Love Letter for a Sinner (The Sinners sports romances) Read online

  Living a clean life, never doing drugs, Rex realized how very little he knew about situations like this. He summoned up the internet search engine and typed in Ruffies. A site intended for teens offered the simplest explanation as he truly did not need to know its chemical composition or the laws regarding Rohypnol in various countries. He’d always figured ruffied girls passed out and got used by guys with no more morals than a tomcat on the prowl. Glancing over at Tricia who kicked off her pumps while singing that prince song again, he read over the effects.

  Disinhibition. Check. Excitability or aggression. Check. Talkativeness. Definitely. Dizziness. Check. Drowsiness. Definitely not. Possible paranoia. Yes. Hallucinations. Can’t tell. Stomach disturbances. Not yet. Urinary retention. No idea. Amnesia. He certainly hoped so or she’d be really embarrassed in the morning.

  “Trish, do you need to use the bathroom for anything?” He turned her way.

  She’d peeled her dress down to her waist. Must have had one of those built-in bras because her breasts were naked as two boiled eggs—but a lot more attractive. They weren’t big and spectacular like Layla’s or pierced, thank heaven. Nice and normal, neither too large nor too small, just the right size as he’d figured at Café du Monde.

  He’d seen bare breasts at the strip clubs teammates dragged him to for celebrations, treating him to lap dances he didn’t want but felt churlish refusing. African women at the mission weren’t shy about being topless or nursing their babies in public, a natural act, not an erotic one his mother often said. Breasts were designed to nourish, not arouse. He felt a sudden need for nourishment, saliva pooling in his mouth. No, no, he couldn’t take advantage of a drugged person.

  “Rex, can I ask you a question?”

  He anticipated what she wanted to know. “Yeah, I’ve never slept with a woman.” He kept his eyes on her dilated blue ones and took a deep breath.

  “No, silly. Everyone knows that.” She stared at her breasts. “You think these are okay? Layla makes them feel inferior. She calls her girls Pride and Joy. Mine don’t have names.”

  He stole a quick look. “How about Pretty and Perky?”

  “You are so sweet! Want to touch them?”

  “I shouldn’t.”

  “It’s okay because I’m not.”

  “Not what?”

  “A virgin. Didn’t you ask me that? I bloomed late though. Never slept with a guy until I went to college. Thought I loved him. Thought he loved me—until I found him in bed with Layla. Layla has really big boobs. Men like that.”

  “Remember when you said some women weren’t all that impressed by fancy cars? They just want to get home safe and be treated with respect.”

  “Nope.” Tricia tweaked her pale brown nipples and watched them peak with great interest.

  Rex swallowed. “Well, not all guys are interested in breasts big enough to smother them in their sleep. Some men can see beyond the flesh to a loving heart. That’s what really counts.”

  “My mother has no breasts. Lost them both to cancer. She says it’s no big deal at her age. I’m afraid.”

  “Of losing yours?”

  “Of losing my mother.” Two tears formed in the pools of her deep blue eyes and wandered down Tricia’s face.

  “See, that’s what I mean by a loving heart.” He should go over there and comfort her, but if he sat on that bed, put his arms around her, held her close, those naked breasts pressing against his chest….

  Tricia yawned. “Maybe I am tired.”

  “Right. Lie down. Go to sleep.” Rex turned toward the computer again. How long did the effect of the drug last? Eight to twelve hours, up to thirty-six when mixed with alcohol. Dear God in heaven, help me through this night.

  “Rex, why don’t you ever shave?” Trish asked in a voice both curious and drowsy.

  “Okay. You told me a secret so I’ll tell you one. I have sensitive skin. My mom said I was a rashy infant. And when the facial hair is off, I have sort of a baby face. I need to look tough to play in the NFL.”

  “Oh, I think it’s sexy.”

  “That’s not one of the reasons I don’t shave often.”

  “Sure.” She blinked her eyes heavily.

