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

I must’ve gone back to sleep at some point in the car ride through the city because I wake up, completely disorientated, in a very familiar bed; Sarah’s loud snoring and body next to me. I sit up, warily, as the spinning nausea and headache of the world’s worst hangover hits me, and I push down the urge to throw up.

The room is dark and quiet but that doesn’t mean much. Jake has blackout shades on all his windows, blocking out the sun whenever he wants to sleep. I scramble around under the sheets, catching the smell of him from the cushions under my head, and it instantly overwhelms with me with a mix of longing, pain, and upset.

I still don’t know how to feel. Great.

I slide out and carefully tread my way to the bedroom door, not wanting to wake Sarah or anyone else; especially when I’ve no idea what time it is. I open the door slightly and hear muffled voices coming from the kitchen, followed by a sudden rush of brilliant light which makes my eyes smart and I hurry to cover them from the blinding pain.

It takes a moment to get used to the adjustment and I check I’m still wearing clothes; last night’s dress and underwear are still intact; which surprises me. I would’ve expected Jake to at least undress me, it’s not like he hasn’t seen me in varying degrees of nakedness before. I guess I’m seeing how much of a gentleman he can be. The fact he chose not to sleep in bed beside me hints at him respecting my need for space. Part of me feels disappointed and I wonder how it would’ve felt waking up in his bed in his arms. The thud in my stomach hits when I realize that may never happen again. We may never sleep in a bed together again and I try to push down the thought, as a twisting wave of tears runs up inside of me.

I head out in search of a drink and some pain relief in hopes of distracting myself from those agonizing thoughts.

I pause when I see Leila and Jake sitting at the breakfast counter, across from one another, talking in hushed tones. They have their heads bent over coffee mugs and a plate of butter croissants, seemingly oblivious to me as I wander out quietly. Just the sight of him takes my breath away and my palms start to clam up.

“Give him time, Leila … You know Daniel’s head is royally fucked-up. He has some serious issues when it comes to love.” Jake leans out and covers her hand with his in a small affectionate gesture, which makes me want him back so badly. I miss having him act that way with me. I miss his attention and soft touches, his never-ending understanding, and the way he grounds me.

No! Don’t even go there. He hurt you. You’re not your mother, running back to men who don’t care about what they do to you.

My mind slaps me hard. Somewhere old PA Emma, voice full of stern disgust, finds her way back inside of my head.

I clear my throat quietly, spanning the area from his door to the kitchen, and they both look up. Leila smiles and Jake slowly rises; not hurrying to take his hand from hers. He walks around the kitchen making me a mug of coffee without lingering too long or looking at me. It hits me like a pain under my rib cage and it confounds me.

“Morning, you. How you feeling?” Leila looks freshly showered and wearing a T-shirt and shorts belonging to Jake. Her clean face, free from make-up, looks unbelievably young and cute; her blond, choppy hair is tucked behind

for it. I’ve no clue how awful I must look right now and

that I look like an absolute mess; maybe that’s why

Great.

I’ve never felt a hangover this bad. I drop

me with a glass of water. He reaches out for a pack of aspirin and places them beside me

painful. I want to feel like the center of his universe again, commanding his attention and attentiveness. I want him to tell me that I look nice, even though I know

for too long. He

is like molten sexiness and I can’t help but glance up at him. Our eyes meet but he’s the first to look

at me? Because I was a drunken mess last night and now probably look a hundred times worse. Hardly the picture of beauty

self-doubt, and panic, my stomach lurching once more, and my nerves get

we’re not together and it’s who he used to be. Has he

Wetness building in my eyes as I

you. Even hung over with last night’s make-up on, you’re stunning,” Jake whispers quietly, as his hand slides over mine on the glass, his face close enough for my cheek to warm from his breath; his touch the healing balm I ache for. I flicker up sharply, surprised at the way he guesses my inner thoughts, always knowing how to calm me. “Stop doubting it, Emma.” Our eyes lock, and he lets me

leave you two to talk while I go get dressed. You guys need some time alone.” Her hand comes to my shoulder. “Give him a chance, Emma, babes, men are programmed to be shitheads, they can’t help it.”

I can understand. I’ll take you and Sarah home when you’re ready.” He stays focused on swirling the coffee in his mug, steady voice, and relaxed

and

talk or go back to hiding in self-pity. This is the

here?” I can’t bring myself to look at him, my insides turning to jelly. “I’ll need to get her up soon anyway because she’s working today.” I

a bad way but in an ‘I’m so royally broken hearted over you yet you still give me tingles’, kind of way. We glance at one other and quickly look away, awkward and emotional, unable to stand the gaze

look at me

grumpy voice echoes our way from the bedroom door; we turn in surprise to see the disheveled mess