Page 37 of Deal with Mr. Cruel

“I just forwarded you an email. It’s from Mr. Brockton. After I dropped the ball the other night, I wanted to make sure I told you right away.”

“Thank you, Wendy. I’ll get to it right now.”

She nodded and walked out, closing the door behind her. Jonas opened his inbox and clicked on the email. He read it excitedly and let out a “Whoop!”

The design team he was set on for his athletic line had agreed to take him on as a client, as long as Nate was behind the manufacturing team. They were the only team Jonas had his eye on and he had been intent on cutting a deal. After the rocky start to his meeting with Nate the other day, he was surprised to see things moving forward.

He buzzed Wendy from his phone. “Get in here, Wendy!”

She was at his door within seconds. “Yes, sir?”

He got up from his desk and hugged her, swinging her around. “We did it! We got the deal!” he cried.

“That’s amazing! Congratulations!” Wendy laughed and tried to find her footing.

“Let’s celebrate! Champagne!” Jonas clapped.

“It’s only ten a.m.” Wendy checked her watch.

“Just a little bit!” Jonas was already pulling a champagne bottle from the wine fridge under the bar.

“What has gotten into you?” Wendy laughed.

“I don’t know, but I like it.” Jonas said, knowing full well what it was.Whoit was.

They toasted to the new partnership and for the next hour began going over the party details for the festival. Wendy had already hired all of the caterers and designated the design teams. It should go off without a hitch.

“Now, I want you to call Delaney’s and order the entire office lunch on me,” said Jonas.

“You’ve got it, boss.” Wendy gave a little salute before heading back to her desk.

“Send an email to everyone to meet in the conference room in an hour,” he called after her.

At lunchtime, everyone gathered in the conference room. It was very rare when everyone would eat lunch together like this. It was usually only around the holidays, so everyone was surprised to walk into a full spread on the table. There was prime rib, mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, cherry pie, and a few bottles of red wine.

“What’s the occasion?” asked Braydon as he walked in.

“Just thought we could all use a break over some good food.” Jonas said, patting him on the back.

“You’re awfully chipper. Married life suits you,” he whispered, nudging Jonas in the arm.

“You may be right about that,” said Jonas, just as Mae walked in the room. She looked around, confused for a moment, before catching Jonas’s eye.

“Wow, Mr. Matthews. This is some spread,” she said, as she walked past him to grab a plate.

“It must be torture not being able to be with her,” whispered Braydon.

“Hmm?” Jonas momentarily thought the old man could read his mind.

“I, for one, can’t wait until you announce it. I’m no good at secrets. I’m surprised I’ve held out this long.”

Jonas nodded. “Soon enough.”

The office staff enjoyed a long lunch together. It almost felt like a Thanksgiving feast, and everyone groaned when it was over because they had to get back to work. Throughout lunch, Jonas would notice Mae looking at him every so often. Her gaze was unreadable, but he was just happy to have those small moments of attention. Was she thinking about last night, too?

When everyone had cleared the conference room, Jonas helped Wendy clean up. After, he headed down to the gym to check in on conditioning. Normally, he didn’t check in with the team unless it was game day. But he knew Nico would be there and he wanted to make his presence as the boss known. The incident in his office could not happen again.

The elevator doors opened to the large gym, and there were hushed whispers as Jonas stepped into the room. The team was spread across the floor with the various trainers. Some were lifting weights, others were doing calisthenics drills, and a group was running on the treadmills.

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