Page 31 of Deal with Mr. Cruel

Mae gave him a smile that was almost sad. “Well, enjoy it. Maybe I could even teach you how to cook a few simple dinners before—” she stopped and took a sip of wine.

Jonas stayed silent for a moment before changing the subject. “So, how was work today?”

“Good. Surprisingly slow, given the festival is so soon. Braydon is actually not driving himself or me crazy for nice,” she said, taking a bite. “You were there late.”

“Always.”

“Some things never change.” Mae shook her head.

“Oh, really?”

“Come on, Jonas. You live and breathe work.”

“Not anymore,” he lied.

Mae let out a laugh.

“I’ll tell you what. Next week, I’ll leave the office at five p.m. every day. Clock out when everyone else does.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it.”

“Just you wait. You’ll be sick of seeing me here so much.”

She laughed. “Fine. It’s a challenge.”

The next week at the office, Jonas wondered why he had ever made the bet with Mae. He was stressed about getting everything done in an eight-hour day. It wasn’t what he was used to, but he was determined to prove to Mae he could do it. He didn’t know why he had promised this to her. Maybe it was proving her wrong. Or maybe it was proving he could be a different man for her. Either way, it was taking a toll on him, and it was only Tuesday.

He heard a soft knock on the door as he sorted through paperwork.

“Come in.” he barked.

“S-s-sorry, Mr. Matthews. You have a call on line one. I tried buzzing you.”

Jonas glanced at the phone on his desk and saw the red light flashing. He ran his fingers through his hair and let out a sigh.

“I see it now. I’ll take the call. Thank you, Wendy,” he said, softening. He had unintentionally been taking his stress out on her. She had been avoiding him all day, slinking around the office quietly as not to disturb him.

“Of course.” She quietly nodded and walked out, closing the door behind her.

He picked up the phone. “This is Jonas.”

“Jonas. I was beginning to think you were avoiding me.” He heard his mother’s voice on the other line.

“Hi, Mother. I’m sorry. It’s just been a madhouse at the office lately.”

He heard her sigh. “And here I had my hopes up that a woman might be occupying your time.ThatI wouldn’t mind.”

Jonas let out a little laugh. Little did she know. He asked how Hawaii was and talked about the upcoming festival. Several times, he had the urge to tell her about Mae. He knew how happy she would be to know he had gotten married. So happy, she would probably even get over the fact that they eloped without anyone knowing. He decided against it, though. She would find out when everyone else did.

After he hung up with her, Jonas got back to the work on his desk. Only a few minutes had passed before his door swung open.What now?He looked up to see Nico storming in, and Wendy trailing behind him with wide eyes. Jonas stood up swiftly as he approached with a crazed look.

“Nico. What’s this—”

Before Jonas could finish his sentence, Nico swung a punch. Wendy let out a small scream. Jonas swerved backward and Nico missed, causing him to stumble forward. He caught himself and stood face to face with Jonas, glowering.

“Swing at me again. Try it,” Jonas said sternly.

Nico glared at him before backing away.

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