The Carrero Effect - Falling for the Boss (Billionaire CEO) novel Chapter 284

But her? She was a complete enigma.

“Career oriented? Can be lonely.” He felt stiff and uncomfortable and tried to release the tension in his body by moving his shoulders, his seat on the edge of his desk wasn’t as comfy as his laid-back posture suggested and he was barely keeping himself still. Too much nervous energy running riot.

“I’m never lonely, Mr. Carrero … I’m an independent sort of person who doesn’t need assurances or company from other people to be happy.” He stopped and regarded her answer, momentarily quietened again. He wondered if that meant there was no boyfriend lurking in the background and felt slightly happy at that thought.

“Oh, Emma, that’s not the way a young girl like you should live her life,” said Margo warmly. “You’re so pretty … You should have young men romancing you around New York.” Margo leaned out, touching the girl, and Jake could only frown, he didn’t like Margo’s suggestion at all.

“Sounds like you’re trying to talk her out of stealing your job, Margo.” He laughed, mostly at himself for his stupid reactions or wherever his goddamn head was. He sure as hell didn’t want to be romancing her around New York either. He didn’t do romance—ever! He didn’t do any sort of long-term thing and knew his capabilities were to fuck and forget. That’s why he couldn’t go down this route with her, he needed a PA to replace Margo and he needed one now.

Margo was itching to let go of the reins and as she had handpicked this one, it put all question of anything else far out the window. He would just have to get used to the idea that Emma was out of bounds for eternity and maybe he should start looking to small curvy blondish girls to distract him for a while. His body certainly piqued an interest in that direction ever since she’d walked through his door.

“No. Emma knows I value her here. I think she’s a perfect fit.” Margo turned to Emma, an obvious show of affection on her face that only strengthened Jake’s mindset. “Not too sure how much you’ll like it once Jake starts running you ragged, mind you.” She winked at her and placed a hand on him. Jake knew Margo too well. It was a warning gesture … A Margo special. She’d been reading his body language, knowing Jake was normally far more relaxed than this—she was telling him no!

“I’m sure I can handle the demands.” Emma lifted that chin again, and he found himself sighing softly in defeat. It was for the best if he just put this chick on the “No-go” list.

“Despite Jake’s public playboy reputation, Emma, I’m afraid he’s a bit of a workaholic … Surprising I know, but you’ll get used to it, you’ll certainly rake up enough air miles in the next few months.” Margo smiled Jake’s way and with a knowing look and a very forceful pat on his arm, he took his visual telling off graciously. Out of bounds, eyes off!

He damn well knows it without your insistence, Margo!

“You’ll soon get fed up with seeing the world,” he said, but couldn’t get that stupid frown off his face, the urge to glare at Margo for reading him a little too well. “And the inside of hotel rooms.”

Yeah, hell, he wanted to throw that in there, just for the reaction. See if she was completely immune to being in a bedroom with him, for his own amusement.

“I’ve seen enough of those to last a lifetime.” Margo waved her hand and gave Jake that raised eyebrow look. He was being told off again, and she wasn’t impressed with him right now; it seemed she was also ending this little introduction. “Right, we have work to be getting on with … Emma, you’re with me for now.” She gestured to the door behind Emma and waved her onward, with one more warning scowl his way, which only got her rewarded with a smirk. The girl smiled back again, only not the beautiful, real one of earlier, more of a relief that it was over, and Jake felt that tug of disappointment that she’d been relieved to be getting away from him.

Definitely out of bounds.