Without thinking, Hayden strode to the table. “Mr. Winters?”
Armi’s head shot up. “Hayden? Wh-what’re you doing here?” Those big blue eyes were slightly glazed, and a flush stained his cheeks. Russell frowned and removed his hand. Hayden’s stomach unclenched.
“How much have you had to drink?”
“Just a couple,” Armi mumbled. “The guys ordered.”
“Maybe you should get something to eat? You have that interview tomorrow, and we still haven’t gone over the notes.”
“Are you his PA or his mommy? Let the guy have some fun.” Whitmore sneered. “We’re celebrating a big signing.”
“Who’d you sign?” Ignoring the others, Hayden directed his attention to Armi.
“Darrell Hopkins. The number two rusher in the league last year. And we have our sights on an All-Pro defensive tackle. We’ll know more soon.”
Hayden eyed him. “You’re enjoying it.”
“Of course he is,” Russell insisted, answering for him. “It’s a huge win for the team. See, Armand? I told you the right way to do it. The big names are going to bring us a Super Bowl win.”
But Hayden wasn’t concerned with Russell’s take. Armi smiled up at him. A little crooked and way too endearing. He shouldn’t like how much it meant to him. “I kind of am. I like the negotiations. It’s all good.”
Glittering blue eyes drew him in, and Hayden’s heart kicked up a notch, but if Armi didn’t want him here, there was nothing left for him to do. “I’m glad. Well, I’ll leave you, then. Have a good night. See you in the morning.”
He nodded to the others and left, only to hear his name called as he reached the corner. “Hayden. Hayden, wait.”
He stopped and turned to see Armi running after him. “What’s wrong? Did you forget to tell me something you needed for tomorrow?”
A bit out of breath, Armi put up a finger, and Hayden waited. “Sorry.” He rubbed his face.
“What’re you apologizing for?” Armi needed to get out of that habit.
“I-I felt like you came for a specific reason, and I didn’t appreciate it.” That same sweet smile made another appearance. “I might’ve had a tiny bit too much to drink. That was stupid of me.”
Was this man for real? He’d never had a boss talk to him like this. “Don’t say that. You were celebrating. And it’s okay. I’m fine. You can go back to the others, just try not to get drunk and wind up with a hangover. I’ll see you in the morning, and we can work on the interview questions then.”
“Wait. Can’t we…can we do it now? I, uh, I think I’ve had enough.” Armi hiccupped and swayed, his face earnest and hopeful before he glanced at his watch. “Oh, shit. I’m sorry. It’s late. Go home, have dinner, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Dammit. Armi looked like he’d lost his puppy.
“It’s no problem if you want to do it now. I’m here for whenever you need me.” He didn’t miss the flush over Armi’s face.
“I-I don’t want to make you work overtime. It’s not fair.”
Hayden grinned. “I did say at my interview that I’ll go the extra mile. It’s what makes me special. I can meet you at the office and—”
“No,” Armi stated with emphasis. “If I’m making you work overtime, I’m giving you dinner. We’ll do it at my place. It’s more comfortable there.”
Once again, Armi managed to surprise him. He’d never been invited to Boris’s home, except to pick up his mail when he was away. Now it was the second time Armi was having him to his house. Hayden became flustered. “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. I’ll get a car, and you can decide what you want to eat. We’ll order when we get home.”
Home.
Hayden allowed himself a brief moment to imagine what living in that beautiful town house would be like, but chased the thought from his mind. Pure silliness. Armi was being…Armi. Kind and considerate. Of course he’d treat him properly. Haydenhad to stop thinking of him naked. That thick cock, heavy and delicious. Strong hands gripping his hair as Armi thrust in and out of his mouth. God, he could almost smell him.
Shit.
Hayden rubbed a hand over his face. He needed to get laid—the upcoming weekend for sure. It had been too long, and losing himself in some hot, meaningless sex would do the trick. It would certainly stop him from thinking about Armi. He deserved to treat himself after a long week.
