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

Two hours later I’m regretting the road trip as we stop for the fiftieth time so I can get some air. The nausea seems to take over anytime we get on the road and I’ve had to stop and throw up a few times already; seems my morning sickness likes to rear its head badly the second a vehicle is involved.

“I’m sorry.” I grimace as the waves of nausea roll over me. He holds my hair away gently rubbing my back while I grip my bottle of water. I’ve been sick a few times already and no longer embarrassed at Jake seeing it. I need him with me to hold me and hold back my hair.

“No, baby; I’m sorry. I didn’t know it would make

you sick like this, we should’ve just asked Mamma fly to

New York for a visit.” He helps me up from my perch

in the grass and holds me tight against him, my body trembling at the effort of throwing up, not really relishing at the thought of getting back into the car. I feel like hell, as badly as the first few days of knowing I was pregnant.

“We’re only an hour’s drive away from Manhattan; we could head back?” Jake seems to read me, as he usually does, but I’m adamant he gets to tell his mother face-to-face. I owe that to him at least. I know how much it’ll mean to him to see her reaction first-hand.

“No … I’ll take some of the anti-sick pills Nora gave me and try to sleep; that might help. I’ll manage. I really want to go Jake.” I lean against his chest, closing my eyes, inhaling his smell enjoying the moment of calm before I get back in the car and let the nausea build again. I’ve managed twenty minutes, maximum, before having to get him to stop again; secretly hoping for a lot longer before we need to do it again.

“I don’t know, Emma. This was a bad idea; I’ll take you home.” He sounds dubious and concern is etched all over his handsome face.

“No, really, I can’t stay locked up in the apartment for the next few months or I’ll go stir crazy. I really want to see your family and I really want to see the house.” I smile up at him and flutter my lashes, instantly knowing he’s folding. The lure of showing me the house and the look on my face; Jake is so whipped he has no clue and it makes me grin. I can literally see him caving in.

“Okay, but if we need to stop then we stop, even if it takes three days to get to my mamma’s, okay? I don’t mind stopping for breaks and letting you get air or even finding a hotel and staggering the trip.” He helps me back into the car putting my seat belt on, coming back from the trunk he hands me a pillow and blanket, helping me get comfy before kissing me on the forehead and closing the door.

“You know … you’re nothing like the Jake Carrero I met in his office on day one.” I giggle at him as he settles himself back in the driver seat and pulls on his belt. His wide shoulders make me long to strip that shirt off him and see them in all their glory.

“I’m one and the same.” He winks at me cheekily, pulling his seat belt out from his shoulder to untwist it, starting the car and revving the gas as he fiddles with some buttons on the dash.

“Sure, you are.” I smirk. “That Jake wouldn’t have entertained the idea of a girlfriend, let alone a baby and a house. I can’t see him stopping to prop a cushion under his moaning girlfriend’s head on a boring four-hour drive either.”

to break you too and that reward is worth it all.” He grins and ruffles my hair affectionately. “You’re nothing like the Emma who walked into my office in stilettos and the tightest gray skirt I have ever seen, staring at me like I was the enemy. Oh, and for the record, in those first few seconds I thought about taking that damn skirt off and

me up and down.” I protest, laughing, as he tries to tickle me in the ribs. Playful Jake has been slowly seeping back in these last couple of days, relaxing in a way. Our relationship starting to return slowly and surely. The change in both of us had been a lie. We are still in there; trying to find

seasoned pro. I could check out any woman without even looking in her direction.” He flexes

move in the seat, getting comfy with my cushion and blanket, snuggling down so I can watch him drive;

your hardest to keep me at arms-length.” He has us out on the road smoothly sailing along the tarmac. It’s sunny out and the scenery is pretty and soothing. I can’t imagine that back then Jake was looking at me

way more than I allowed myself

just shake my head indulgently. His ego does

and get

We haven’t had this

conversation in a while.

of happiness because I’m starting to feel this way with him again, easing into this, signs that maybe

maybe in time we might

cheesiness and wink set me off giggling, and I tell him to shut up. My face meets that annoying palm of his, as he slides

Jerk.” I

you feel like you’re going to throw up again and let me drive. You’re too distracting with that beautiful

* * *

start, my head spinning and nausea coming at me

baby, hold on, let me help you.” Jake jumps out and comes around the car pulling me out fast, just as my stomach throws up the bottle of water, I drank mid-journey, all over the gravel driveway of his mother’s house. Jake jumps back making sure his trainers don’t take a direct

time you were aiming.” His mouth comes to my forehead and holds me against him as

from the effort and I’m rewarded with a smile. He picks me up in his arms like a child and walks me toward the house. He has no qualms about

mom’s going to think something’s wrong,” I protest, weakly. The feeling of extreme warmth in my cheeks and forehead from vomiting is rising again. I hope this passes

to the front door and up the wide sweeping steps. He makes carrying me

to make this so much worse.” I sigh, burying my face into his

when seeing her again. “I