Chapter Eleven
The trouble began Friday afternoon.
His phone rang. “Armand Winters’s office. How may I assist you?”
“Hayden?” It was Josh the receptionist.
“Yes? Do you need something?”
“Uh, no, but Mr. Winters’s mother is coming in, and she doesn’t look happy.”
Hayden thought fast, but there was no appointment Armi had forgotten. At least that he was aware of. “Thanks.”
She burst through the inner office doors and made a beeline for his desk. He stood to greet her.
“Hello, Mrs. Winters.”
“Is he in?” Unlike the first time they spoke, Eloise Winters’s voice held little warmth. Tension rolled off her, and her lips were pinched in anger.
“I’m sorry, but he’s in a meeting. May I take a message?”
“How did this happen?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
She brandished the newspaper. “The article by that Martin Price. It makes Armand look awful . Like a weakling who doesn’t know which way to turn.”
Fear and shock zinged through him. “I-I don’t understand. He came back from the meeting in good spirits and said it went well.”
She gave a very unladylike snort. “He couldn’t have.” She flipped open the pages and started to read.
“‘Armand Winters is the epitome of a nice guy, but you know what they say about nice guys. And I’m afraid if the Kings are being led by him, that’s where they’ll end up. Last place. His carefully rehearsed answers couldn’t hide the fact that he’s woefully unequipped to handle the complicated inner workings of a top NFL team, which is evidenced by his insistence on turning away from top-college talent to pursue smaller names with little to no experience.’”
“Jesus,” he breathed, stunned beyond belief. That wasn’t what Armi was supposed to say. How the hell did Price find out?
She slapped the paper on his desk. “It gets even worse, but I’ll spare you.”
This was bad. Very bad. Not that Hayden gave a fuck about the team. His concern was the hit Armi’s self-esteem would take from a public whipping.
“How did he even know about the scouts Armi has with the Division III teams? Only the inner circle has that information. Someone must’ve said something. I wonder if Price spoke with anyone else besides Armi?” Hayden mused.
“Armi?” A sly glint lit Mrs. Winters’s eyes. “I haven’t heard anyone call him that in forever.”
Heat rushed through him. Dammit . “I—he said I could.”
“I’m sure he did. I’ll wait for him in his office if you don’t mind.”
“No, of course not. Please.” He opened the door for her. “Let me bring you something. Tea? Coffee?”
“No, I’m too upset. I might throw it against the wall instead of drinking it.” He waited until she settled into the chair.
“I’ll leave you, then.” He withdrew, and thinking fast, went online to read the article in its entirety.
The tragic death of Randolph Winters has revealed a weakness in the team they’re so desperately trying to keep hidden. The late owner had football in his blood, but that doesn’t seem to have passed down to his only child, who prefers to spend more time with his garden than the game. Kings fans can only hope that the team’s strong inner circle and Coach Jackson’s excellent skills and players will rise above the limitation at the apex to make the team a contender after this terrible loss.
It was as if Armi had been at a different lunch than Price. “This sounds like he had inside information from someone close to Armi.”
“Hayden? What’s wrong? You look angry.”
Unaware of the storm about to hit, Armi stood by his desk, and Hayden stifled the urge to put his arms around him. There was no way to prevent him from reading the article, and it was best to get in front of it, but Hayden also knew that wasn’t his job. Still, he wished he could offer something to soften the inevitable blow.
“Your mother is here. She’s waiting in your office.”
“Really? She didn’t say anything.” He checked his watch. “It’s late. Go home. You deserve a day off with how much you’ve helped me lately.”
Guilt swept over him, but he managed a weak laugh. “I’m barely here a few weeks, and you’re already trying to get rid of me? Plus, it’s the weekend. I’ll relax then.”
“I have no desire to get rid of you, Hayden. I’ll see you Monday. Night.” Armi walked into his office. “Mom, hi,” Hayden heard before the door closed behind him.
He debated for a moment whether he should stay, but when he heard raised voices, he decided it would be humiliating for Armi to find him sitting there, as if he knew and was waiting for him. He closed his computer and left.
Josh stood by the elevator. “Hi. Ready for the weekend?”
Was he? Hayden preferred to keep busy at work, giving him less time to think about being alone. “I always am.”
“Sounds like you’ve got plans. Doing anything interesting with a special someone?”
The conversation was shifting to a more personal level than Hayden felt comfortable with, and though Josh was a nice guy, Hayden wasn’t about to share confidences. Still, he didn’t want to be rude.
“Yes. My couch. We’re in a very committed relationship. But seriously, I have a lot to catch up on, considering I’m still learning the job as I go. It’s only my second week.”
