The Carrero Effect - Falling for the Boss (Billionaire CEO) novel Chapter 119

“I had wanted nothing else for so long.” I choke back tears. “I was so scared I would just be another conquest … A good time … That I’d lose you, my job, our friendship … I was terrified.” Tears blur my eyes and I choke on the lump forming in my throat. He leans up, brushing hair away from my face, tracing my mouth with his fingers carefully.

“I wish I’d told you so many times how I really felt, I wish I had just come out and said I love you, Emma. I’m in love with you.” His voice strained with emotion and my heart swells painfully. “If I had, we could have avoided so much heartache. So much craziness between us.” His gaze holds so much regret I can’t bear it.

Jake really loves me. As much as I love him.

Every time this realization hits me it takes my breath away and I want to pinch myself in case it’s a dream.

“I was going to tell you the morning you sent me away.” I sigh wistfully, a single tear pooling in my eye before escaping. He frowns and lifts his head so he can use his fingers to smooth it away as it trails down my cheek.

“Don’t tell me that … It makes me feel like shit knowing that.” He looks down at my throat and sighs heavily “Really?” His eyes flickering back up full of question.

“Yes, really. The whole time you were telling me that I had to go, I was fighting with myself to say it to you, but when you looked at me, you were so cold I knew I couldn’t. You didn’t want me.” Tears fall freely down my cheeks, unleashed as he groans and presses his mouth to mine, kissing me thoroughly, removing the pain of the memory in one fell swoop before moving back to look at me again, his face fierce with raw emotion and so much turmoil.

“Emma, miele … I was dying inside … I thought it was always going to be me on one side wanting you and you on the other trying to keep me away. I did what I thought was best, so I could function and move on. I wanted you more than air. I needed you. I need you!” He kisses me again, trying to push away the sadness on my face. Mine his for the kissing with soft pecks to wipe away my tears and my sadness.