The Carrero Effect - Falling for the Boss (Billionaire CEO) novel Chapter 72

It’s after midnight when I’m woken by the buzz of my cell sliding across my nightstand. I reach out to it, fuzzy from fatigue and blurry eyed, disorientated.

“Emma Anderson.” I breathe huskily without opening my eyes. I’m on auto pilot.

“Where are you?” That bark has me sit up with a start.

Crap. Jake!

He sounds pissed and I’m too frazzled with sleep for this, shocked awake with his surprise contact.

“New York,” I gulp, suddenly reeling by the fact he’s finally calling me.

Is he back on the boat?

I get a tinge of regret at leaving.

“You’re at your apartment?” he’s grumpy and coldly distant.

“Yes.” Is the only reply I can give; I sound so vulnerable and young it annoys me. There’s a silence and a tension crackling on the line. I rub my eyes in a bid to feel less zombie like, pinch my cheek to waken me up more, hands trembling.

“You cut your vacation short?” he starts, his voice softer, but still tinged with irritation.

“Yes … I wasn’t in the mood for any more surf and sun, Mr. Carrero.” I hope he hears the sarcasm in my voice. Did he really think I would stay out there without him and hang out with his friends for a full two weeks? Again, another agonizing silence.

“Good, because we need to be back at it … The Hunter merger has encountered issues. I need you at the office tomorrow.” He’s in business Carrero mode, all affection and humor devoid.

“Will you be there?” I’m trying to sound as cool as him, but that rising warmth of hope lift its head and I scold it back down.

Get a grip, Emma, stop being pathetic.

“No … I’m still elsewhere … You can handle things for a couple of days.” A curt response and I want to cry.

“Yes, sir.” I hate that it sounds childish and weak … He’s caught me off guard. I’m half asleep and crumbling at the way he’s being, still aching for some of my normal Jake to shine through, but he’s completely gone.

“I’ll be back Friday. I want a full report on my return.” His tone is still icy and flat. I miss my Jake. It’s obvious that whatever he left for, is still in his head, that despite the distance, he isn’t going to talk about it. He’s making it clear that now our relationship is all business, no hints of care, or friendship, anymore.

“Very good, Mr. Carrero.” PA Emma raises a haughty head and pushes feeble out of the way.

Well fuck you very much, Mr. Cold and Moody, Yes, sure, I shall jump, because you’ve demanded it.

“Enjoy the rest of your trip.” I press sarcastically, knowing that will only piss him off more.

“I intend to.” It’s raspy and almost threatening, but it has the desired effect and I’m glad he hangs up before the sob surfaces. The wound in my chest turning into a crater. Leaving me alone with a silent line and not even a goodbye.

I fucking hate you … Bastard!

I throw my cell across the room, uncaring if I smash it.

Screw you! Maybe I’ll resign. I don’t want to work for an ego maniac with a constant fucking hard on anymore.

Chapter 26

The office is a welcome sight, my assistant, Rosalie, greets me warmly and compliments my hair, tan, and natural highlights. She gushes a little too much at how I look, and I’m forced to coolly look her down, to get her to return to a professional manner.

The issues with the merger are nothing and could have been handled by anyone involved, there is no need for me to be here at all. The lawyers have handled mostly everything, and the minor details are rectified in half a morning. I walk through to Jake’s office and dump the files on his desk, I like that they scatter messily, and I don’t bother straightening them. I quell the urge to push over his desk tidy beside them.

“Fix them yourself,” I mutter and toss his pen on top. It’s fair to say I’m still as pissed as ever and right now; the thought of resignation is swirling in my mind rather childishly.

No, if I’m going to do that, I’d rather say it to his face. I wouldn’t want to miss THAT reaction.