“Not a problem. Don’t forget, lunch today with theOut in Sportsguy, Shane Daniels. I sent you the questions I think he’ll ask, as well as points you’ll probably want to get across.”
“I seem to be constantly thanking you.”
Hayden gave him a brief smile. It hurt.
“You don’t have to. Like I said, it’s my job.”
And said job kept him busy as hell, answering calls from news outlets and coordinating with PR for press releases. With the signing of Hopkins and Masterson, Armi had become something of a media darling. His star, which only a week ago had been sputtering, now was on the rise and burning bright.
When the phones quieted, Hayden gulped his now-cold cappuccino and made a face.
“Hayden?”
Cold washed through him, and he froze. Twenty years had passed since he’d last heard that voice, and he’d hoped he’d never have to hear it again.
Today, his luck had run out.
“It is you. I’d recognize that gorgeous face anywhere.”
It couldn’t be. It couldn’t fucking be him.
Hayden raised his gaze to meet the knowing smirk of Shane Michaels, a.k.a. Shane Daniels. The man who’d seen him naked and having sex. The man who held all his secrets.
Chapter Eighteen
Could this meeting go on any longer? Armi tried to concentrate, and for the most part he was able to keep up. The first hour had been the team congratulating themselves on the signings and Coach Jackson laying out the groundwork for the team’s upcoming season. They faced a tough first half, but with the addition of the two new players, their chances to make the playoffs were better than ever, barring any injuries.
Russell brought up the next slide of the scouting report. “Jason, you want to give us the rundown?”
“Sure thing. Division I schools, we have eyes on several kids.”
The stats were overwhelming, and his mind wandered to the weekend and the dinner with Hayden. He hoped it hadn’t backfired on him. Bringing Hayden to one of the best restaurants in the world was meant to show him appreciation for everything he’d done. He’d stepped into the job as seamlessly as if he’d been there longer than Armi.
But was it too much? Did it showcase the differences between them and make him feel less than? Armi’s lips tingled as he recalled the kiss in the back of the car. God, he could still feelthe rush of heat searing through him. More than anything, he wished he’d had the nerve to follow Hayden to his apartment and make love to him.
He rubbed his eyes. Make love? Where hadthatcome from?
“Armand? Armand, are you listening?” Russell’s voice broke into his reminiscing.
“Sorry. I-I—”
“Never mind. What do you think?” Russell knew he hadn’t been paying attention, but Armi had read the notes Hayden had sent.
“I think we need to think of the future, and with our quarterback approaching thirty-five, it’s good we’re looking at that position. Plus, I’d like to beef up our special teams.” Eight sets of eyes stared at him. “What? Is something wrong?”
With a smile on his lips, Coach Jackson nodded. “Damn good thoughts, Armand. I was telling Russell that your father’s one weakness was not paying enough attention to special teams.”
Obviously, Coach Jackson hadn’t ever had the pleasure of being berated by Randolph Winters, who enjoyed finding faults and pointing out inadequacies. That was saved for his only child.
“How about our Division III players and the other schools? Any kids you’ve spotted with potential?”
One of the scouts raised his hand. “I’ve been covering the Southern schools for the past few weeks, and from what I’ve seen, there are some diamonds in the rough.”
“Seniors?” Russell asked. “Any other teams show interest?”
“Both seniors. And no other teams that I’ve seen, but you never know. Not like we’re broadcasting doing this. One’s in Georgia and the other in Alabama. My suggestion is for someone else to go see them practice and play this coming weekend for a second look.”
Russell tapped some notes on his tablet. “I’ll go. Armand will come with me.”