  Go to sleep. Go to sleep. Go to sleep. Rex willed it. There, she finally rested. He gently lifted her limp wrist and took her pulse. Seemed normal. Carefully, very carefully, he drew her dress over her naked breasts, taking care not to touch. Whether they went back where they were supposed to go, he had no idea. Finding a spare blanket in the closet, he covered her tenderly. Smoothing Tricia’s long bangs aside, he enjoyed the silky slide of her hair beneath his fingers. The Bible was right about many things, and the temptation of a woman’s loose tresses was obviously one of them. A kiss on the forehead wouldn’t awaken her he hoped, but a kiss on the lips might. He leaned over Tricia.

  A phone rang deep inside of the large, black bag Trish often wore across her chest. He delved frantically into its depths and fished out the cell. Layla’s name showed on the I.D. Rex pressed the button and said quickly, “She’s asleep. I think she’ll be okay.”

  “Good, I guess. What I really wanted to know is if you are coming back to our party.”

  “No, thanks. I should watch her through the night.”

  “Oh, for Christ’s sake!”

  “Exactly.” He disconnected and turned off the phone. A moment later, the room phone sounded. Before Layla could say a word, he depressed the button and left the receiver off the hook. Surely watched over by an angel tonight, Tricia slept on in safety with her dark hair spread on the pillow.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Rex tried to stay awake by playing computer games. Every half hour or so, he’d check Tricia’s breathing and pulse. A couple of times, he laid his lips on her forehead to check for fever as his mother used to do when he was small, though fever wasn’t one of the symptoms of ruffie poisoning. Around three a.m., he stretched out in the upholstered chair near the bed and put his feet up on a matching hassock. Didn’t mean to sleep, but he did. When he woke, he realized he’d missed the team meeting.

  Taking Tricia’s cell into the bathroom and shutting the door, Rex called the Sinners’ office to explain he sat with a sick friend. He only wanted to leave a message. They put Coach on the line regardless.

  “That what they call a bad combination of booze and broads these days, Worthy? No need to explain. You earned a celebration. I’ll wave the fine this time. Don’t miss practice tomorrow, you hear me now? Joe’s left side is a deep shade of purple and pretty stiff. We might have to use you again come Sunday. Depends on how he does.”

  “That would be great! I mean, I hope Joe feels better soon.”

  “Your friend, too. Good to see you loosen up a little, boy. See you early tomorrow.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  A fist pounded on the bathroom door. “Let me in, let me in quick!”

  “Not locked.”

  Tricia hit the door running. “Out, out!”

  Giving her privacy, Rex backed away. He stayed close enough to hear the noise of retching finally followed by the trickle of pee. Good, no urinary retention, but definitely a stomach disturbance. Tricia opened the door and stumbled past him. She rooted in her black handbag and came up with a toothbrush still in its wrapper, a travel-sized toothpaste, and a hairbrush. Walking past Rex as if he weren’t there, she took possession of the bathroom again. He waited patiently.

  Trish emerged a trifle pale and shaky but with her face washed and hair groomed. “I’m sorry about all this, but what exactly are you doing here, Rex? In fact, where are we?”

  “Still at the Windsor Court a few floors down from Layla’s suite.”

  “I seem to recall that she got me another room. When are we?”

  “Monday around noon. Could have been worse. The effects of a ruffie mixed with alcohol can last thirty-six hours.”

  “Thanks for that enlightening information. You haven’t said why you are here.” She sat down on the still nicely made up bed
with a dent in the middle and a rumpled blanket tossed to one side.

  “When the drug in the champagne took effect, I carried you here and spent the night watching over you.”

  “Is that all you did?”

  “Scout’s honor.” Well, he had lusted in his heart but didn’t think that needed saying.

  “You are the only guy speaking that oath I would believe. Okay, so nothing happened.”

  Wanting to be as truthful as possible, Rex pondered his words for a moment. “You were kind of talkative. I want you to know it’s all right about that guy in college. I mean you thought you loved him. If you pray on it, God will forgive you for sleeping with him before marriage.”

  “You asked me if I was a virgin while I was drugged? I thought I made it clear my sex life is none of your business. Why are you so obsessed with my virginity anyhow? And you did take advantage of me even if it wasn’t physical!” She came off the bed like a trash-talking WWF wrestler and got in his face.

