93
“Emma? Emma?” Jake’s voice comes at me from far away.
I flutter my eyes open and realize there are several faces above me, hemming me in like a bad dream.
What the hell?
Jake’s holding my head up with one hand and pulls me slowly to sit up, a hand sliding behind my back to support me.
“Are you okay?” He’s pale and seems stressed. I realize I’m lying on the floor, my head spinning, the scratchy carpet irritating my skin. Some of the suits move back as I struggle upright, held by Jake’s strong arm as he kneels over me. I have no idea what’s going on.
“I just felt a little lightheaded,” I try but sound childlike, trying to make excuses. I feel so odd like this is all some weird dream. I don’t think I’ve ever fainted before, and if that’s what this is, it’s surreal. I can only assume that’s what happened and why I’m on the floor with no memory of how.
“Emma, you passed out.” Jake studies my face with a scrutinizing frown, not giving me any room.
“I missed lunch,” I answer weakly, confused by what’s going on; I don’t remember even falling. Someone passes Jake a glass of water, and he holds it to my mouth like I’m incapable. I’m shaking inside, and it’s spreading to my hands. I don’t feel so good.
“Drink,” he commands. Bossy pants are back; I don’t argue and take a sip. Heat radiates from my face adding to my wooziness; this is so embarrassing. He’s still holding me like fine china, and I’m conscious of the many faces and quiet whispers all around, watching us.
“We’re going back to the hotel right now. I want a doctor to look at you.” Jake is oblivious to anything but the marching orders he’s issuing me.
“No. No, Jake. Honest, I’m fine. I just need to eat.” My voice is wavering and weak; I don’t feel right, sleepy almost. I take a breath, and the expanding heat creeps over me; maybe that’s got something to do with this.
“I’m just too hot,” I stammer as he leans forward and starts unbuttoning my jacket with one hand, easing it off for me. Someone hands him a damp paper towel, and he holds it behind my neck. It feels good; it helps a little to clear the fogginess, and I start to come back to reality.
The swimming head is starting to pass. I notice there’s still an audience and frown; he follows my gaze and looks up as though seeing for the first time the men in suits.
“Can you all give us a few minutes? Give her some space,” he commands. There’s a bit of chatter as they all file back through to the other room, except it’s a glass wall, and I’m aware of the eyes still being cast this way.
Crap, this is never going to go away now. I bet everyone in the building hears how Carrero’s PA flaked out over a simple contract briefing.
“I can get up.” I try, but he stops me.
“Stay for a few minutes.” He’s trying to make me sip again, but I take the glass from him and drink, his eyes on me, boring into my skull.
“You gave me a fucking scare, shorty,” he sighs, taking my glass when I’m done.
Oh well, he’s still sweary anyway.
“I’m sorry,” I murmur apologetically. “Next time, I’ll be more considerate with my fainting spells,” I add drily, and he frowns at me but says nothing. “I can get up. I feel better.” He watches me intently for a second, then moves to pull me with him. He keeps his hands on my hips as I waiver, holding me still. “I’m good. I’m just a bit unsteady.” My voice is still shaking, and my body feels cold despite the heat. I shiver involuntarily.
“We’re leaving,” Jake says without hesitation, full command mode on, and I know he won’t be swayed.
“No, honestly, go finish. I’ll sit. I just needed to …” I wave my hands airily, and the words trail away absentmindedly.
Okay, maybe I’m still a bit scatterbrained.
“No. We’re going, and you’re seeing a doctor.” He’s in no argument mode, bossy and frowning. I sigh heavily; I know this mood, and I'm no match even in my strongest sulks.
“Don’t, Jake, I’m fine. Make them order lunch instead. Then I’ll be perfect.” I try a smile and fail. I feel weak, and he’s right.
“Emma, I’ve seen you skip lunch before; you’ve never keeled over on me.” He has a dark look, and I’m too fuzzy even to begin to decipher it, too tired for this to continue.
