The Carrero Effect - Falling for the Boss (Billionaire CEO) novel Chapter 188

Lounging in between Jake’s legs on the huge sofa in the family room feels amazing after the events of the day before, my head against his chest as he concentrates on a document in his hand and strokes my hair and neck with the other. I’m attempting to read a book, but the sheer blissfulness of our morning has me daydreaming idly instead. Every so often he plants a kiss on top of my head before turning his papers and silently focusing back on work; he’s reading through contracts for something I’ve no idea about.

When did this happen? When did I become so disconnected from the business side that I don’t even know what Jake’s reading through anymore?

I realize it doesn’t bother me at all, I like laying here detached from work while he still keeps tabs on things going on in his empire. I’m in danger of becoming a kept girlfriend at this rate and I’m not sure how I feel about it right now.

The maid comes in a little after ten and leaves us a fresh tray of coffee and bagels. We were up early for breakfast, revived, even with a lack of sleep. Both in the happiest of

moods and playful, tickling, and play fighting as we walked through the house.

Jake sighs heavily.

“This is the agreement with Marissa.” He strokes my face again as he feels me tense up. “I called the legal team and requested a new meeting to discuss the DNA test and some other minor details in the draft Marissa’s lawyer sent me.”

I curl around to my side, so I can look up at him, he smiles when we lock eyes.

That beautiful face.

“You look relaxed today.” Leaning down he kisses my nose bringing out a smile in me, despite his mention of her.

“I feel it.” I sigh and tug the corner of his document held slightly to the side. “What details?” I remind him of his topic. He sighs heavily.

“I’m refusing to fly to LA every month for classes. She’s no commitments like I do, it makes more sense if she relocates to New York until after the birth. That way I can fit her into my schedule and not vice versa.” I look at the paper rather than at him, aware how much it still aches to talk about this and swallow it down. I know he has to go to LA again soon for the first of the maternity meets, but with things still in limbo he’s refused to do anything until this is settled. My hatred for her never ceases to eat at me.

“Why is she making this more awkward?” I ask finally once I have my emotions fully under control.

“Marissa likes to think she’s in control, she likes to play stupid games.” I watch his mouth and inwardly blanche. I wonder if Marissa’s games were the start of Jake’s need to always have the upper hand. He has no idea how ironic his statement is.

“She wants you to jump through hoops and agree to anything she decides?” I push my other thoughts away. Trying so hard to commit to talking about this; he obviously wants to.

“I guess … She doesn’t know me very well then does she, bambino?” He winks at me and despite myself, I smile. It’s true, she’s no idea what she is coming up against in him. He isn’t a fifteen-year-old boy anymore and if she hasn’t really known him as he grew up then she is about to get a rude awakening.

Jake will wipe the floor with you, sweetie!