“Go Kings,” Brent murmured. “And us. Let’s celebrate.” He leaned in and covered Armi’s mouth with his. Again, Armi waited for that hot, overwhelming passion to sweep him away like it had with Hayden.
“You’re so sweet,” Brent breathed, his face flushed. “I can’t stop wanting to kiss you.”
Armi allowed him to push his tongue into his mouth, but at Brent’s hands, first on his hips, then to the button fly of his slacks, he stopped him. “I’m sorry. I don’t have sex so quickly. I hope you understand.”
Chest heaving, Brent shook his head. “Honestly, I don’t. Kissing on the couch is for kids, and we’re not kids anymore. I thought we were hitting it off. This is the next step.”
“Not for me. I don’t get physical with people I barely know, even if they do buy me dinner.” Heart hammering, Armi got to his feet. This was why he didn’t date. Being in a position like this made him feel like he should say yes even though no was the right answer for him. “It’s how I feel.”
Brent’s scowl turned his handsome face ugly. “Are you screwing your assistant? The blond?”
Shocked, Armi stared at him mutely, his body growing cold.
“Hey, he’s hot as fuck, and the way he glared at me when I kissed you, if you’re not getting any, you could be.”
“You…you’re ridiculous. Hayden works for me.” But Armi couldn’t help the thrill at hearing Hayden might have been annoyed over seeing Brent kiss him. Was it possible he was jealous? Not that it mattered. They’d agreed to be professional.
Brent rolled his eyes. “Please. Lots of PAs are into it. They like to keep their bosses happy, and they think it’s a way up the corporate ladder.” A lazy smile tipped up the corner of his lips. “For us, it’s a way to let off some steam at the end of a stressful day. If we both want it and it’s not on company time, no harm no foul, you know?”
“So you’ve…” He left the sentence open-ended, and at Brent’s shrug, his decision was easy. “I-I—this is a ridiculous conversation. I’m going home.” Armi walked away, and Brent followed him to the door.
“Marianne said you were quiet and not into the party scene, but I didn’t think that meant at home. It’s okay to let loose, you know. Sex is a natural part of life.”
“I’m aware. Thanks for dinner, Brent.”
Once out on the sidewalk, Armi wiped the tears of frustration burning his eyes. Time to go home and spend time with his roses. They were the only thing left that brought him joy. Brent lived less than a mile away, and Armi decided to walk home, enjoy the nice weather, and hoped it chased away the disappointment at how the date ended. He checked his messages and found one from Trevor.
You don’t even give your best friend the scoop on signing Masterson?
Shit. How had Brent already spread the news? It was less than half an hour since he’d left his apartment. He’d told him not to say anything.
Nothing’s signed yet. I mentioned it to Brent and told him to keep it quiet. How did you hear?
Afraid that ship has sailed. I’m friends with a couple of guys from his firm, and we’re in a fantasy football league. He posted it in our group chat.
Shit. What the hell was he supposed to do?
When he reached home, he undressed and went to the greenhouse to forget about Brent and their date. A new graft he was working on didn’t take, and he had no idea how to proceed. Sort of like his life—on the surface all looked well, but if you dug a bit deeper and peeled back the layers, it was rotting away and he was stuck, spinning his wheels.
Frustrated, he pulled off his gloves and left the warm confines of the greenhouse for the cool, air-conditioned kitchen. He pulled out a beer but only drank a bit. Was Brent’s gossipinggoing to kill the signing? But it was all his fault. Why was he so stupid? He should never have said anything. He barely knew the man. He should never have gone on the date. He’d screwed that up too, like everything else.
He picked up his phone, and after debating a moment, sent Hayden a text.
Sorry to bother you, but I think I messed up badly.
Immediately, Hayden responded.
What’s wrong?
About to type up the story, he stopped. Hayden couldn’t help him. He needed to talk to Russell.
Never mind. It’ll be fine. See you tomorrow.
But Hayden wouldn’t be put off.
Please tell me and let me help you.
You can’t. It’ll be fine.
