If the world had been a different place, maybe it could’ve been him sitting across a table, sharing lunch and a drink. He stabbed his fork into his salad.
“Hayden? Where’s Armand?” Russell gazed down at him.
“Out to lunch. May I help you with something?” He put on his most pleasant smile.
“Out to lunch? With whom?” Perplexed, Russell frowned.
“A friend.” Despite his annoyance with Brent the Beautiful, Hayden wasn’t about to give Russell any info. “What can I do for you?”
“I wanted to talk to him about the response to Martin Price fromCity News.”
“I can help you with that. Mr. Winters and I worked on it together.”
His brows drew together. “Over the weekend?”
Thank God he’d learned to perfect a face that revealed nothing but bland indifference. “Yes. I’m his personal assistant. Whenever he needs me, I’m available. The hatchet job Price did on him deserved a quick and decisive response. I told Mr. Winters it would best to get in front of it by putting out a statement this morning that disputed the incorrect information Price was attempting to peddle.”
Russell’s laughter boomed. “Are you sure you weren’t a politician at one point?”
“Never.” But he knew how the world worked.
Russell’s gaze turned thoughtful. “What did you say to Martin when he called this morning?”
Instantly on alert, Hayden kept that neutral facade in place. “Why would you think he called?”
Unless you knew.
But Russell wasn’t a newcomer at this game either. “I’ve known Martin Price for years. I know how he operates.”
“Well, I told him that Mr. Winters was tied up in meetings for the rest of the day and couldn’t talk to him. And between us, I’m screening Mr. Winters’s calls. If someone deliberately sets out to be hurtful, they don’t deserve to benefit from it. As far as I’m concerned, Martin Price should bepersona non gratahere.”
“The guard dog has a bark and a bite, I see.” Amusement gleamed in Russell’s eyes.
“I won’t allow anyone to harm Mr. Winters. And I thought Price had a good relationship with Randolph Winters.”
“They did. But Armand isn’t Randolph, and Martin knows it. He’s trying to make sports editor ofCity News,and he figured an exposé would bump it.”
“Is that why he did it? To hurt Mr. Winters? Why would he try and take down the Kings by making people believe the team isn’t going in the right direction?” Hayden widened his eyes. “I would’ve thought you’d be livid over how bad he made Mr. Winters look.”
“I am. I planned to call him up and let him know how unhappy the Kings are—”
“But we beat you to it.” Hayden cast his eyes to the floor, playing the part. “You’re not mad, are you, Mr. Anders, that I helped Mr. Winters with his response? He was very upset. I didn’t think it should wait.”
Russell put a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry, Hayden. We both want what’s best for Armand.” He gave him a hard squeeze and left.
“I know I do. I’m not so sure about you,” he muttered to himself.
It was almost two by the time Armi returned from lunch. Brent, flushed and gazing at Armi as if he hung the moon, released Armi’s hand. “I had a great time. I hope we can do it again soon.” Without asking, he lifted a rose from the vase on Hayden’s desk and presented it to Armi. “Next time it’ll be a whole bouquet, but this’ll have to do.”
What a fucking sap. Who would fall for cheesy crap like that?
Apparently Armi, as his blue eyes glowed like twin sapphires. Hayden noticed a spot on Armi’s tie but decided against pointing it out while he and Brent made goo-goo eyes at each other.
“Mr. Winters, you have a conference call at three with the head of United Sports Network.” Hayden arched a brow, and Armi turned to Brent.
“Sorry. I need to prep for it. I told you, that’s why I couldn’t have that drink.”
Brent captured his hand and lifted it to his lips. “We’ll have to make up for it at dinner one night. I’ll call you.” He directed a blinding smile at Hayden. “Bye, Hayden. Don’t let this guy work too hard.”
