“I will?”
“Randolph and I would often take trips to check on scouts’ picks. I think it would be good for you.”
Maybe a change of scenery would be best. It would take away the temptation of wanting Hayden so badly, he might do something stupid. Like show up at his apartment.
“Fine.”
“Good. I’ll make the arrangements.”
Armi checked his watch. “I have a meeting withOut in Sportsin less than five minutes. I have to go. Thanks, everyone.”
Hating that he didn’t have much prep time, Armi hustled to his office but stopped dead. A tall man stood over Hayden’s desk but it was Hayden’s face that concerned him. He was as pale and stiff as a store mannequin. Armi quickened his steps.
“Everything all right?” He passed by the man to stand next to Hayden, who didn’t move. The stranger met his gaze.
“Mr. Winters? I’m Shane Daniels fromOut in Sports. Nice to meet you.”
“Y-yes, you too. Would you excuse us a moment? Have a seat in my office, please. I’ll be right in.” He pointed Daniels to a chair at the conference table and closed the door behind him. “Hayden, what’s wrong? You look sick. Are you okay?”
Hayden wet his lips. “I’m fine.”
“Did that man say anything to you?”
“Daniels?” Hayden’s jaw worked. “No. Nothing. We barely spoke.”
But for the first time, Hayden couldn’t meet his eyes, and Armi was certain he wasn’t telling the truth.
“Did he say anything inappropriate? I won’t talk to him if he did.”
“No. He didn’t do anything. Forget about it, please? You’d better go inside.”
“Are you sure?” He wanted so badly to touch Hayden’s face and soothe his obvious fear, but they were out in the open, so he curled his fingers into his palms.
“Yeah. I’m gonna go to lunch. Is that all right?”
He’d wanted Hayden to sit in with him, but instinct told him that wouldn’t be a good idea. “Of course. Go ahead.”
Hayden took his phone and strode away but turned and retraced his steps. “I’m sorry. Do you want me to sit in?”
“No. It’s fine. You’ve been all alone here at the desk the whole morning, and you deserve a break.”
“I’m sorry,” Hayden whispered and left.
Armi stood outside his door for a second, then opened it. Shane Daniels was on his phone and looked up when Armi entered. “Hello again.”
“Sorry to keep you waiting. Please feel free to have something to eat.” He’d called in for sandwiches and salads.
“Your assistant won’t be joining us?” Daniels asked as he filled a plate.
Armi took the seat opposite Daniels at the table. He was a big man, well-muscled and broad in the shoulders, in his early fifties. Thick blond hair turning silver at the temples. A strong nose accompanied an angular jaw and thin lips. Harsh lines scored his face. A hint of a hard life played in his pale-blue eyes.
“No. Hayden’s at lunch. So, what would you like to talk about?”
Daniels finished chewing and steepled his fingers under his chin. “How did you meet Hayden?”
Armi’s eyes narrowed. “What does that have to do with the interview?”
Daniels waited a few beats. “Nothing. You’re correct. Let’s start. How has it been, as the only out gay owner of a professional football team? Do you feel people treat you differently?”
