Page 9 of Deal with Mr. Cruel

“Well, I’ll see you in there,” Amanda said before heading into an open stall.

“See ya!” Mae turned back to the mirror and adjusted her ponytail underneath her rose-pink cap. She tucked her wavy strands behind her ear and applied some clear gloss. Then she gave herself a little smile and internal pep talk before walking out.

Back in the owner’s box, she saw Braydon and Jonas chatting by the bar.

“Mae! Come on over!” Braydon called out.

She smiled and hesitantly walked over to the pair. She was Braydon’s personal assistant, but sometimes she felt like his life support. He was older and technically challenged, but besides that, he leaned on her for everything. Business and personal. He was in a messy divorce with his wife and currently fighting for custody of their twin girls. The wife wanted them with her in California, and Braydon wanted them in Boston because they’d grown up here. It definitely kept her busy, and in the office, she could use the distraction.

“What’s up, boss?” she asked, pulling out her phone to be ready.

“Have a drink with us!” Braydon said loudly.

Mae could tell he was a little drunk.

“Can I get you a beer?” Jonas asked with a gentle shrug.

“Um, sure.”

He ordered her favorite amber and tipped the bartender generously. Mae was impressed that he remembered. She felt a tiny flutter in her stomach. He handed her the icy glass.

“Thank you,” she said, taking a sip. “Well, I’m going to go sit down.”

“No, no. Stay. We were just discussing the upcoming event schedule,” Braydon said.

“There’s a lot going on,” she said. And there was. There was the festival next week, the charity parties, the charity game, and the auction. It took a lot of convincing on her part to have the players offer themselves up as dates to bid on. In the end, they agreed, especially because the proceeds went to the children’s leagues.

“I got everyone on board for the auction. I finalized the players yesterday,” Mae said.

“Good girl. Thank you!” Braydon said, patting her on the back.

“That’s going to be a real moneymaker,” Jonas said.

“What about you, Jonas? Do you want to be auctioned off?” Braydon asked with a chuckle. “You could probably bring in some big bucks.”

Jonas smiled and shook his head. God, she loved that smile. Shy and somehow confident at the same time.

“Are you seeing anyone?” Braydon asked, and at that moment, Mae really loved her boss. She was pretty confident the answer wasno, but her curiosity was piqued anyway.

Jonas shook his head. “There’s no time.”

“Bullshit,” Braydon said, finishing his beer and ordering another one. “I’ve been in this business a long time, Jonas. There’s time if you make time. Plus, we’re inthisbusiness. Women come easy.”

“Braydon!” Mae said, giving him a little shove.

Her boss shrugged sheepishly. She rolled her eyes. He could be so thick-headed sometimes.

“That Amanda girl was cute,” Braydon said suggestively.

“A little young, don’t you think?” Mae said under her breath. Apparently, it wasn’t quiet enough because Jonas sent her a look and her cheeks turned hot. Why had she said that? She hoped it didn’t come off as sounding bitter.

Braydon’s laughter cut through the awkwardness. “Mae! You little firecracker!” He held up his glass and clinked it against hers. She let out a hesitant laugh and took a sip of her beer.

“But really, Jonas. You don’t want to be alone forever. You should really get out there,” Braydon said, turning his attention back to Jonas.

“I’ll think about it.” Jonas looked down into his glass.

Mae could tell Jonas was uncomfortable with this conversation. Seeing him squirm was entertaining.