“You little devil,” she chuckled. “Why didn’t you tell me about you and Armand Winters?”
Damn. How the hell had she found out?
“What are you talking about?”
He should’ve known better than to try and play dumb with a smart as hell woman like Janice. “Don’t be coy. I saw you at dinner with an older couple. Daniel told me Armand had called for a table. Were they your parents?”
“Yes. They came for a visit.”
“So? What happened to your rule—no messing with the boss?”
His lips twitched up in a grin. “I guess rules are made to be broken.” The smile faded. “It’s not a joke, though. I-I’m really crazy about him,” he confessed. “I never intended for any of it to happen, but I’ve never felt this way about anyone. He’s the best person I’ve ever met.”
“Don’t sell yourself short, sweetheart. You’re pretty terrific yourself, and you deserve a break. I hope you’re happy.”
“I think I finally am. I’ll stop by soon, and we’ll talk.”
The delivery for the breakfast meeting arrived at eight, and he was directing the service people to the placement of the food and coffee stations when he spied Russell hobbling into the office.
“Fuck,” he muttered to himself. “What the hell is he doing here?” He made sure to keep a damper on his emotions and hurried across the space. “Mr. Anders. I didn’t know you were coming in today. How are you feeling?”
“Like crap, but if I stayed home any longer, I’d lose my mind.”
“Let me get you a chair, please.” Hayden pulled one over from a nearby desk and helped him lower himself into the seat. “Can I get you a coffee or something to eat? I was just having them set up for the breakfast.”
“Coffee and a bagel with cream cheese would be good.”
“Right away.” Hayden took his time, getting his head together in preparation for the verbal sparring. “Here you are, sir.” Anders took the plate and set it on the desk without taking a bite, but sipped the coffee.
“Armand took you on the scouting trip.”
“Yes, sir. I was able to take extensive notes that I sent to all the board members and Coach Jackson. I think both Tom and Mr. Winters were really happy with how the two players performed in their respective games.”
“Hmm.” Anders took a bite of his bagel, chewed, and swallowed. “What about you?”
Hayden blinked. “Excuse me, sir? What do you mean?”
Anders’s lips thinned, his eyes turning crafty. “Was Armand satisfied with your performance?”
Thankful for his nerves of steel, Hayden ignored the twist in his belly and stared down Anders. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t play dumb with me. I know.”
Hayden squared his shoulders, and despite his heart thumping wildly, he kept his cool. “I’m not sure what you think you know, but I don’t have time to stand around and play guessing games, so please excuse me.”
He returned to his desk. That conversation had so many hidden meanings. Did Anders know about him and Armi? Or was it something else…like his past? A man as rich and powerful as Russell Anders, someone used to getting whatever he wanted, wouldn’t be above bribery to have records unsealed. Thank God he’d told Armi the truth, but that didn’t mean he wanted the entire organization to know about his past.
“Dammit,” he swore.
“Is something wrong, Hayden?”
Armi’s mother stood in front of his desk, an inquisitive look on her face.
“Oh. Mrs. Winters, I’m sorry. No one called me to say you were on your way. Mr. Winters isn’t in yet.”
“I know.” She smiled at him. “I’m here to talk to you.”
His mouth dried. “Me? What about?”
