Page 52 of Deal with Mr. Cruel

The smell of kettle corn, hot dogs, and amber beer filled the stadium. Jonas breathed it all in as he took in the field. It was filled with people chattering and taking in the enormity of the city’s beloved stadium. He loved seeing everything through their eyes. It was rare that the public had insider access or could be this close to the players. It only happened once a year, at this very festival.

Jonas remembered coming here as a child, alongside his father who had started the charity event a few years in as owner. The festival days were some of his fondest memories of his childhood. His father would take him from game to game, and let him eat all the cotton candy he wanted. Looking back, his father was probably just putting on a show, but back then Jonas had no idea. He had fun with his father and that was all that mattered.

When Jonas became owner, he knew he wanted to keep the tradition alive. It was the largest fundraiser they had all year, and all the proceeds went to the public schools. He was proud of it. Each year, it became bigger and better than before.

He smiled to himself as he walked amongst the games and vendors.

“This looks amazing, Jonas,” said Mae, grabbing his hand and giving it a quick squeeze before pulling it away.

He looked at her and pulled her in close. She squirmed a little as she looked around nervously, until she settled into his embrace.

“What if people see?” she asked.

“So what? Let them. Everyone seems to know, anyway.”

It was true. They hadn’t even made their announcement yet, but the whole office seemed to know about them. Whoever had told Nico had spread it to everyone else. It was an unspoken thing, and people seemed to be happy for them.

Mae nodded, not quite convinced.

Jonas reached his hand up to her face and stroked her cheek. She looked up at him and gave him a soft smile. She really was beautiful, and he was so happy to share this special day with her. He knelt down and kissed her lips softly before pulling away to hear the sounds of Braydon cheering from the sidelines.

Mae rolled her eyes at him. “Are you happy now?” she called out.

“Very!” Braydon shouted before strolling away, whistling to himself.

“He is something else,” said Jonas, shaking his head.

“I literally thought he was going to burst at the seams if he held onto that secret any longer.” Mae giggled.

“Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m happy to have it out in the open.”

Mae nodded as they continued to walk the field.

Jonas bent down and whispered, “Although, it was kind of fun sneaking around.”

She gave him a playful shove, but he knew she enjoyed it too. Their afternoon in his office yesterday was the best sex of his life. She had trembled on top of him as they ended in a tangled heap on his desk chair. He wondered if Wendy had heard. There was no way she hadn’t. She did look a little flushed when he walked Mae out. He laughed to himself.

“What?” asked Mae, raising an eyebrow.

“I’m just thinking about yesterday.”

Mae’s cheeks turned a rosy pink. “Oh,” she said, behind a smile she was desperately trying to hide.

“Well, look at the happy couple!” a voice called out behind them.

They turned around and saw Nate and his new wife, Avery, walking toward them. Jonas shook Nate’s hand firmly and nodded politely at Avery.

“Nate. Avery. This is my wife, Mae,” said Jonas proudly, placing his hand on her lower back.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” said Mae, shaking their hands.

“Let me see! Let me see!” said Avery, eyeing Mae’s left hand.

Mae held it up proudly as the ring sparkled in the stadium lights.

“It’s stunning. You did such a good job, Jonas,” said Avery.

“Word is, he spent hours with the jeweler,” said Nate with a smile. “I was just in Lieberman’s yesterday.”

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