  Rex took a few steps back and held up his hands. “No, it wasn’t like that. You volunteered the information about that fellow you dated who slept with Layla. Like I said, you were deceived, and God can forgive that.”

  “Look, I made a big mistake with Boyce, and then I made a few more mistakes trying to prove I could attract other men. All I proved was I don’t really enjoy sex without an emotional connection to the guy. Layla can do it anytime, anywhere, just for fun. I’m not made that way. I learned something about myself. But I am certainly not going to ask God’s forgiveness for errors made growing up. I hurt no one but myself.” Registering the utter desolation on his face, she stopped talking.

  “You slept with more than one man.”

  “Yes, Rex. Grow up. I’m twenty-four. So are you. By this age, most women have had more than one partner. In fact, I think a man should know what he’s doing before marrying so he doesn’t screw up the wedding night.” She watched his expression turn to pain like a boxer hit below the belt and, still angry, she did not care.

  “I’ve never been promiscuous like Layla, but if you are searching for a virgin—I’m—not—her.” Tricia poked the hard wall of his chest three times with her finger as if pushing her statement into his heart. “You found out what you wanted to know, so get out of here.” She went to the door and opened it wide. “Out!”

  He could be thankful she didn’t recall he’d christened her breasts Pretty and Perky. No telling what she would have done then, probably more than throw him out. He made one last effort. “Are you sure you’re going to be okay? I wrote my private number down on the notepad by the computer if you need me.”

  “I don’t need you. I can take care of myself. Out!”

  Rex stepped over the threshold, and she slammed the door hard. The same family encountered last evening straggled along the hallway fresh from a swim in the rooftop pool. The boy wore a striped inflatable swim ring around his waist, and his sister had floaties on her arms. She stopped to point at Rex. “See, Mommy, the prince is still here.”

  Her mother, a chic semi-transparent cover-up over her bikini, answered harshly, “That is no prince, honey. What you see is a holier-than-thou hypocrite.”

  “He doesn’t look like a hippopotamus.”

  Rex gave the child a feeble smile. “I swear I didn’t even loosen my tie.” He hadn’t, and the silk noose around his neck had strangled him all night as he struggled with impure thoughts about Trish.

  “Mommy, hippos don’t wear ties. I think he is still a prince, maybe in disguise, because he doesn’t have a crown.”

  “Come along and don’t bother the man.” The mother herded her children before her as if he had a contagion.

  The father stayed back. He sucked in the gut that hung over the top of his trunks. “Sorry about that. Women. Nice touchdown yesterday. I mean a man should be able to celebrate. Great meeting you, Rex.” He hurried after his wife impatiently tapping her toe outside their door where the rest of the family had come to shore like the Swiss Family Robinson.

  Rex moved quickly to the elevator. He had one place he needed to go before returning to his condo to catch up on his sleep. He prayed he would not dream of Tricia Welles.

  ****

  Tricia leaned against the closed door. So, now Rex Worthy knew she wasn’t good enough or pure enough for him and unrepentant besides. Nothing more to do than go up to the suite and face the music, pay the piper, whatever. She slid her suitcase off the rack and slung the black bag over its handle.

  After disconnecting and closing her laptop, her fingers lingered over the notepad. Finally, she tucked it into a compartment of her handbag and zipped that pocket shut. Taking a big breath, she started for the suite where Layla lurked.

  Upon arrival, she noted the closed bedroom door. Lucky break, no one dared bother Layla in her lair. All that remained of the buffet were a tray of empty oyster shells, some stalks of limp asparagus, and a few slices of fancy breads gone dry in their basket. Layla had either called in another man or gone on an eating binge to console herself. Tricia considered making toast with the bread and brewing a cup of tea from the selection of bags arrayed next to the coffeemaker. She still felt wrung out despite the long sleep watched over by Rex. Okay, she’d make a prudent breakfast and gain some strength before Layla confronted her.

  Just as she finished her last bite of dry toast, the door to the suite opened, and Layla burst forth. “I thought I’d find you here dining off my leavings when I couldn’t reach you in the room downstairs—or Rex either. I know what you did Patsy.”

