Page 39 of Deal with Mr. Cruel

“Well, I’m sure they’re looking down on you. They would want to see you happy.”

Mae nodded. She didn’t talk much about her parents with anyone besides Nico.

“So, are you seeing anyone?” Wendy asked.

Mae shook her head and pretended to study the display case.

“And why not? You’re a successful, beautiful girl,” said Wendy with a motherly tone.

“There’s just not enough time, especially when you have Braydon as a boss.”

“You forget who you’re talking to. Jonas is my boss, remember?”

Mae laughed. “Touché.”

“Still, you don’t want to end up like him. All alone. You should get out there.” Wendy touched Mae’s arm gently.

Mae nodded. “I’ll think about it.”

She felt bad for lying to Wendy. She was always so nice to her and would honestly be thrilled to hear about the marriage to Jonas. She was almost like a second mother to him. Along with the rest of the office, she would know soon. But even then, Mae would still be lying because the relationship wasn’t real.

When it was their turn in line, Wendy and Mae placed their order and headed back to the office, which was bustling. You’d think they were in the party planning business, rather than owning a baseball team. Dollies of decorations were being wheeled in, checklists were being crossed off, and confirmations were being made over the phone.

Mae spotted Jonas talking closely with a petite party planner. She had dark brown hair cut into a sleek bob and full lips, and was leaning a little too close to him. Jonas placed his hand on her back as they went through the papers on her clipboard. Mae felt a hint of jealousy creep in. Not that she had any right to be jealous. She had let Jonas know where they stood.

What happened the other night couldn’t happen again. As good as it was—okay, as amazing as it was—it had been a mistake. In the moment, she had let herself enjoy it thoroughly, and especially enjoyed cuddling by the fireplace until they fell asleep wrapped around each other. She had watched Jonas doze off and told herself she would feel like a fool in the morning, and she did. Their night together had filled her heart, but broken it at the same time because none of it was real.

Just then, Jonas looked up at her and flashed that smile of his. Mae watched as he excused himself from the party planner and beelined toward her. She couldn’t help but let out a little laugh at the party planner’s face that had morphed into a frown, as she watched wistfully after her prospect.

“Mae. How are you?” asked Jonas as he stepped in front of her.

“Better than her.” She nodded toward the party planner.

Jonas glanced over his shoulder quickly and shook his head. “Oh, her? That was nothing. Just finalizing the details for the auction.”

“Doesn’t matter. You’re free to do what you want.” Mae shrugged nonchalantly.

“Nope. I’m a married man,” said Jonas, pointing at his ring. “I only have eyes for my wife.”

Mae rolled her eyes, but internally, she felt her heart skip.

“Anyway. Wendy and I placed the order at the bakery. Everything will be delivered the day of the festival.”

“Good, good. Thanks again for helping out. I want everything to go perfectly, especially for our big announcement.”

“Mhmm.” Mae looked down at her feet.

“Nico still not talking to you?”

“Nope.”

Jonas put his hand on her shoulder and smiled reassuringly. “He will.”

Braydon came up behind them and put his arms around them lovingly. “Look at you lovebirds.”

“Braydon. Shhh,” said Mae under her breath.

“All right, all right,” said Braydon as he backed away with his hands up. “I have to say, I can’t wait for the festival, so I don’t have to tiptoe around anymore.”

---