Page 68 of Deal with Mr. Cruel

He now lived in a high-rise apartment with his best friend and teammate, Kenny. They were both living the bachelor life, although Kenny seemed to be a good influence on Nico. Mae was thankful for that.

When she put in her two weeks’ notice, she started looking around for different jobs. She still wanted to be in the industry that she knew so well, and that her parents had been immersed in. It made her feel close to them.

Everything seemed to line up when Jonas casually mentioned her career change to Nate. Nate was looking for someone to head up the athletic line he and Jonas were launching. She excitedly accepted the job and had been building everything from the ground up ever since. It was new and challenging, but she was proud of herself. Plus, she got to see Jonas still. Jonas split his time between offices. She still got giddy when she saw him walk in her office. Now they didn’t have to hide anything.

She watched as Jonas danced to the music and added some salt to the pan. He shook his butt and she couldn’t help but laugh. He whipped around in surprise and smiled when he saw her. His cheeks turned a rosy pink.

“Those were some moves,” said Mae, wiggling her eyebrows.

“You haven’t seen nothin’ yet.” He danced toward her and wrapped his arms around her. She let out a comforted sigh as he pulled her in for a hug.

“How was work?” he asked, kissing the top of her head.

“Good. We’ve just been finalizing all the details.”

“Nate sent over the final designs this afternoon. You’ve done an amazing job.”

“Thank you. Launch day is almost here!”

“I know. I can’t believe it.”

“Your dream is finally coming true.”

“More than one,” said Jonas as he dipped Mae back and gave her a kiss.

She giggled. “It smells delicious.” She righted herself and took a peek in the pan.

“Garlic noodles and shrimp,” said Jonas proudly.

“Mmm. My favorite.”

Her stomach grumbled loudly again. She clutched her stomach, embarrassed.

“Sounds like someone is hungry,” said Jonas with a laugh. He came up behind her and gave the noodles a stir as she leaned back into him. She closed her eyes and breathed him in. She waited a nervous minute as he continued to cook around her.

“I should be…since I’m eating for two.”

She watched as Jonas’s hand stilled on the spoon. He whirled around and looked at her eyes intently.

“Mae…are you saying you’re…”

“Pregnant.” She nodded as a smile crept to her lips.

All of a sudden, Jonas let out a loud laugh and he lifted her up onto the counter so she was facing him. He pressed his forehead against hers and shakily lifted his hands to her stomach. She wasn’t showing yet. She was just a few weeks along, but he gently laid his hands against her.

“We’re having a baby.” His eyes were wet with tears.

“Mhmm.” She nodded.

Jonas knelt down and excitedly gave her quick kisses all over her face. She threw her head back and laughed.

“We’re having a baby!” he shouted this time.

Mae watched as he did a happy dance in the middle of the kitchen. She took a mental snapshot as happiness washed over her. After everything, they were having their happy ending. But it wasn’t an ending at all. It was just the beginning.