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 heardabout 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.”
