The Carrero Effect - Falling for the Boss (Billionaire CEO) novel Chapter 105

“Do you like working with Wilma?” he finally asks, keeping his eyes steady, nothing in his voice betraying what he might be thinking and I sigh, somehow disappointed in his question but I don’t know why..

“I guess … It’s not as challenging as working for you though … Feels more like a holiday.” I giggle as he tries to grab my leg impulsively, once again the atmosphere reverting to old, squeezing it in punishment. I bat his hand away realizing painfully we’re forgetting ourselves again so easily. He straightens back up and shakes his head at me with a mock glare, his features relaxing as he sighs and smiles instead. That genuine non showy real one.

I miss that smile.

“I missed that sound.” His revelation silences me, the ache inside grows bigger, and I try not to look directly at him.

“I missed your grumpy bad moods and overbearing demands.” I reply wittily, trying to shift the deep ache before it consumes me.

“I miss drunk Emma.” He retorts with a cheeky glint in his eye. I hate that he likes that version of me, a little jealousy seeps in and I react without thought.

“You would … You’re a terrible influence on her.” Every word he says is making my heart heavier with longing.

He has no idea how much he affects me or how hard this is sitting here with him.

We’re swerving through traffic and I can’t help but be impressed with his ability to drive this car in the chaotic New York traffic. I’m relaxed, despite the lurches in my stomach every time he hits the gas. This car is immense, getting up to speed so quickly. He’s quiet for a few moments, seemingly thinking, then turns to me with a serious expression once more.

“Gabrielle will be gone before the end of the week, Emma … I promise. He had no right to lay a hand on you or say anything to you that made you uncomfortable.” The no nonsense tone and dead pan expression remove the traces of lightness from the atmosphere.

“I seem to attract it somehow,” I reply, quietly, catching his frown from the corner of my eye and he sighs heavily.

“Men want what they can never hope to have … You have no idea just how beautiful you are, and it’s part of the allure … You’re vulnerable and young, yet there’s something so unbelievably sexy about you and you turn heads with zero effort. Men like that should be strung up … You deserve far more in life.” His words startle me, and I dart a look at him, catching my breath.

“You think that about me?” I squeak. He’s never said anything like this before or told me anything about how I look to him. I always assumed men looked at me like an easy target, someone who longed to be abused. Just like I assumed Jake only ever saw me as his mildly attractive assistant and friend.

“You mean, do I think you’re beautiful and sexy, yet vulnerable and innocent? Yes, I do” His eyes lock onto mine, my insides sizzling as my face heats with a blush.

Oh my god. His words seduce me as much as he does. Is this a Carrero line? Is he being genuine? No one has ever told me anything like this before; all I see when I look in a mirror is the shadow of an awkward girl in the body of a cold, plain woman.

He pulls up to another set of lights, the car powering down to a gentle purr.

“I don’t know what to say.” I squirm in my seat, my face burning, and I’m overcome with shyness. I let my hair fall forward, concealing me. I have absolutely no clue how to react to his confessions.

“You don’t need to say anything … I’m being honest. Looking like you do doesn’t give men permission to behave the way they do … I can’t exactly take the moral high ground, can I?” He sighs defeatedly.

Our eyes meet quickly. I flush at the memory of him making love to me as it floods into my mind. I turn away quickly as emotion hits me hard in the stomach knowing that night will haunt me forever and continuously break my heart.