The Carrero Effect - Falling for the Boss (Billionaire CEO) novel Chapter 14

“I don’t want to date Daniel Hunter.” I smile tightly, suddenly warm and a little claustrophobic but also deadly serious. Daniel is a creep.

Why does he have this knack of tilting me off keel? I don’t like it.

“He’s bad news with women.” He frowns at me, watching me closely and I have to look away for a second to stop the rise of heat running up inside of me and showing on my face.

“Bit like you then?” I smirk and catch the full width of that jaw-dropping smile from the corner of my eye. It’s unexpected and makes me smile too.

“I’m not bad news for women … I know how to treat them, whereas Daniel does not. He’s a typical playboy, he doesn’t care whose feelings he hurts.”

Irony.

He slips an arm around me, pulling me in against him, shielding me as we leave the elevator amid more flashes and clicks. This time I anticipate it and am more relaxed about the contact. I keep my eyes on the floor and try not to react to him, which is hard, considering he has me pressed very securely to that muscular frame and it’s not exactly unpleasant. He feels solid.

Outside I look up, blinking harshly as the sun glares cruelly at us and I lift my hand to shield my eyes. He slides his shades from his head onto my face in such a fluid movement that I’m taken by surprise and don’t react. He registers nothing on his face, just guides me to our car as it pulls up and he deposits me in the back before following me in. I suddenly get a little inkling of how the women he dates must feel; he’s attentive and in control, with great manners. He’s a gentleman. Pretty surprising for a guy who loves himself.

Very smooth, Carrero, unexpectedly smooth.

I hand them back in the dark confines of the car and he pushes them back on top of his head with a smile. A nothing but thanks kind of soft grin.

“Back to the office?” I enquire, clutching my briefcase to offload my notepad. Glad to be back in here and back to normal territory.

“Not yet. I’ve some things to do and I figure we could use the bonding time. Margo agreed we should get better acquainted.” He looks out the window as we move off, watching the photographers fall back with disinterest. Tinted windows concealing us fully.

“Why? I’m only your PA.” I’m surprised and too quick verbally to curb my stupid question. I know I should never quiz the boss.

“And that job entails a lot more than typing, Emma. I know you’re used to working for the execs on the lower floors, but I’ve certain tasks that my staff undertake. It’s why I took you on a recommendation and didn’t just dip into the temp pool.” He studies my face seriously.

“Tasks? Beyond those of a PA?” I ask carefully. Being obtuse and cursing myself for it.

“You’ll accompany me on business trips, dinners and such. Sometimes I prefer my PA to an actual date. Less hassle. Your being unmarried and having no kids are part of the reason Margo singled you out from the list. She recognizes that you’re career oriented and like to go above and beyond for your position.”

Above and beyond? What the hell does that mean?

“List?” I query instead, trying to not mull over the fact he sometimes replaces dates with his PA. Trying not to read anything into what he just said.