“Not a problem.”
He finished the open tasks on his computer, saved all the documents, and shut it down. Any information he’d need from the scouting reports had already been downloaded to his and Armi’s saved files. He decided to splurge on a cab, and once at home, tossed T-shirts and shorts into a carry-on. His travel toiletry bag was still intact from a work trip to Cancun the year before, and he tucked it inside the zippered pocket. On that trip, he’d slipped out after Boris had gone to sleep for the night and partied at the clubs in the hotel zone. He’d gotten no sleep, but it had been worth it.
Funny, but he had no desire to see what clubs were around the hotels where he and Armi would be staying. Armi hadn’t even told him what cities—Russell had made the reservations. It wasn’t a party trip. He was there for Armi.
As Armi had predicted, the traffic was nightmarish, and it took over an hour to get to Teterboro and on the team’s private jet. The flight to Alabama was quick and uneventful, and a car waited for them at the airport to take them to their hotel.
“Montgomery is a pretty city,” Hayden remarked, looking out the window.
“Good thing y’all got reservations. Coupla big conventions this weekend means there ain’t a room to be found from here to Mobile.”
“Yes, I’ve got the confirmation number right here.” Armi pulled it up on his phone as the car slid to a stop and dropped them off at the hotel. At the front desk, Hayden waited to the side while Armi checked in, but joined him when he saw them in a deep discussion.
“I’m sorry, sir, but that’s what the reservation says. One deluxe room with a king-sized bed. All our suites were booked by the convention.”
“But…but that’s impossible. There must be some mistake. Check again, please. Either under Russell Anders or Armand Winters.”
“Yes, sir.”
Hayden sidled closer. “What’s wrong?”
“They say Russell only reserved one room for the two of us. That can’t be true.”
Sure it can. Just like I suspected.
“Let them check. Maybe it’s under another name? Like the Brooklyn Kings?”
The clerk shook his head. “No. Nothing. Just that one room. And we’re completely sold out.”
“We heard it’s a busy weekend.”
The clerk’s face shone with sweat. “Yes. It’s a madhouse. I’m sorry, sir. If something pops up, I’ll let y’all know.” He paused. “Two keys, gentlemen?”
Armi nodded and took the envelope with the key card. “I’m sorry,” he said as they walked to the elevators. “We’ll work it out. Maybe there’s a pull-out sofa.”
But when they opened the door, there was only one king-sized bed with a club chair in the corner and a reading lamp hanging over it. Hayden shut the door behind him and wheeled his suitcase to the opposite side of the room.
“I’ll take the chair. I don’t mind.”
“No,” Armi stated with emphasis. “That’s not right. I will.”
“Armi, I can’t have you sleeping in a cramped chair.” Hayden eyed the bed. “There’s plenty of room, don’t worry. I’m sure we can keep our hands off each other.”
Cheeks an adorable shade of pink, Armi ducked his head. “Okay, but I really don’t mind the chair.”
“But I would mind.”
They unpacked, and he changed while Armi sat looking on his phone, although Hayden did catch him taking a couple of sneak peeks. “The reviews say that the hotel restaurant is pretty good. Unless you want to go out.”
“Maybe tomorrow night. It’s been a pretty hectic day. I could just go for a quiet night. A drink and a meal here sounds fine to me.”
“I agree. I’ll just change.” Armi picked up his shorts and T-shirt, standing awkwardly for a moment.
Hayden grinned and held up his hands. “I promise not to peek.”
Armi rolled his eyes. “I think that ship has sailed.” But he changed as quickly as he could. “Ready?”
“Yep.” Hayden followed him, and as they had to wait ten minutes for a table, they got a drink at the bar. “So tell me,” he asked Armi, “what are you looking for tomorrow?”
