Strong hands came down on his shoulders, holding him firmly. “What’s wrong?”
Hayden’s quiet voice broke the dam inside him. “Why am I bothering? I’m not who they want to lead the team. That’s obvious. I know they think I’m a failure.”
Instead of responding, Hayden began to knead the tight muscles of his neck, and a groan of pleasure slipped from his lips. The tension melted away, and he closed his eyes. For a moment, the pain of all his failings faded away.
“You don’t really think that, do you?” Hayden murmured. “I don’t.”
He turned his head and slanted a tiny grin at Hayden. “You have to say that. You work for me.”
But Hayden didn’t return his smile, remaining tight-lipped and grim. “I don’t have to say anything. You aren’t a failure, and it’s time you rise above this. You’re the owner. You’re in control. Of both the team and your actions.”
“Are we still talking about the Kings? Or something else?” He blinked and nibbled on his lip. Maybe their night together had awoken a sleeping giant. He’d never been an overly sexual person, but having Hayden so close left him weak with desire. His thoughts weren’t on the team, but on what happenedbetween them. He wanted to kiss Hayden. He wanted to be kissed in return. He dropped his gaze to the floor.
“Armi?” When their eyes met, Hayden was holding the box of condoms. “I found these in the bag with the chips.”
Oh, God.He’d forgotten to take them out and put them away. “Uh, it’s not what you think.”
“What am I thinking?”
Armi’s heart thundered.
“Uh, well, uh…” His face burned. “You know. That we were going to…” He licked his lips. “You know, have sex again.”
Armi waited for Hayden’s response. Wishing and hoping.
Chapter Thirteen
It would be so easy.
He could almost taste Armi’s kisses, and every cell in his body thrummed with need. All he’d have to do was give Armi the slightest sign that he was willing, and they’d be naked again.
“I don’t want you to be angry with me for saying no.”
Armi looked horrified. “Of course not. That would be wrong and illegal, and God, is that what you think?” He pushed his hands through his hair, and even though he was upset, all Hayden could think of was how adorable he was.
What the hell was wrong with him? When had his strict professionalism gone out the window? Why did this man, this awkward, sweet man, capture his attention and make him see a whole different side of life?
“No. I would never think that of you.”
“I don’t want you to compromise your integrity. You said you don’t sleep with your bosses. Last night was an aberration. I understand. I shouldn’t have pushed you.”
“You didn’t push me. At all. I was totally willing, and I consented.” The taut lines of his face softened. He wished Armicould explain it because he didn’t know what the hell was going on. “But we’re adults, and we can keep the business and personal between us separate. I take responsibility for what happened between us last night, but please don’t think for a second I have regrets.”
“I just don’t want you to end up hating me.”
“I don’t think anyone could ever hate you, Armi Winters.” He put a safe distance between them, otherwise he might reach out and touch Armi. Not a good idea. Because once he started, Hayden knew he wouldn’t be able to stop. “How about a sandwich?” He grinned, and Armi laughed.
“That’s a segue if there ever was one. Sex or turkey club?”
Hayden believed he knew the answer but had to ask. “You’re okay with me still working for you, right?”
An almost frightened expression crossed Armi’s face. “What? Are you kidding me? Of course I am. You don’t want to leave, do you? Please don’t.”
“No, of course not. I really do enjoy the job. And working for you. I’ve learned so much already in such a short period of time.” Relief spread through him. “I’m glad we can move past this. Now how about I get the sandwiches and beer?”
“Yeah, sure. We can eat in here. I’m not picky.”
In the kitchen, Hayden took a moment and braced his hands on the island. It was the right thing to do. The best for both of them. He couldn’t have an affair with Armi. The office was too small and gossipy, and it was incredibly unprofessional and clichéd…
