The Carrero Effect - Falling for the Boss (Billionaire CEO) novel Chapter 136

“Ready?” He gazes at me as his car door is opened and holds out his hand. The Carrero building looms up in front of us and it feels like I haven’t been here in weeks. So much has changed in such a short time. He slides out of the car, pulling me with him and straightens up as Jefferson shuts the door behind us. Normally, Jake would use the underground car park, but Jefferson has errands to run for him today, so we are being dropped at the front door. This is all very public, right outside the main entrance to Carrero House in the morning rush. I take a deep, anxious breath, pushing down the onslaught of emotions and nod and try not to run away.

I tense as we enter the building, the urge to pull my hand out of his as heads turn at our arrival. Faces beaming our way, quiet whispers, and stifled grins as people pretend not to be staring. We are obviously the talk of the building and very much confirming rumors while walking hand in hand through the foyer.

Ughhh, this is embarrassing.

I was surprised to find my work clothes hanging in Jake’s wardrobe beside more of my outfits from my apartment this morning. Apparently, while we were away, Jefferson had Sarah pack me some essentials for our return at Jake’s bidding.

Nice to know my commandeering man still exists in there somewhere.

I’m in my familiar gray suit jacket and pencil skirt and my favorite Louboutin black stiletto heels, like old PA Emma except for the fact my boss is now casually walking with his fingers entwined in mine. Leading me to the elevator with a smug expression on his face of a guy who got a lot of sex before getting out of bed this morning. I shake my head at him, wishing he wouldn’t make it so obvious but that glint in his eye serves as a warning that he will be far worse if I protest. I wouldn’t put it past him to pick me up over his shoulder and drag me to the nearest elevator to make out.

He throws me a warning eyebrow lift when I try to slide my fingers out of his and I give up, he’s never been a guy who it’s wise to try to push. He has no qualms about making a scene and he doesn’t care what people think about him.

We get to the sixty-fifth floor without too much drama, or people making it obvious they are outright mesmerized. I know most of the building has non-stopped gossiped about our dance floor kiss at the Marie Curie ball and as this is the first time most can see for themselves that the rumor is true, people are nosing our way.

Was that really just over a week ago?

I can’t believe it’s only been days. I feel like Jake’s been with me for so much longer, that we spent a month on that yacht, so much has happened and things between us got so intense so quickly that I can’t even begin to dissect that it’s only been a week.

Luckily, the elevator is full, so Jake’s wandering hands can only skim my ass briefly, trying to be on his best behavior.

“Want to come christen my desk?” he whispers as he pulls me after him to my old familiar offices when we hit our floor.

“Jake!” I scold, my old PA mode kicking in. “When we’re at work then I’m going to be the Emma you paid for.” I let go of his hand haughtily and walk forward fast, toward my old desk, feet away. Jumping with a flinch as he smacks my ass loudly and about ten heads snap around to look as I hold myself in check from reacting.

“I swear to god …” I begin to grind slowly through gritted teeth, but he only smiles with a flick of his eyebrows before walking past into his own office and leaving the door wide open. I stand outside it and throw my bag on the desk, my face flaming with embarrassment, pushing down the urge to throw something at him through his door.

I swear, I may actually throttle him.

I note that Margo’s personal effects are gone already, she’s cleared this in anticipation of my return. I’m sad at the evidence, I would really have loved to see her again, a chance to just talk to her about coming back.