Hayden took the straight-backed chair and sat. The contrast was laughable between this man, beautifully dressed in a conservative suit and tie, almost prim in his appearance, and the wild-eyed, passionate man with the wicked mouth and teasing tongue. Armi grew weak, recalling all the tattoos against his skin, now hidden under his clothes. Hayden opened a leather portfolio and handed him a copy of his résumé.
“I know you’re extremely busy and this interview was on short notice, so you might not have had the chance to review my qualifications.”
Armi took it and scanned the page. “Impressive. I know of Kunoff Shipping. I’ve seen their barges.”
“I made sure everything Boris—Mr. Kunoff—needed was always in place. I pride myself on being a step ahead so you never fall behind.”
“That would be a switch,” Armi said, his smile wry. “I’m never caught up.”
“I can help with that.” Hayden leaned forward, his body language eager and willing. “I’d have your calendar set for the week and make sure you’re always up-to-date on what you needto know for your meetings. I may not know the ins and outs of football, but I’m a quick learner.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not so knowledgeable myself,” Armi admitted. “We can learn together.” Aware that might sound intimate, he rushed to explain. “I mean, uh, I can do it, andyou—”
“Mr. Winters,” Hayden broke in quietly. “I think we need to get things out in the open and clear the air between us.” He chewed on his lip, suddenly vulnerable. “I know this might be embarrassing, but it doesn’t have to be.”
“No? I’m glad you think so.” Their eyes met briefly before he forced himself to look anywhere but at Hayden’s face. How could he sit with him day after day, knowing what he looked like naked?
Worst of all, wanting to see him like that again.
Obviously, Hayden wasn’t obsessing over him, and Armi listened to his argument.
“Mr. Winters, I can put aside how we first met and chalk it up to a strange New York experience. I’m sure you’re feeling as awkward as I am. But I know I can help you, and as a professional, I can assure you, our relationship would be strictly business.”
It was a silly fantasy to wish that Hayden had told him he wanted a repeat of what happened between them. It was surprising that Hayden remembered him at all.
“What would you expect your hours to be?”
Hayden brightened. “Whatever you want. In my old position, I would be in the office no later than seven thirty. Boris would arrive at nine, and I’d have everything set up for the day—his meetings, personal appointments, and so on. All documents would be ready for his signature with appropriatecopies, and I’d make sure he got to his evening appointments.” Hayden hesitated. “I don’t mind arranging lunch and dinner reservations, as well as your personal appointments, but I’m more than a glorified gofer. Yes, I’ll have your breakfast waiting for you, and lunch as well, but it goes beyond those simple tasks.”
A smile twitched up Armi’s lips. “I see you have strong opinions about that.”
Green eyes blazed fire through the fan of those dark eyelashes. Hayden set his jaw. “Yes, I do. I’m the best of the best, and I’m not modest.”
That arrogance was a fucking turn-on. Not that he needed an excuse to lust over Hayden.
“So I see.” Armi’s shoulders slumped. “I’m not exaggerating when I tell you I’m in over my head here. Way over. No one, least of all me, expected that I’d be sitting in this chair so quickly—or at all. Not a single person thinks I can do the job—one says he does, but I’m not sure. He was my father’s best friend.” Armi raised his gaze to meet Hayden’s. “I have no one completely on my side.”
“That would be me,” Hayden stated, his voice soft but urgent. “If I work for you, yes, I’m employed by the Kings, but you would be my main and only concern. I’d be on your side, in your corner. Whatever you need.”
Whatever I need?
“I-I don’t know.”
A vision of Hayden in mid-orgasm, eyelids fluttering, body twitching sprang to Armi’s mind, and he trembled. Apparently, Hayden could pick up on body language as well.
“You’re still thinking about what happened between us.”
Armi ran a shaky hand through his hair. “How can I not?”
“Because it’s in the past. It was a club hookup. It didn’t mean anything, so we can forget about it.”
With a sinking heart, Armi realized that what Hayden had said was true. For Hayden. He probably went to clubs and picked up guys all the time. A man as beautiful and sexual as Hayden could have his choice of lovers. Armi had made it easy for him that night. The truth was, Hayden might work for him, but he was way out of Armi’s league.
He forced a smile. “Yeah, sure. No big deal. Okay, well, let me call your references, and I’ll get back to you in a few days.”
Hayden nodded and stood. “Thank you. I think we could work well together.” His eyes twinkled. “I have an in with the best dry cleaners in town that can do wonders with lunch spills.”
Instinctively, his gaze shifted to his suit lapel and the remnants of his mustardy-pickle smeared into the fabric. Armi sighed. “It’s inevitable. No matter what I do, my breakfast, lunch, or dinner lands on me somewhere.”
