At seven thirty Armi texted him.
I’m downstairs.
He gave one final glance in his mirror and laughed at himself. Hadn’t he already told the salesperson he wasn’t going on a date? Shaking his head at his foolishness, he left the apartment.
Armi opened the car door for him.
“You look nice.” Armi gazed at him, and Hayden couldn’t help his own lingering gaze. Armi had tamed his tumbling waves, and his freshly shaven face glowed. He smelled delicious.
“So do you.”
Traffic wasn’t a complete snarl, and they made it downtown in less than twenty minutes. The restaurant was as hushed and beautiful as Hayden had imagined. They were seated at a corner table, a small floral bouquet in the center of the snow-white tablecloth. A few moments after they were seated, a waiter approached with a bucket and a bottle of champagne. Hayden spied the label—Dom Pérignon—and then the cork popped.
The most magical evening of his life began.
And when dinner was over—a never-ending tasting menu of fish and seafood—Hayden floated on the rarefied air of incredible food, atmosphere, and conversation. Armi talked about growing up on Long Island and discovering his love for plants. Hayden spoke of his dealing with being gay in a small town. He wished the night never had to end. They left, Armi’s hand in his, and walked to the car. It stopped in front of his apartment, and he wished nothing more than to invite Armi upstairs, but as wonderful as their dinner had been, taking that next step was a bad idea.
“This was so unexpected and amazing. Thank you doesn’t seem like enough.”
Armi’s eyes sparkled. “I had a great time too. I wanted you to know how much I appreciate everything you do for me.”
Maybe he was a little drunk from the bubbles. That was his excuse, and he was sticking with it. He closed the gap between them and settled his mouth over Armi’s. The sweetness of their dessert couldn’t match the delicious taste of Armi’s tongue, and Hayden sucked it until spots flashed and his vision spun. Armisighed and shifted closer. With regret, Hayden pulled away, and Armi gazed at him with hazy eyes.
“Thank you for the best night of my life,” Hayden whispered, then fled before he did something stupid, like grab Armi’s hand and pull him upstairs to his bed.
**
“Shit.”
Monday morning. Another rough night, blaming himself for past mistakes and stupidity. Hopefully a shower would clear the cobwebs from his brain.
He’d spent the entire day Sunday in his apartment, preparing for the week ahead, but it was tough going. All he wanted to do was relive the evening with Armi.
And that kiss.
What was it about Armi that turned him inside out? Armi wasn’t his usual type—partying guys who knew better than to think sex meant anything more than a good time.
Who was he kidding?
Armi’s innocence and vulnerability were huge turn-ons. Not to mention his gorgeous face and body. Watching his self-confidence grow was hot as hell, but Hayden still had the urge to protect him whenever that inner circle surrounded him like sharks scenting blood in the water. He’d never had a man overwhelm his senses to the point where the thought of him kissing or being touched by someone else made him want to punch a wall.
Hence, his isolation and sleepless nights. It would take some time to learn how to calm his exterior, because forgetting a man like Armi Winters didn’t happen overnight. Maybe ever.
The fresh bouquet had arrived for Armi’s office, and that week the roses were John F. Kennedy, which boasted rich white petals. Hayden made sure to fill the vase and arrange them properly. For his own desk, he decided on bright yellow—God knew he’d need something to cheer him up.
He finished his first coffee and set out Armi’s cherry turnover. It had taken him three pastry shops to find Armi’s favorite.
“Those are beautiful, thank you.”
Armi stood waiting in the doorway, and Hayden’s cheeks grew warm. Christ, he never blushed. What the hell was up with that? He cleared his throat.
“You’re welcome. If you tell me what else you like, I can make sure to have it for you.”
Armi set his Kings duffel bag on the table. “I’ll like anything you give me.”
Hayden blinked, the double entendre not lost on him. He didn’t banter back but hurried from the room. “Okay, so maybe bagels tomorrow. You’d better get ready for the weekend scouting report. I summarized the notes, sent them to your email, and printed them out.”
“Thanks, Hayden.”