“Is that all it’s been? Seems like you’ve been here a lot longer,” he mused. “Anyway, if you’re interested in getting together—”
Hayden was quick to cut him off. “Thanks. But I never get involved with people where I work. Too messy.”
Disappointment came and went on Josh’s handsome face. “I get it. But I hope we can be friends.”
Without answering, he smiled. The less people Hayden let close to him, the better. They took the elevator down to the lobby. “I’m gonna pick up something at the newsstand before I head home. See you Monday.”
Josh gave a wave and disappeared into the crowd. Of course, Hayden had nothing to get. He planned to wait until he saw Armi leave. The negativity of the article must be devastating to his already low self-esteem. He picked an inconspicuous spot in the expansive, busy lobby and munched on a chocolate bar, waiting. After ten minutes he spotted Russell Anders, Jacob Whitmore, and Troy Geiger walk out together, laughing and talking. How the hell could those three be so happy when an article had just eviscerated Armi’s leadership? Hayden’s stomach churned, and he hoped that what he suspected wasn’t true. Was Armi’s inner circle sabotaging him?
Fifteen more minutes passed, and Eloise Winters strode out of the building. Hayden debated following her but thought better of it. If Armi wasn’t okay, Hayden doubted Eloise Winters would’ve left Armi alone. He tossed the candy wrapper into a bin, hitched his bag over his shoulder, and left.
At home he showered, ate a microwaved burrito, and changed for the evening—a spritz of cologne, a short-sleeved white shirt, slim-fitting beige linen pants rolled up at the cuff, and tan loafers. He drank an iced vodka and soda and slipped a condom in his wallet, putting it, his phone, and his keys into his pockets. Within a five-block radius there were any number of bars he could hang out in and find someone to pass the night with.
Hayden had no idea why he passed without stopping by all the places he normally gravitated to—each spot was hopping, and he could almost smell the fuck-me vibes from the people who spilled out on the streets. Continuing, he walked farther downtown and found himself on East 71st Street in front of Armi’s town house. It was natural and only nice to check on his boss after reading an article that destroyed his character. Armi was such a sensitive guy, and the more Hayden thought about it, he most likely wouldn’t fall apart with his mother. He’d wait until he came home.
He rang the bell, but no one answered. Pushing the button again he heard the chimes. Nothing. Maybe Armi didn’t come directly home. Maybe he wanted to be alone. Nothing more he could do. Halfway down the stairs, he heard the door open.
“Hayden?”
Armi looked…terrible. His shirt was half-open and wrinkled, and his blue eyes were red-rimmed.
“I-I wanted to make sure you were all right.”
“You read the article.”
The flatness in Armi’s voice sent a chill through him, and Hayden retraced his steps up the stairs. “I did. I’m really sorry. I can’t believe he said that shit.”
Armi bit his lip. “Do you…can you come in for a little while? If you want to.”
God, he hated how the little confidence Armi had gained had now been pummeled out of him by that nasty reporter’s article. “It’s why I came by. I didn’t want you to be alone.”
He passed by Armi, and the waves of defeat rolling off him were visceral and painful to witness. Armi dragged his feet to the family room, and this time Hayden sat by his side. He took off his bag and set it aside.
“Why? Why would he do that to me? It was so nasty…so mean. Saying that I’m weak and unprepared to lead the team.” His head hung low. “That I’m nothing like my father.”
“But you aren’t, right?” Hayden wanted to put a different spin on it. “And that’s a good thing. From all I’ve heard, he wasn’t a kind person. Especially to you.”
“No, but it doesn’t matter.”
Frustrated, Hayden grabbed Armi, hands curving around surprisingly muscular biceps. “It does matter. Stop saying that. You matter.”
“I don’t know.”
It was the quiver that did Hayden in, and he couldn’t stop himself from capturing Armi’s mouth with his. The sweet softness of Armi’s lips blew Hayden’s intention to keep the kiss brief, but his emotions laid waste to that idea. His fingers undid the remaining buttons of Armi’s shirt while his tongue demanded and was granted entrance to Armi’s warm mouth. Armi sucked it hard.
“Oh God, Hayden,” Armi rasped, and that husky growl sent an electric spark straight to his dick. “You taste so good.”
Their tongues danced and rubbed slowly, stoking his lust. Hayden teased the points of Armi’s nipples, loving how violently he shivered beneath his touch. Armi took Hayden’s face between his hands and kissed him as if he needed his breath for life.
“Please, Hayden. Please,” Armi begged, and kissed his lips.
“What? Tell me what you want.” His heart thundered, drowning out the warning signals from his brain that this was a bad idea.
“You. I need you. Please. Make it better. Make me feel good.”
