes on me, waiting for a reaction, instead I focus on peeling off the label on the bottle, my lip finding its way between my teeth

for the girl. “Has your father discussed the DNA test with you?” she adds in hastily and averts her eyes to her task Jake bristles instantly; his body close enough to send out signals in

ordered me to enforce one after the baby comes?” I catch the icy tone and glance up at him in surprise.

Jacob … That you really are the father.” She leans out

to reach for an apple in the fruit bowl and starts tossing it between his hands in agitation. Jake is entering the ‘I’m done with this’ mode. Fidgeting is his

test?” I finally butt in quietly; Jake’s eyes snap up to

there was point in telling you, seeing as it’s a moot point.” He looks annoyed with Sylvana yet wary

want something will sometimes do all in their power to get it … Marissa has always wanted you back, this isn’t about money or title.”

… Ever.” He snaps and turns, pacing to the patio doors, looking outside, his body emanating aggression. The pain coursing through my heart right now is enough to make me stay seated, unable

it official after the birth.” She is trying to smooth over his bad mood. I take in his straight, stiff posture and know best when to

off, Mamma Carrero, your son is on the verge

and realize it’s true, since sitting here and gulping down water I have started to feel really lightheaded and my cheeks are burning. It’s come

hand comes to my face and it’s the

* * *

Sylvana’s voice over the top of me and something cold and damp across my head, Jake’s face comes into focus, leaning over me, etched with concern.

open. “You scared me, bambino.” His voice is husky and shaky, his hands gripping both of mine

happened?” I ask weakly, closing my eyes again as exhaustion washes

I think we need to get a house visit from

my back and there’s a large ornate ceiling above me and central light fixture