  “I must have picked up the wrong glass last evening and passed out. Sorry.”

  Layla moved close enough to sink her nails, still painted Sinners’ red, into her PA’s arm. “How stupid do you think I am? You did that on purpose because you wanted Rex for yourself. Passed out? Hell, you were plenty lively when he carried you away. How was he by the way? Bumbling, too quick, or did he have stamina because of all the football training? I’ll bet I had a better time with Lee.”

  “Lee?”

  “Lilah Divine. After the two of you ran out on me, I took him up on his offer to see his show. A very flattering portrayal. He did several scenes from my movies and added in a few songs. Afterwards, we came back here and finished off the goodies, then went to his place. An interesting experience and fairly satisfying. I’ll bet you can’t say the same.”

  “No, because I remember nothing about last night. Evidently, I grew talkative and I revealed a few things he didn’t need to know.”

  Layla brightened. “About your failed acting career?”

  “No, about Boyce.”

  “You, me, and Boyce.”

  “There was me and Boyce, and you and Boyce, but no you, me and Boyce ever.”

  “Honey, I did you a favor. In bed, he was at best mediocre.”

  “Believe it or not, I didn’t fall in love with the man for his sexual skills. I thought he cared about saving the world, making it a better place. We were going to do that together.” Tricia tried to shake loose of Layla’s grasp and failed.

  “Oh dearie, you know he’s running a medical marijuana place in Colorado now. That’s how he plans to save the world—by getting everyone mellow. Like I said, big favor.”

  “You keep in touch?”

  “What can I say? He’s a rabid fan and still adores me. He sends me some prime weed every now and again.”

  “Okay, Layla, you did me a favor. I’ll tell you what you really want to know. According to Rex, nothing happened between us last night. He’s a decent guy and wouldn’t take advantage of a drugged woman. To say the least, my sexual status disappointed him. He left when I asked him to go.”

  Layla finally removed her claws leaving smalls dents behind in Tricia’s skin. “Indeed. He’s still a virgin then and such an innocent. Who else would bring a woman like me pink rosebuds? I’m scarlet roses or hot orange Tropicanas, but maybe they weren’t intended for me.”

  “You know they weren’t. You phrased your note to ma
ke Rex believe I’d asked him out.”

  “You read my private letter to Rex, stole him away in the night. How am I going to punish you, Patsy?” Layla closed her violet eyes as if in deep contemplation, then opened them to stare hard at Trish like a Siamese cat stalking a canary that had imprudently flown free of its cage.

  “I should fire you outright for betraying my trust. However, I am a woman of compassion. Only this morning I called that fancy cancer care place in Iowa where you have your mother stowed on my dollars. Terribly sorry to learn she is in the ICU again with serious complications from her second round of chemo. Of course, they wouldn’t let me talk to her. Only the daughter who neglected to think of her today could do that.

  How upset she would be to learn you’d lost your high-paying job. By next week, your mama will be carted off to some state hospital to die among the poor.”

  “We’ll somehow manage without your money.”

  Layla blinked slowly, again the cat toying with her prey. “You needn’t—if nothing happened between you and Rex.”

  “He gave me his Scout’s Honor. I’d say he’s completely over me if he ever had any interest.”

  “Good, very good.”

  Tricia half-expected her boss to rub her hands together like an old-fashioned villain. She waited for the next nail in her coffin to be pounded home.

  “Figure out a way to bring Rex Worthy to me on a platter, and your mama won’t have to make a change of address any time soon.”

  Layla threaded her fingers together making them into a small trap that closed with a clap of her hands.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Grateful the Sinners had no practice today, only the team meeting over and done with, Joe settled next to Nell for a little afternoon delight in the huge, round bed of his bachelor days. They might even sleep for a while afterwards. She’d gone for a checkup with Dr. Stewart while in New Orleans, no problems, all progressing normally. Nell emphatically did not want to know the sex of the twins, but he’d taken a peek into Madame Leleux’s chest and figured he knew who was coming to join the family.