“It’s the heat; hot and hungry are not a good combo.” He pulls me closer to him, one arm steadying me against him as he moves his other hand to my forehead to feel my temperature.
Really? Like I’m a child with a fever?
It’s so at odds with his grave, frowning facial expression that it makes me giggle, breaking my tension. He, too, breaks into a smile.
“Just checking,” he shrugs, his bad mood dissipating almost as fast as it started. Boyish Carrero is finally shining through.
“I’m okay. I’m not sick, Carrero,” I flutter, all aggravation of the last two days forgotten so easily.
“Promise?” He looks suddenly so very young; I think it’s relief. That face could melt icebergs when he turns on the adorable. I can’t ever stay mad at this version of him.
“Promise,” holding up my hand in an attempt at a Girl Scout salute as proof, and he smiles.
“I’m still making you go back to the hotel, Emma. Enough for today.” The tone is still stubborn and serious.
“Yes, sir.” I’m tired, and maybe the hotel won’t be such a bad idea. I mean, I’m hungry after all, and room service is pretty tasty.
I could use a little nap to let this pass.
“You’re not arguing?” He seems surprised.
“No.”
“Okay, then you’re definitely seeing the doctor. I think you’re terminally ill.” Now he’s being funny; nice to see flirty-face is back on form once more. I’ve missed him.
Very good, haha, Jake.
I wobble again, and he pulls me back against him; maybe I should feign fainting in the future if this is the result. Falling into his arms seems to be a far-too-easy and satisfying habit nowadays.
Although, thinking of ‘falling’ …
Oh, God.
My mind slaps me.
“Marissa!” I blurt out suddenly, remembering what had first caused my dizziness.
“What?” He clamps his hand on me with confusion, a stormy frown creasing his face almost instantly.
Shit. Did I say that out loud?
“She called; she needs to speak to you,” I cover, hiding the tremor in my voice. He looks both instantly annoyed and something else… wary.
“When?” The dark look is back; I hope that means he’s not happy about her call and not that I forgot to tell him. Not that I could be blamed; I was unconscious after all.
“Before I … dramatically met the floor.” I try a small smile, but he doesn’t look pleased; he’s glowering at me.
No? Too soon?
I think he’s displeased in general. He frowns and picks his cell up from the table, sliding it open with one hand. I have a moment of panic, wondering if I exited his text box, but he doesn’t react, so I guess I did.
That was close! Stupid, Emma. Really stupid.
He’s still holding me, keeping me upright, but quickly sits me down in the seat nearby before he presses his cell screen.
He’s going to call her right now! Right here, with me sitting beside him?
I squirm, sure I don’t want to witness this at all.
“Marissa, you called?” He doesn’t sound friendly. There’s a long pause as he listens, and I don’t want to be here. I want the ground to open up and swallow me whole. He may think we’re back to just PA and boss, but my heart says differently. “I told you,” he snarls.
He sounds different. I’ve never heard him in lover mode, but he sounds annoyed and in asshole Carrero mode, but whatevs.
“No … Don’t bother. I’ll call you,” he snaps at her.
Well, I’m glad I’ve never met him in lover mode because he’s being quite pissy with her.
Why do they still date him if this is what his dates get?
He sighs dramatically, listening, tense as he paces back and forth, like a caged animal desperate for freedom.
“Okay, okay … Don’t fucking cry … I’ll call you back when I’m done.”
Now that makes me shut up and take note. Confusion all over my face and my brain whirring at his attitude, I try to feign ignorance and seem like I’m engrossed in the edge of the table, picking at it. His voice was hushed, but not enough, so maybe he doesn’t know how much I heard. He casts a look at me warily and comes over to help me up after he hangs up on her.
“We’re going. Now.” He’s back in pissed and grumpy mode, Boss Carrero calling the shots. I don’t even react, just allow him to guide me and stay quiet. My head whirls with the little snippet of conversation between him and Marissa, utterly clueless about how to feel.
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