The Carrero Effect - Falling for the Boss (Billionaire CEO) novel Chapter 122

I start packing up my case, my phone on charge in its dock by my bed as I take my time and breathing space from Jake so I can think. He’s like a tornado that devours everything in its wake when he’s with you and sometimes I just need some time to process things more slowly.

I’m wearing jeans and a T-shirt, which skim my figure, Converse on my feet and a denim jacket. This is probably the most casual he’s ever seen me other than my gym attire, but for some reason, I like being this way around him. So far removed from the Emma he met a year ago who didn’t even own jeans at all, so he has to see how much he’s changed me. I want him to see how different I want to be with him.

My hair alone is a huge deal, changed from long, sleek, and always tied back immaculately, to short and wild waves hanging just under my jaw, blonde highlighted which makes me seem young and carefree. I catch sight of myself in the mirror, free of make-up. He’s seen me this way before, in hotels early morning, late at night, but I look different to me. My skin rosy, my eyes softer blue, my lips stained pink from being kissed endlessly. I am happy and almost beautiful. Even for me to see, it’s amazing.

Love really changed you.

I pick up my phone, now it’s charged, and call Wilma Munro knowing this has to be done.

“Emma, darling … I didn’t expect to hear from you today.” She sounds overjoyed and it makes my heart sink because I really do like this woman. I’ll miss working beside her even though it’s only been a couple of weeks.

“Wilma … Hey …” I sound as awkward as I feel. “I need to tell you something.” I hesitate, knowing I should get straight to the point.

“I already know … I’m really happy for you, honestly. The sixty-fifth is getting a great asset back.” She beams down the phone and I hesitate as I catch my breath.

“How?” I’m confused as hell.

“Oh, honey, you and Jake are the talk of the building. Apparently, his storming over and kissing you passionately in front of a few hundred people will do that … Besides, he called me about twenty minutes ago.” I can almost hear her smiling and I resist the urge to facepalm at my own dumbness.

“He did?” I’m beyond speechless. I don’t even want to start contemplating the public display we put on and what gossip will be doing the rounds about it right now.

Why do these things always shock me? I know him … I should have known this. Eternal domineering boss mode.

“Yes, he told me that you’re being rehired as his PA effective as of this morning and you’ll come see me when you get back from a little trip.” She sounds positively ecstatic, despite losing an employee.

“Right,” I say floundering, heat in my face. I’m kind of lost for words that he’s always one step ahead.

I really need to get my man to stop doing this crap to me

“Okay, I guess I’ll see you on my return … Right?” I reply softly, there’s so much more I want to say, she deserves more after listening to my woes and being my shoulder to cry on. I want to say more but I can’t find the words.

“Just tell me, Emma … Did he tell you he loved you yet?” she asks cheekily, and I blush and smile despite myself.

“Endlessly.” I laugh, and she joins me.

“Good, thought he might. Was pretty obvious by the way he stormed into my office a couple days ago, demanding to know where you were. Just remember my invite to the wedding.” She laughs again. “I better go, dear, I’ve some irate man in a suit glaring at me.”

We say our goodbyes and she hangs up. I don’t know whether to laugh, cry, or be angry at Jake, either way, I am relieved that Wilma isn’t upset about my departure.

My door opens and Jake strolls in, as though it’s the most natural thing in the world. All anger dissipates when I see him, his jeans, white T-shirt sculpted to his body and leather jacket make me weak. Effortlessly Hollywood. I bite my lip as I try not to fall into a daydream about the things he does to me.

“Ready? You’ve been an age, baby.” His all too perfect smile flashes my way, spying the case, he moves forward to pick it up and checks for my passport and iPad inside. I stand watching him, bemused. He walks over to my bedside table and lifts a couple of books I’m in the process of reading and slides them into my case along with my phone which is now on the bed.

“Need any help there?” I ask with a laugh.