Page 24 of Deal with Mr. Cruel

She followed behind him with her suitcase. The concrete walls didn’t have much on them besides a few pieces of modern art. He was very minimal, and here she was about to add clutter. She would enjoy this. The small annoyances would make him regret this agreement.

“Here we are,” he said, opening the door.

The room was huge with more floor-to-ceiling windows and white, sheer curtains that hung lushly and kissed the floor. The bed was plush and sat on a creamy tufted bedframe. On either side were mirrored nightstands with dimly lit glass lamps.

“Wow,” she said, not able to contain her admiration. “This is beautiful.”

“I’m glad you like it,” said Jonas.

“Was this always a guest room?”

“Yesterday it was a gym. My designer and I worked on it all morning.”

She looked up at Jonas and their eyes caught. She felt her heart flutter. He did this for her. But why?

As if hearing her thoughts. “I wanted you to feel comfortable,” he said softly.

“Thank you,” she said. This was the Jonas she knew. Suddenly, she remembered her pact with herself to not let her feelings resurface. She shook her head slightly, as if to break the spell.

“Well, I better get settled,” she said, laying her suitcase on the floor.

“Right. Well, I’m going to head to the office for a bit. But I’ll see you later.”

“Do whatever you want,” she said with a shrug, looking through her suitcase.

Jonas nodded and headed out of the room, closing the door gently behind him. She stood and pressed her ear to the door. When she heard him walk out the front door and his keys in the lock, she let out a breath. She kicked off her shoes and faceplanted into the bed. This was a dream. Or was it? She was living with a man who she used to love, but was only here because it was convenient for him. She rolled onto her back and sighed. She could at least enjoy herself a little bit.

After unpacking her boxes, she made herself at home. As much as she could. Mae ordered groceries and put her favorite snacks in the pantry. She unpacked her toiletries and makeup, and organized them in the spacious bathroom connected to her room. When she felt settled, she drew a bath in the large white tub, poured some bubble bath in, and let her clothes fall to the marble floor. She stepped in and submerged herself under the water. It felt heavenly. She had been packing for three days straight.

As strange as it was to be in a new place, Mae felt surprisingly comfortable. She leaned her head back against the tub and looked up at the chandelier above. Had Jonas had the bathroom redesigned, too? This was way too feminine compared to the rest of the house. He couldn’t bethatnice. She shut her eyes and let herself relax.

A few moments later, she heard the front door unlock.

“I’m home,” she heard Jonas call out. Her eyes snapped open.

Why is he announcing himself?Mae thought with a little laugh. He was acting like they were actually married. And that she actually cared when he came and went. She ignored him and shut her eyes again.

Suddenly, she heard the bathroom door open slowly. “Mae?”

Jonas stood in the doorway, oblivious. She sat up and covered herself in bubbles.

“Oh, my God. Do you knock?” she yelled.

His eyes shot to the tub where she sat holding herself. “Oh shit, I’m sorry,” he said, covering his eyes. He still stood in the doorway.

“Get out!” she said, splashing water at him.

“Right, sorry,” he said, walking into the doorframe before quickly shutting the door behind him.

Mae covered her mouth and stifled a laugh. This living arrangement was going to take some getting used to. For the both of them.

Chapter 11

Jonas

Jonas opened the dark-stained cabinet and pulled out a black mug, placing it on the counter with a clink. He poured himself a steaming cup of coffee from the carafe and took a sip, leaning against the counter. The warmth ran down his throat. The sound of slow footsteps entered the kitchen, joined shortly thereafter by the cabinets being opened and shut. Mae looked lost. She had been here for a few days and was still learning her way around.

After watching her for a moment, he tried to hide a smile as she stood on her tippy toes looking through the top cabinets. He let his eyes stray down to where her oversized shirt inched up teasingly. Jonas shook his head slightly and looked down into his cup of coffee. He couldn’t let any feelings emerge, no matter how tempting.