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!

“I need to go make some calls; I’ll be in our room if you want me.” He leans down and kisses me on the mouth before turning and lifting a coffee and a bagel. “Go roam the gardens or take a swim, no one shows face until noon around here on weekends.” He walks off and throws me back a smile with a glint of wicked in it. “Or maybe come see me in a little while and I’ll occupy you.” With a wink he’s gone, and I’m left to lay back on the cream plush settee and stretch out like a satisfied cat.

* * *

I end up taking a walk in the gardens and gazing at the view of the distant shoreline visible from the Carrero home. It’s peaceful and sunny despite the late season, the view is so beautiful and calming. I’m surprised to hear footsteps lightly coming up behind me and turn in curiosity, a smile breaking across my face as Sophie comes running toward me at full pelt with a massive grin on her face. Turning with complete joy I grin right back and am soon met with the crushing hug of an overexcited teenager.

“Oh, my god, it’s so good to see you again.” She gushes, looking every bit the pampered and tanned socialite, a far cry from the skinny tomboy in oversized clothes of weeks ago. My heart swells at the sight of her.

“You look so healthy and happy.” I hold back the emotions that threaten up inside of me, hugging her back with equal force. Tears brimming in my eyes; she looks so good it’s painful. Happiness bursting out of me in every direction. That tawny hair is highlighted and silky in a plumper face, deliciously tanned, and sporting hints of make-up.

“I can’t ever thank you and Jake enough for the way my life has turned out, Emma. I can’t believe you’re actually here. I almost died of happiness when I got Jake’s text.” She releases me, raking me over with appreciation, obvious she can see the change in me just like everyone else.

“I’m happy to hear you’re doing so well here, Sophie. I must say, you look completely different.” I lift her hand and make her twirl under my arm, all skinny jeans and flattering sparkly T-shirt with a cheeky logo, her body fuller from a better living, losing the unhealthy gauntness of Chicago.