The Carrero Effect - Falling for the Boss (Billionaire CEO) novel Chapter 31

“I’m going for a run … I’ll pack when I get back.” He makes to move away, but falters, reaching out, he shoves my shoulder so that my laptop slips slightly. I snap my chin up to look at him, surprised, and identify the wariness and the glint of playful. He’s trying to make amends; he’s trying to smooth it over and get back to yesterday too. I relax with a sigh; there’s my Jake, back to being adolescent, trying to make me smile and it’s working. Our stupid juvenile way.

“I’m suing you for sexual harassment.” I chuckle shyly. Making light of it all, hopeful that it’ll work. My heart still beating fast, wanting to just let this go.

“I’ll blame Jack Daniels for my misdemeanors. I was in no way in control of my faculties last night.” He smiles, filled with relief, the tension between us evaporates and he ruffles my hair in his irritating manner.

“Go away and have your run. Stop annoying me.” I mock pout and smile to myself as he wanders off, giving me a backward glance and a cheeky grin.

We’re okay. It’s done …

Back to how we were. Like it never happened.

* * *

I drop my pen several times and catch him frowning at me several more, alerting me to the fact I’m twisting my hair absent-mindedly.

When the hell did that habit return? That crap stopped months ago when I relaxed with my new boss.

I’ve been so antsy and jumpy on this flight; I think it’s the lack of sleep. It’s a six-hour flight, give or take, and so far, I’ve spent most of it rereading the same document in front of me. My focus is shot so I slide the laptop closed and check my cell for the twentieth time.

Jake’s now asleep in his seat, with headphones on, listening to his playlist before he dropped off. I smile as I recognize a song with the lyrics “Cry Baby” playing quietly even from here. Our passing of jokes song.

He appears relaxed and young with a peaceful expression on that flawless face. I’ve seen him asleep a thousand times, but for some reason, right now, his face fascinates me. I forget that he’s still only in his twenties. I know he’s older than me, but still, it’s only by two years at the most. Everything he handles, things he’s capable of. I wonder if he will turn out like Carrero senior when he’s older, work fueled and commandeering.

No … Jake will always be this way. Cool and relaxed like his mother. Effortlessly laid back and smiley.

That happy look he always has in his eyes, the easy charm and smile he treats everyone to. I watch him for a while longer, finding peace in it, watching him breathe, watching him lay motionless; fully trusting his staff to fly us home. I’ve rarely slept on any of the flights at all. I’m not a good flyer; something he teases me about it endlessly. Edgy and tense until we land as having to put my life in someone else’s hands doesn’t sit well with me; it’s not easy.

I stare out of the window and watch parts of a movie that doesn’t really capture my attention for an hour. I know I keep adjusting my position and I pick up my pen so many times, just to have something to fiddle with. One edge for no reason.

“Relax!” His sleepy voice draws me to turn to face him, he’s regarding me with heavy lids, all boyish yet handsome at the same time. My heart melts a little at that soft look.

“Hey,” I respond lightly. He looks comfortable, still resting in the position he’s slept in, but his green eyes focus lazily on me across the aisle. We’re sitting in opposite directions.

“I’m trying.” I smile so it barely grazes my lips.

“I know something that will relax you.” He returns the same gesture, and I start frowning with the ghost of that smile on my lips.

“What?” suspicion rising internally.

He rests his head back in its previous position and closes his eyes. Confidence returning to his tone.