Hayden crushed their lips together while his fingers undid Armi’s belt and unzipped his trousers. Desire rose bold and fierce between them, and Hayden’s mouth watered at the thick bulge pulsing under the thin fabric of Armi’s briefs.
“Lift up,” he whispered, and Armi complied, allowing him to pull the clothes off. Armi kicked them away, naked now below the waist. “So fucking gorgeous,” Hayden murmured and lapped at the fat head of Armi’s cock, teasing the slit, tickling along the ridge underneath. Eyes fluttering, Armi squirmed and panted, his face flushed pink. “You like that?” Hayden did it again, only this time he took Armi’s stiff length deep and sucked hard, Armi’s cock stretching his mouth to the limit.
Armi’s hips snapped hard, shoving his cock deeper into Hayden’s mouth. Hayden moaned, loving the pleasure-pain, wishing it could go on forever.
“Oh, oh, fuck. Fuck,” Armi cried out, and Hayden played with his sac, squeezing his balls. Armi’s eyes rolled to the back of his head as his body arched off the sofa and he came, jerking down Hayden’s throat.
Hayden swallowed eagerly, licking his lips free of the sticky fluid.
Chest heaving, face a picture of bliss, Armi lay limp beneath him. “Hayden?”
“ Hmm ?” Hayden shifted and winced, his trapped dick throbbing and painful.
“Fuck me.”
Those two words cleared the fog of lust from his brain. “I-I don’t—”
Armi opened his eyes. “But I do. I know you think it’s a bad idea, but look at us right now. I need you,” he whispered, and Hayden’s defenses lowered.
“I didn’t mean for this to happen.”
Armi’s smile was sweet. “I know. But after reading the horrible things Price wrote, all I wanted was to be with you. Having you turn up on my doorstep was an answer to my secret wish. I want you.” Armi reached out a hand, and without hesitation, Hayden took it. “I need you. Please?” Their fingers entwined, Armi rose and tugged. “Come upstairs with me.”
His head screamed that Armi was right. It was a bad idea, the worst, but one glimpse of Armi’s gorgeous ass drove all coherent thought from his mind. It would be his fantasy come to life, however briefly. No need to think too hard on it—they’d have this one night, get it out of their systems, and then he and Armi would work to figure out how to counter the attack on his character.
After all, it was only sex. No big deal.
In Armi’s bedroom they stood chest to chest. He cupped Armi’s face. “I’ve never done this before. I don’t want you to think I make a habit of sleeping with my boss.”
Armi’s brows flew up. “No. Of course not. You’ve been nothing but professional with me. But just for tonight…can we forget our roles? I’m not your boss, and you don’t work for me. Make it like that first time between us. Let’s forget everything except how much I want you. And I think you want me too.”
Hayden ran his thumb over the soft pout of Armi’s lower lip and along his firm jawline. “You’re wrong. I definitely want you. I have since that first time.” He guided their mouths together, sighing at the delicious warmth spreading through his blood. The tip of Armi’s tongue played along his lips, tracing and tasting, and Hayden opened up to dance and tangle his with Armi’s. God, he was so fucking sweet.
Together, still holding each other, they moved to the bed. Armi removed his shirt while Hayden stripped off his clothes. Both of them naked, Armi touched him, his hand sliding up his thigh to wrap around Hayden’s aching shaft, and Hayden grunted.
“I want this in me.” Armi bent and pressed his lips to the wide head. “I need it.”
The last bit of hesitation fled, and Hayden pushed Armi down under him, his cock brushing Armi’s flat stomach. They kissed, rolling on the bed, hands and lips searching, tongues probing, mouths hot, slick, and wet. His jangling nerves settled, and the red flags faded away. All he could think of was being inside Armi and how fucking fantastic it was going to be.
“Hurry,” Armi pleaded, but Hayden shook his head.
“Not on your life.” He buried his face where the curve of Armi’s neck met his shoulder and savored the hot smell of his desire. Hayden snaked his tongue along the jut of his collarbone to lick a path across Armi’s broad chest. Tight, cherry-red nipples beckoned, and Hayden sucked and bit the tips until Armi cried out and beat the bed with his fists.
“Oh fuck, oh God, Hayden,” he gasped. “What the hell?”
But Hayden didn’t answer, couldn’t, caught up in Armi’s greedy, desperate sounds and the ripple of his twitching body under him. Hearing Armi’s harsh moans of pleasure spurred him on to spread Armi’s legs and kiss his once-again rigid cock from tip to root. A hard push to Armi’s legs sent them to his shoulders and exposed his ass to Hayden’s hungry gaze.
