“What did he do? Mr. Winters, do you care to let us in on your secret?”
Armi stepped forward. “Well, I took the old adage ‘Say it with flowers’ and turned it up a notch.”
Hayden snickered and nodded to himself. Armi was learning.
Russell leaned in. “We’re making sure Milo has whatever he needs to be happy here.” His gaze searched the crowd, and a hand shot up.
“Jack West fromTeam Rainbow. This question is for Mr. Winters. Have you received any negative feedback from being an out gay owner of a football team, and to follow up, do you think being a gay owner of a football team is going to hurt or help the Kings?”
“Asshole,” Hayden swore. “What the fuck does that have to do with the signing?” His eyes narrowed as Russell spoke.
“I don’t think this is the appropriate venue for a question like that.”
But the reporter wasn’t about to give up. “I’d like to hear that from Mr. Winters.”
All eyes shifted to Armi, and Hayden could see how overwhelmed Armi was. He hated all the attention on him, and Hayden ached that he could do nothing to help.
“I-I don’t mind answering, but this is a press conference for Milo Masterson and the great addition he’ll make to the Kings.” He paused, and Hayden willed him to meet his eyes from across the room. Hoping to get Armi’s attention, he coughed, and their gazes locked. Hayden smiled and nodded.
“You can do it,” he whispered. “You’ve got this.”
As if he’d heard Hayden, Armi straightened his shoulders and lifted his chin. Goddamn, he was so proud of him.
“In the coming weeks, I’ll be speaking more about it, but for now all I can say is I’m not the one playing, and you should be thankful for that.” A few chuckles went around the room. “The team is only as good as the sum of its players and the respect they have for the coaching staff. I’m merely the conduit to get the Kings the best roster of players to achieve our goal. My personal life should have zero impact on the team’s efforts on the field. That’s all. Thank you.”
“Next question for Milo?”
“Dixon Beyard,USPN. Milo, how do you feel about what Armand Winters just said? Do you think it will have any impact on the team?”
“Listen. I’m just here to play ball, not get involved in any political statement. What the owner just stated sounds good to me. I’m gonna give a thousand percent to the team and the fans so we can bring back a Super Bowl win to New York. I wanna have a parade down Broadway, and I’m gonna do my damnedest to make sure we get it.”
“That’s all for today, everyone.” Russell took the microphone as Milo left the staging area with his agent. Hayden kept an eye on Armi, who shook Milo’s hand and then slipped away. “Thanks for coming, and we’ll see you for the first home game in September.”
With the crowd dispersed, Hayden took off after Armi, knowing the introvert in him had been through enough for the day. But still, this called for a celebration. Upon his return to his desk, Armi stood waiting.
“Take the rest of the day off, Hayden. You deserve it. Everything you did today to help me worked out perfectly. Thank you.”
God, he was so fucking sweet and sincere. “I’m good. I don’t want the day off.” He laughed and rubbed his chin. “I wouldn’t know what to do with myself. Besides, I’m expecting a call back from the guy fromOut in Sportsfor that interview.”
“Then let me take you to dinner, at least. I want you to know how much I appreciate you.”
“You don’t have to.” He could picture them together. A small table. Candlelight. Intimate conversation.Dammit. He wanted it. Yearned for it.
“I know,” Armi said with an almost cocky grin. “But I’m the boss. And I insist. I’ll let you know when and where.”
He blinked, that teasing side of Armi wholly unexpected but so enticing.
“Uh, okay, thank you.”
All laughter aside, Armi put a hand on his shoulder. “I owe you, Hayden. Masterson loved the rosebushes for his wife. That personal touch sealed the deal.”
“I’m happy if you’re happy.” The phone rang, but Armi’s hand still rested on his shoulder. “I’d better get that.” He reached over and took the phone. “Mr. Winters’s office. How may I help you?”
“This is Steve Fontana withOut in Sports. I think I spoke with you last week?”
“Yes, Mr. Fontana. I’m Mr. Winters’s assistant, Hayden. We were waiting for a call to schedule your interview.”
“Yes, I’m sorry. Things got out of control here for a few days. I’d hoped to come do the interview myself, but that won’t be possible now, so I’m going to send my second, Shane Daniels, in my stead. I hope that’s okay.”
