“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 thelobby. “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. Armiwas 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.Youmatter.”
“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.