“Perfect. Look at you. Gorgeous. And all mine.”
He didn’t miss Armi’s cock jerking at his words, spilling out precome over his stomach. After Hayden licked it up, he moved lower to press a kiss to the tight, pink hole.
“ Ahh , what the hell is happening? Oh, God.” Armi nearly levitated off the bed as Hayden continued to slip and slide his tongue in and out of his hole.
“You like this, huh? Like getting your ass eaten?”
“ Mmm . Never knew.” Armi’s head thrashed on the pillow. “Fuck me before I die.”
Had no one ever given Armi this pleasure? Hayden’s heart pounded at the thought of being the first to taste his virgin hole. “I wouldn’t let that happen.” Giving a low chuckle, Hayden gave a long loving lick from top to bottom, then crawled up to whisper against Armi’s gasping lips. “Where’s your stuff?”
Armi shuddered and gasped. “Drawer. Only have lube. I don’t have condoms. No reason to.” His bright-red face turned away, and Hayden understood it was because he didn’t have sex that often.
“I have one. Don’t worry.” Hayden scrambled off the bed to get his wallet out of his pants and pulled the condom from his wallet. “But not so fast.” He knelt by Armi, held his throbbing dick and rubbed the head around the wet rim of Armi’s hole, loving the noises Armi made. Jesus, he was going to come just from the touch of skin on skin. He needed all of this man.
Hayden rolled the condom down his aching shaft and slicked himself up. The first nudge into Armi was tight and beautiful. “Oh, yeah. I knew it’d be like this. So hot.” He sank in another inch, and Armi released a strangled sound that drew Hayden’s balls up.
“Hayden, please, everything. Give me…I need… ahhh .” Armi shivered, his words slurring.
“Yeah, baby. I got you.” He couldn’t stand not moving, and drove in deep. Armi’s passage sucked him in, and Hayden lost it. The need to thrust overwhelmed him, and he barely heard the headboard slamming against the wall as he pounded into Armi.
“Oh God, oh God, Hayden,” Armi panted and worked his rock-hard length. Hayden hooked one of Armi’s legs over his shoulder, giving himself another inch of delicious heat. His dick was squeezed painfully tight, and he reveled in the pressure. All that mattered was losing himself inside Armi.
“Oh yeah, baby, that’s it,” Hayden crooned, then moaned when Armi grabbed his ass, mashing their lips together. He sucked Armi’s tongue as he plunged in and out of his wildly shaking body. Sweat poured off every inch of him, and his vision blurred. The world careened from black to white to gray as he exploded. Armi drained the last bit of sanity from him, and gasping for air, Hayden collapsed, eyes fluttering shut.
He had no idea how long they stayed locked together, covered in sweat and come. Tremors rippled under his skin, and Armi’s mouth rested on the cut of Hayden’s jaw, his lips curved in a slight smile. Hayden expelled a rush of breath and nuzzled under Armi’s ear.
“That was…I don’t think there are words to describe it.” Hayden licked the tiny lobe, and Armi trembled beneath him, so he did it again. He shifted and groaned. “I can barely move. I should get up.”
“I-I know I can’t.” Armi sighed, his lashes brushing Hayden’s cheek. “Do you…are you leaving?”
Hayden blinked, his heart shriveling. “Do you want me to?” He slipped from Armi and tried to sit up but failed, his legs still too shaky.
Armi averted his eyes. “No, but I figured…you know…” He shrugged.
“No, I don’t know.” This time he managed to roll off Armi but lay on his side, facing him. “Why don’t you explain it to me?”
“I know you didn’t come here to end up like this. You were trying to make me feel better, and I made it easy for you.”
“Okay, stop right there.” Hayden’s lips thinned. “I do feel bad for you. That article was a disgusting piece of trash, and you didn’t deserve to be treated like that.” He reached out to stroke Armi’s cheek. What the hell was he doing? He didn’t do sweet. The right thing would be to get up, make excuses and apologies, and leave. “But that’s not what happened here.”
“No?” Armi’s long lashes hid his eyes, and Hayden leaned closer to brush those delicious, kiss-swollen lips.
God, he was fucking up so badly, but his next words tumbled from his mouth like a torrent of water exploding from a broken dam. “Not even close. I wanted you. Not because you’re my boss or because I felt sorry for you. I wanted you because you’re the sexiest fucking thing, and I couldn’t stand not knowing what it was like to be inside you.”
Armi’s cheeks turned crimson, and his clear blue eyes met Hayden’s. “No one’s ever said that to me before.”
“Then lucky me, I’m the first.”
“So…do you want to stay?”
His lips tugged up. “I thought you’d never ask.”
To hell with bad ideas.