Page 10 of Deal with Mr. Cruel

“What about you, Mae?” Braydon asked her, wiggling his eyebrows.

She nearly choked on her drink. It was fun watching Jonas squirm, but she didn’t want to be in the same position. She saw Jonas stand up a little taller and look out at the field, squinting his eyes as if he was really focusing. He was definitely tuned in totheirconversation, but was pretending not to be. She let out a little laugh. This could be fun.

“There are a couple prospects,” she lied. “But no one’s been able to lock me down yet.” She winked at Braydon, and this answer seemed to satisfy her boss. Jonas cleared his throat and said, “I’m going to go sit down and watch the rest of the game.”

Did she sense a hint of jealousy?

Chapter 5

Jonas

Was Mae really seeing someone? Or multiple people? These questions weighed on Jonas, even though they shouldn’t. Especially since he was purposefully flirting with the blonde girl, Alyssa. Or was it Amanda? He couldn’t remember, and he really didn’t care that much. He had wanted to get under Mae’s skin, but he wasn’t expecting her to get right back under his. Whatever game they were playing was really getting to him.

The crowd in the stadium erupted into cheers, breaking him out of his thoughts. Nico had hit a winning home run in the tenth inning. Jonas stood with everyone else, cheering and clapping. Mae was beaming with pride. Her smile spread ear-to-ear and her brown eyes were filled with admiration as she looked down at her brother, who was running the bases. Jonas couldn’t help but smile as he looked back at the field. She really was beautiful. Nico was lucky to have her as a sister. Anyone would be lucky to have her as something else.

Braydon patted him on the back. “Another win, Jonas! This is really shaping up to be your year.”

“It’s all them,” Jonas said, gesturing toward the field.

“And partly me. For drafting them,” Braydon said with a wink.

Once everyone finished celebrating and the stadium began clearing out, the group headed down to the dugout to congratulate the team. Mae hopped down with ease, and Nico scooped her up in a big hug. She really was part of the family. Jonas shook the players’ hands and congratulated them on their win.

When he got to Nico, he held out his hand and shook firmly. “Nico. That was one hell of a hit.”

“Thanks, boss. I credit a good night’s rest. I left the bar shortly after you did last night.”

“Glad to hear it.” He saw Mae look between them both, raising an eyebrow. He couldn’t blame her. His and Nico’s relationship was often rocky. He knew he was tough on the kid, but he had to be. His father had been way too lenient. If Nico was going to live up to his full potential, he needed some tough love.

Jonas checked his watch and decided it was a good time to head back to the office to make his call to Nate. “I better head out.”

“Stay, boss! Celebrate with us!” Nico said enthusiastically.

“Next time.” Jonas said his goodbyes and walked up the stairs of the dugout toward the field exit. He heard the team pop a bottle of champagne and cheer. He smiled because they were one of the closest things he had to brothers.

Back at the empty office, he was allowed to gather his thoughts and the main points he wanted to bring up in this important phone call. Nate had given him his personal number at the party last night, but it was a Saturday, so he wasn’t sure if he would even pick up. After a few rings, Nate’s voice came on the line.

“Jonas. Do you ever take time off?”

Jonas laughed. “Not when there is something I really want.”

“You are persistent. I’ll give you that.”

“Have I scared you off?”

“Not yet. What can I do for you?”

“Athletic wear. I want in.” Jonas then went into business mode and listed off a few major points before Nate interrupted him.

“Okay, okay. You’ve convinced me.”

“I have?” Jonas asked, surprised.

“I’m not saying we have a deal just yet, but you’ve got yourself a meeting. Call my secretary on Monday and set something up.”

“Thank you, Nate. You won’t regret this.”

“Oh, and Jonas? Go enjoy the weekend.”

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