Page 43 of Deal with Mr. Cruel

“Everything is all set. Every vendor has sent in product for the raffle.”

“And for the auction?”

“The auction jerseys for the players are being pressed and will be delivered to each player. That will be the money maker. Every cougar in Boston will be paying big bucks for a date with a major league player.”

“That was the idea,” said Jonas proudly. He had thought of it himself.

“How much do you thinkIwould go for?” asked Victoria, leaning her back against the wall. Jonas couldn’t help looking at her breasts, which she pushed out proudly as she played with her necklace.

“I doubt there is a number high enough.” Jonas leaned casually against the wall. It felt good to be wanted, but he knew he was on dangerous ground.

“For you, I’d let you take me out for free.” Victoria bit her lip as she slid her hand across the wall and shut the conference door, locking it.

Victoria walked toward him. Jonas felt tense but didn’t move. Normally, he would welcome a beautiful woman coming on to him, but now he just felt nervous. Guilty. He felt her hands travel up his chest and around his neck as she pressed her body against his. She looked up at him through her long lashes with a lustful smile.

“Do you know how hard it’s been working so close to you, and not being able to do the one thing running through my head?” she whispered in his ear.

“And what’s that?”

“I think you know.” She slid her hands to his groin.

Just then, he felt his phone vibrate in his jacket pocket. It seemed to break him out of whatever spell he was under. He didn’t even know what he was doing. He couldn’t do this to Mae. Jonas took Victoria’s hand, moved it away, and slipped his phone out of his pocket.

“Is that important?” asked Victoria, annoyed.

“Afraid so,” said Jonas, sliding away from her. “Hello?” he answered.

“Mr. Matthews?” a voice asked nervously on the other line.

“Yes?”

“This is Delvin’s Catering. I’m so sorry to inform you we are no longer able to work the event on Friday.”

“You’re kidding?” Jonas asked, exasperated.

“I wish I was. Our water heater flooded our kitchen, and it’s inoperable. We were so looking forward to working the event, as we have been a partner for years. I can put you in touch with other vendors…”

“No. I don’t want another vendor. People are expecting Delvin’s on the table. I’m coming down there.”

“But—”

Jonas hung up and plopped down in a chair.

Victoria glared at him. “Bad news?”

“Yes, Delvin’s backed out. But you have enough on your plate.”

“I’m willing to help. Whatever you need.” She sat in the chair next to him, trailing her finger up his arm. This woman was relentless.

Jonas looked down at her hand. Clearly, she was not getting the hint.

“That’s quite all right,” he said as he crossed his arms. “Mywifeis great at this stuff.”

Victoria recoiled as if she had just been bit on the hand by a snake. She nodded and stood up slowly.

“Well, I better get back to my to-do list,” she said curtly.

“Yes, that’s probably best. Thank you.”