Chapter Fourteen
“So the new PA is working out? I did well?” Trevor handed Armi a beer and then a glass of white wine to Marianne.
“Thanks. Yeah, he’s good.”
So damn good.
Armi always enjoyed spending time with Trevor and Marianne. Trevor was the brother he’d never had, and Marianne understood his awkwardness, never pushed, and treated him with nothing but kindness. Her natural warmth had allowed him the time to accept and trust her, and she’d become as close a friend as Trevor.
“I know he came with great references and is a whiz at organization, so the fact that you were here on time means it’s working out.”
Armi made a face. “Ha-ha, very funny.”
“Well, I, for one, am glad you’re here,” Marianne said. “Those roses are absolutely stunning. I’ve never seen anything like them.”
Puffed up by her praise, Armi smiled. “And you won’t. They’re from my latest grafting experiment. If I can replicate it a few more times, I’ll give a bush to the Botanical Gardens.”
“They’ll be thrilled to have it.”
With a thump , Trevor set his beer on the table. “All right, now that we have the niceties out of the way, what the hell was that article? Why’d that guy shit on you?”
All his good feelings drained away. “I don’t know,” he mumbled. “Do we have to talk about it?”
“Sorry, but are you going to respond? That was some BS he said. You’ve been doing a great job.”
He hunched over his bottle. “Yeah, well, so you say. You’re my friend.”
“Which means what? That I’m going to lie? That’s ridiculous. I have ears, you know. I hear things. And I like what I’m hearing. I agree that going after lesser-known names can work in the team’s favor.”
Armi’s head jerked up. “How…never mind. Nothing is secret anymore, I swear. Yeah, I think it’s a great idea, but others in the organization don’t. They want to sign superstars.” He sighed. “I’m trying to work with them, but no one’s willing to listen to me. They’re more likely to agree if it comes from Russell.”
“And what does Russell do?” Marianne asked.
Puzzled, Armi met her frank gaze. “What do you mean? You know his position in the Kings.”
She shook her head, the dark waves flowing to her shoulders. “Not what I’m talking about. Does Russell back you up, or does he try and persuade you to his side?” She clasped her hands together. “You said it yourself—Russell always thought he’d be in charge of the Kings. But he’s not, and it must grate on his nerves and ego to have to take direction from you.”
Armi chewed his lip. “I-I don’t know. I lean on him a lot, but he and I don’t always agree. He doesn’t seem to mind.”
“Just make sure it’s really you in charge.”
“You sound like Hayden. He also keeps telling me to be more insistent in what I want and not have it come from Russell. Problem is, they’re used to Russell, and they trust him more. And I can’t say I blame them.”
Trevor said, “Sounds like Hayden picked up on things pretty quickly. You’re in charge, Armi. What you say goes. Remember that. As much as Russell was your father’s right-hand man, he doesn’t have to be yours.”
“Can we table this discussion and have dinner?” Marianne stood and held out her hand to him. “Let’s eat and talk about something besides football.”
Over their shrimp cocktail appetizer, Armi decided to ask his own questions. “I’m curious, Trev. How did you find Hayden? You said something about another agency?”
Trevor nodded. “Janice Butler runs a very exclusive head-hunting agency—personal assistants to the corporate elite. Our family’s known her for years, and we share availability of people when they don’t match our needs.”
Trevor’s family ran the largest agency in the country catering to staffing the entertainment world. Personal assistants, nannies, chefs, housekeepers, or anyone they might need. Trevor’s agency was the platinum standard in ensuring discreet, highly qualified individuals.
“So you heard about Hayden, how?”
Trevor helped himself to the broiled salmon and handed the platter to Armi. “Janice sent out an email to us and a few other top agencies. She asked us to keep an eye out in case we heard about something that might not fit our requirements but would work for her. I thought of you.” He grinned. “You’re welcome.”
His face grew warm, and Marianne raised her elegant brows. “I’m sensing a story here.”
Damn his inability to hide his emotions. “No, I’m just curious. He’s really been a godsend. He helped me craft a response to the newspaper article and made sure I got here on time.” Eyes downcast, he pushed his salmon around. “You were right. I probably would’ve forgotten about dinner tonight.”
“So what’s the problem?” she asked. “He sounds perfect. Exactly who you need.”
“I don’t know. There’s just something…he’s cagey about his background. He didn’t want to tell me what city he grew up in or where he went to school. I had to look it up on my own.”
“And you think there’s something big he’s not telling you that might impact his job with you?”
Armi hesitated. Did he? Or was he trying to find out more about this man who twisted him up inside and made him feel like he mattered?
“I’m not sure. But I think I should know a little bit more about someone who works for me other than where he worked before.”
