The Carrero Effect - Falling for the Boss (Billionaire CEO) novel Chapter 270

“Then tell yourself that she loves you. Remind yourself of why you’re asking her.” I croon softly, aware Jake’s messing with the damn coffee machine, making it look complicated as hell to work, a frowning and confused look glazing over his face. I think it’s more impatience than anything.

“I want her … every day, every night … I want to be able to call her and be like hey, babe, I’ll see you at home.” Daniel sighs heavily. “Fuck, I sound as soft as Jake right now.” At least he’s calmed down now, and he hasn’t noticed that his attack is over; talking about Leila is calming him without him even realizing it.

“Yep you kinda do, he’s a sucker for love too.” I smile at Jake’s wide strong back and flutter my lashes as he glances over at me; all manly attempts at nonchalance disappearing.

“Should I be concerned about you two on the phone?” Jake glares at me with his I’m starting to get jealous tone. I stick my tongue out at him.

“Tell Jake he’s an asshole for turning me into this fucking mess with all his talks of the one and happy ever afters.” Daniel growls down the phone at the same time as Jake growls at the phone in my hand.

Men don’t talk soppy to one another? Right then, Jake.

I sigh with exasperation at being caught between two pig headed males.

“Jake you’ve ruined Daniel’s life by pointing out he loves Leila,” I say drolly, eye rolling again. Daniel is a drama queen.

“Stop dicking about, man the fuck-up and just propose, Danny. It’s obviously heading that way.” Jake says loudly for Daniel’s benefit and there’s a sharp inhale of breath and sudden silence on the other end of the cell.

“I think you just caused him to have a cardiac arrest, Jake” I look at him deadpan hearing the smallest whimpering of hesitation from Daniel. “Oh, never mind. I hear signs of life.” I smile wickedly, and Jake continues to glower my way. He’s still not in control of that little green-eyed monster growing inside of him, but he’s obviously trying to rationalize how stupid he’s being.

“You think that’s what she expects so soon?” The fear in Hunter’s voice is back with a vengeance and my heart melts.

“Honestly … No. Leila knows you better than anyone and I think she won’t expect that for a very long time. Stop over thinking this.” I smirk at my reflection in the steel refrigerator door, at the irony of my sentence.

When did I stop doing that?

I glance back at Jake and catch the same smirk aimed at me as he thinks the same thing.

Yeah, okay, smart ass.

“No, no … You’re right. Leila’s fucking amazing and supportive and … Fuck. Fuck. She won’t want that yet; I don’t want that. Emma, I want that. Why wouldn’t she want that with me?” The confused turn around in Daniel’s tone has me almost giggling.

Oh God, Daniel is either having some sort of mental breakdown or he’s truly head over heels for that girl and has no control over his own emotions.

I catch his heavy breathing coming back.

“Daniel, just breathe and stop, you’re driving yourself a little crazy. It’s too soon and Leila probably does want that in time. Right now, you’re just trying to show the girl she can trust you and have a future with you.” I remind him. “She doesn’t need anything like this yet, just you to keep proving you love her, and she can trust you.” I sound like Sylvana, imparting soft wisdom in hushed tones.

“Trust her, she knows what she’s talking about.” Jake cuts in, he’s had enough of his best friend monopolizing me and swipes the cell from me, propping it on his ear with his shoulder. He manhandles me onto the countertop in a very dominant way, walking me backward toward it with a slight thud.

“Hunter, man up and stop being a pussy. Ask Leila to move in and just get off the fucking phone.” Jake isn’t exactly friendly, but he has a tone of warmth in there somewhere. He yanks open my robe and runs a hand down my abdomen; obviously given up trying to be patient.

“Go find your girlfriend and fuck her, trust me. I’m sure even you can handle asking her while having sex to take your mind off the fact that you’re an emotional cripple.” I grimace at the way Jake handles Hunter, but I can’t really be mad since his hand is expertly moving in places that have me writhing already. I have a weakness inside me for him that he knows all too well and I’m instantly submissive putty in his hands; no arguments from me.