“‘Even me’?”
“Yeah, even you. I’ve seen you break dozens of female hearts. But most of the women you’ve dumped could take it. They had other interests. They had a lot of things going for them. Looks. Plenty of money. And other guys waiting in the wings. I’m not sure this woman can survive you.”
“I hate to keep repeating you, but ‘survive’?”
“What happens to her when you go off to summer camp?”
“She stays here. She sure as hell can’t go and bunk with me. What happens to team wives when the married guys leave for summer camp or travel during the season? I don’t get your drift, Tom.”
“Then I’ll be more specific. What happens to her when you return from training camp, move back into your Houston house, and resume your old lifestyle?”
“Once the season starts, my time won’t be my own. My job will cut our time together. Don’t you think I realize that?”
“Then you intend to go on seeing her?”
“Yes, dammit. What did you think?”
“You intend to make her part of your life in Houston?”
“Yes.”
Tom shook his head in bafflement. “And do you honestly think she’ll fit in? That she’ll feel comfortable with your circle of friends?”
“Why shouldn’t she?”
“Why? Aw, come on, Gamblin. I’m your best friend. You don’t have to pull this dumb act with me. Look at her,” he cried, pointing toward the stairs. “Does she look like the women you usually romance?”
Trent went rigid with fury. His powerful hands balled into fists at his sides. “I think you’d better leave.”
“Like hell I will. I’m not saying this to hurt your feelings. I’m only pointing out what is already so plainly obvious in order to spare her a broken heart. Believe me, my sympathies are all with her.”
“Well, thank you very much, but she doesn’t need your sympathies. And just what is it that’s so plainly obvious to you?”
“That you’re using this woman to salve your ego, just as you’ve used this time away to heal your shoulder. She’s just what you needed. As you said yourself, the lady adores you. It’s apparent from the way she looks at you. It would be easy for any woman to fall for you, Trent. Hell, I’m a man, and I’m straight, but do you think I’m blind? You’re handsome. You’re a hunk. You’re a superstar in the sports world, and according to all reports I’ve heard-usually from women crying their hearts out over you-you’re a superstud in bed. What woman wouldn’t fall in love with you? Any man would envy the luck you have with women, but I think you’re a real bastard for taking advantage of it with this lady.”
Trent placed his hands on his hips and tilted his head back in a challenging stance. “And just how am I doing that, Mr. Psychology Professor?” he asked, prodding his friend where he knew it would hurt the most. Tom Tandy had majored in psychology and had even earned a doctorate. But he felt that a “dumb jock” wouldn’t have much credibility in that field, so he had given up his dream to actually practice.
Tom, rocking on the balls of his feet in an effort to stem his anger, answered calmly. He raised his large hands and began ticking off examples on his fingers. “In the last year you’ve squired a campus queen from the University of Texas whose daddy owns practically all of downtown Fort Worth; a young widow who controls not only her late husband’s cattle empire, but the minds of the social set in West Texas; a woman who chairs a bank in Corpus Christi; and a princess whose royal father is living out the rest of his life in this country in exile. Shall I go on?”
Trent crossed his arms on his chest. “Please do, and get to the point.”
“The point is that in each instance, your relationship with the woman rocked along fine… as long as you were winning. You lose a football game, and zip, the love affair is off. Zilch. Finis.”
Trent shifted uncomfortably and turned his back on Tom, ostensibly to straighten an ashtray on the coffee table. “So I get moody after a loss. So?”
“Uh-uh. It’s more than moodiness, my friend. You have to be top dog in the relationship. The star. You don’t want your woman to outshine you in any shape, form, or fashion.
“You’re a natural competitor on the playing field and in business, and you always play fair. You actually enjoy the challenge. But your love life is one arena where you can’t stand competition. A beautiful or famous or talented or successful woman poses a threat to your ego, especially when you’re losing football games… or suffering from a shoulder injury that might end your career.” Tom came nearer and spoke softly, almost compassionately. “Ana Ramsey poses no such threat, does she, Trent?”
Trent spun around, his jaw grinding with anger, but Tom wasn’t intimidated. He went on undaunted. “She’s not as good-looking as you. She certainly doesn’t outdress you. She doesn’t outrank you in the finance department. I’m sure she’s talented, but you’re the unqualified star this time, aren’t you?”
He drew a deep sigh and laid his hand on Trent ‘s shoulder. “She was just what you needed a couple of weeks ago, a woman who adored you and who accepted your every word as gospel, who thought you could do no wrong. You represented Prince Charming to her. Let’s face facts, Trent. When you came here, you were on a losing streak. You’ve used Ana to pump up your deflated ego.”
Trent ’s anger had dissipated, because some of what Tom had said was right. He liked and respected Tom Tandy both as an athlete and as a human being. Their friendship went back for years, and he supposed that fact gave Tom the freedom to speak candidly.
“On some points you’re right, Tom. But you’re wrong about what I feel for Ana. Initially it was just as you say; I was out for a lark. She was convenient. So why not take advantage? I had nothing better to do.” He peered straight into his friend’s eyes. “But for the first time in my life, I came to really know a woman. It sounds sappy, but I love her. I know she’s different. That’s what I love about her.”
Tom searched Trent ’s face for a long while, weighing his sincerity. Then his ugly features stretched into an embarrassed smile. “Then I’ve been way out of line. I hope it all works out. Friends?” he asked, sticking out his hand.
Trent grasped it warmly and slapped Tom’s shoulder. “Friends.”
Tom left shortly after that. Trent bounded up the stairs shouting Ana’s name. “Where’s the fire?” she asked, poking her head out the door.
“Right here.” He backed her into the room, shut the door with a tap of his foot, wrapped her in his arms, and branded her mouth with a kiss. “I want to make love.”
“ Trent,” she said with a light laugh, and tried to wiggle out of his embrace.
“Now.”
“I’m right in the middle of-”
He kissed her again and touched her knowingly. They were so familiar with each other by now that he knew what she responded to. The fire he spoke of spread into her, and was fueled by her never-ending desire for him.
Clothes were discarded hastily. They knelt together on the floor. His mouth kissed its way down her throat to her breasts. Her back arched over his supporting arms and her heavy hair swung free. Undisciplined, his tongue caressed her nipples until they were taut and dewy. Then he eased her back, positioned her for maximum sensation, and entered her.
Even after it was over, he lay nestled inside her, breathing the floral scent of her hair. It was already growing dusky outside, but he could see her well enough to wonder why Tom didn’t find her as beautiful as he did. Her hair was thick and silky as it spread out behind her head on the floor. Her skin, bathed with a sheen of perspiration from their vigorous lovemaking, seemed to glow in the diminishing light.
He stayed sheathed inside her until he was ready to love her again. This time he went slowly, savoring each precious moment, each delicious sound she made in response to his stroking.