“So call Janice Butler. I’ve already told you this. It’s your right. You’re the boss.”
“I don’t know,” he demurred. “Will she think it’s weird?”
“Who cares?” Trevor shrugged. “You’re the client. You can ask whatever the hell you want.”
But there went that ugly lack of self-confidence again. “Maybe I’m being too nosy. I mean, I’m really satisfied with how Hayden’s working out. I should leave it at that.”
“You can do what you want, but if you want to find out more about Hayden, call Janice. She’s a straight shooter.”
“I guess.”
He insisted on helping Marianne clear the table and load the dishwasher. She cocked her head and he braced himself, anticipating her questions. “Have you been going out at all?” She sipped from her second glass of wine. “Trying to date?”
He laughed. “No. This is me you’re talking to.”
She glared at him. “You’re a gorgeous, sweet man who shouldn’t be alone. You don’t have to be.”
“I’m sensing this is leading up to something.” He shut the dishwasher door. “What’ve you done?”
Trevor chuckled. “Busted, babe. I told you Armi would see right through you.”
Her lips twitched. “Whatever. There’s a guy in my firm—he’s so nice. Into the arts and theater. Good-looking and funny.”
“Yeah? Everything I’m not.”
She punched his arm. “Stop that. He’s interested in meeting you.”
His heart beat faster. “Yeah? I don’t know…I’m not good at dating.”
Her hand touched his. “Try it. It’s only a first date. Meet him for coffee or a drink. I gave him your number, and he said he’d call you.”
He forced a smile. “Sure. Why not?”
**
“I didn’t think you’d call so soon.” Sunday afternoon, Armi sat across from Brent Taylor at a small bistro on Second Avenue. “Marianne just told me last night that she gave you my number.”
Brent was exactly as described. A touch over six feet, with a lean runner’s body and warm brown eyes. They’d shaken hands upon meeting, and his grasp was firm and strong. Maybe Brent could make him forget hot green eyes, wicked lips, and messy blond hair that had invaded his dreams for weeks.
“I figured why wait? If we both had no plans, it would be a nice time to meet.”
Armi took a sip of his cappuccino. “So you work with Marianne?”
“Yes, I’m in the real estate division of our firm. But I don’t want to talk about her. Tell me about you. Marianne said you’re the owner of the Kings? That must be exciting. Football is the only sport I watch.”
“I guess it would surprise you then that I’m not that into sports, even football. But after my father died, it all came to me, so I’m trying to rise to the occasion.”
Brent’s eyes turned soft. “I’m sorry about your father. That can’t have been easy—losing him and having to step right into his shoes and hit the ground running.”
It wouldn’t be right to say losing his father didn’t have much of an impact on his life, so he shrugged. “It’s been a learning curve. But I’m lucky to have a PA who helps me every step of the way and other great people on staff. We’ll work it out.”
“A good PA is worth their weight in gold. I’d be lost without mine.”
A flash of heat hit Armi, thinking of Hayden pounding into him, kissing him, swallowing him whole… He coughed. “Oh, yeah. Hayden’s been a lifesaver.”
“And Marianne told me about your green thumb.”
Brent was saying all the right things to get him to talk. He wished he felt that spark, like he had with Hayden, that made him want to rip his clothes off and get naked.
“I have a greenhouse in my home. It’s where I go after work to decompress.”
“I don’t blame you. I’ve heard they’re very beautiful. I’d love to see them one day.”
Armi guessed this was dating. Not a pickup in a bar like he had with Hayden, where they knew the end result would be hot, wet kisses and orgasms that wrecked him. But Marianne was right. Brent was a nice guy. He didn’t make Armi feel awkward and seemed to listen when he talked. “I don’t live too far. Would you like to come by now?”
Brent’s smile was his answer, and he raised a hand to call the server over. “Check, please.”
His house was right around the corner, and he brought Brent to the greenhouse. “These are the bushes I’m working on now.” He explained his process, and Brent listened and asked questions.
“You have an incredible setup, Armi. The roses are beautiful.”
“Thanks.”
Turning serious, Brent closed the space between them. “You’re pretty incredible too.” His hand circled Armi’s nape and drew him close. “Can I kiss you?”
Armi nodded, and Brent’s mouth covered his. His lips were warm and firm, and Armi tried. The kiss was…nice. He held on to Brent and made encouraging noises. Brent brushed their lips together one last time.
“That was amazing. You’re so sweet.”
“You are too.”
“I have an early day tomorrow, but I’d love to see you again.”
“I’d like that too.”
Brent’s eyes brightened. “I’ll call you. Maybe we can grab lunch during the week.”
“That’d be great.”
He walked Brent out, accepted another brief kiss, and watched until he turned the corner. Sighing, he closed the door and touched his lips. Brent was the perfect gentleman—no pushing his tongue inside Armi’s mouth, no teasing touches or licking his ear.
Armi shivered and rubbed his face. Dammit . He had to stop thinking about Hayden. He’d made it crystal clear that there could never be anything between them. Maybe if he and Brent started dating, he’d forget Hayden. He didn’t want to, but he had to. Armi went to take a shower and get ready for Monday morning.
**
Blond hair gleaming under the overhead lights, Hayden sat at his desk. Fresh roses filled the vase on his desk—pink again. His smile reached across the distance. “Good morning.”
“Hi.”
“I’ll have your coffee in a minute. There are several inquiries from magazines and newspapers asking for interviews. I sorted them and put them in order of exposure for the team. Plus, Out in Sports is looking for an exclusive about being an out gay man as the owner of a football team. I think that could be very good for your image and for the team.” The phone rang on his desk, and Hayden reached for it.
“I agree.”
Inside his office, the roses were now a striking coral. He bent to sniff their spicy-sweet perfume. “Fragrant Cloud,” he murmured to himself.
“That’s what the florist told me,” Hayden said from behind him. “Do you like them?”
“They’re beautiful. And they last. Perfect for an arrangement. Thank you, Hayden. It lifts my mood to come in and see all the roses.”
“Not a problem. Now, Martin Price is waiting on Line One.”
Armi tensed. “I-I don’t want to speak to him.”
“Good. I don’t think you should.” Hayden’s eyes twinkled. “I just like keeping him on hold, hoping.”
Armi laughed. “You’re terrible.”
Hayden winked and left. A few minutes later, the light disappeared on his phone. In a better mood, he read through the interview requests, marking the ones that would give his message the most visibility and put Out in Sports at the top of the list. Hayden was right—he should use his position to promote normalizing queerness in sports.
He picked up the phone. “Hayden, please call back Steve Fontana from Out in Sports . You can schedule the best time to meet.”
“You’re booked pretty solid this week, but I’ll find the first available. How about the others?”
“I looked them over. I’ll send you the list.”
“All right. Don’t forget the meeting at ten thirty to go over the scouting reports from the weekend.”
Having spent the rest of his night with his roses, Armi wondered if what he was doing here mattered at all. He propped his chin in his hand and sighed. “Maybe I should just do what everyone expects and take my share and let Russell run the show. What do I really know about any of this? I don’t even know what all the positions on the team are yet.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Armi. Positive thinking. You’re doing great.”
Compliments never sat well with him, mostly because he didn’t believe them, but hearing them from Hayden had the desired effect of strengthening his resolve.
“Thanks, Hayden.”
Feeling more confident, he picked up his iPad and carefully read through all the scouting reports, making notes as he went. With his attention on the screen, he reached for his coffee and took a sip. Some of the hot liquid missed his mouth, dribbled down his chin, and dripped on his shirt.
“Goddammit,” he yelled, and his door bounced open.
“What’s wrong?” Hayden scanned him, his gaze lighting on the collar of his shirt. A grin kicked up the corner of his mouth. “Oh. Well, it’s your lucky day because I have a stain remover pen that’ll fix that up right away. And you should bring in a wardrobe change to keep here. I’ll be right back.”
He disappeared for a moment and returned with the stain remover. “Here.” Hayden uncapped the pen, and Armi took it. He tipped his chin up. “I can’t see it. Am I there?”
Hayden’s fingers brushed his aside. “Let me do it.”
Having Hayden this close was disconcerting. Dangerous. The smell of his light cologne left Armi reeling and breathless. Hayden’s body heat surrounded him, and Armi’s eyes fluttered closed as Hayden worked on his shirt.
“All done,” Hayden murmured, and Armi drew air deep in his lungs to steady himself. “Good as new.”
“Th-thanks.”
They stood, staring at each other, Armi damning himself for lacking the courage to press his lips to Hayden’s.
For the first time, Hayden looked hesitant and uncertain. “I’d, uh, better get to work.” But he made no move to leave, his green eyes glittering.
“Yeah. And I have my meeting.” Armi licked his lips, and Hayden’s nostrils flared.
“Don’t want to be late.”
Every cell in his body yearned for Hayden, but he nodded. “I’ll see you later.”
Hayden stepped aside to let him pass.
Armi stopped at the door. “Uh, do you want to have lunch with me?” At Hayden’s raised brows, he rushed to explain. “We could go over what happened at the meeting and…” Realizing that meant having Hayden work through his lunch hour, Armi corrected himself. “Never mind. We’ll do it after lunch.”
He walked away, wishing things could be different.