Page 27 of Hotshot

“That’d be great.” Ella was still trying to put the fact she’d grabbed Sloane’s knee out of her mind. “Have you heard from your cousin, by the way? Ryan’s mum? I know you said you were hoping to get in touch with her a few weeks ago.”

“We’re planning on getting together soon. I haven’t really had the head space or the time since the season started. I wanted to focus on that first, get off to a good start. I already have enough outside influences in my life, so I figured there was no rush. I’ve waited my whole life already. But she seemed cool on the phone.” Sloane paused as she pulled away. “One of those outside influences is Jess, by the way. We broke up officially when we were in Germany.” She took a deep breath. “You might have seen her with Brit on her socials. Looks like they’re showing the world it’s official now.”

Ella hadn’t expected a confession today. She flicked a piece of lint from her trousers. “I’m sorry to hear that. Are you okay?”

Sloane nodded. “I called it. Should have done it months ago. I’m just surprised she sat on it for as long as she did.” She exhaled a long breath. “But it’s all for the best. In the aftermath, I’ve worked out that I’m completely over it. I just needed it to be official.” She glanced at Ella. “I’m serious about the clothes, okay? Come around, see what you like.”

“Okay.” That was an expert change of subject, but Ella wasn’t about to push for any more.

They drove the rest of the way home in silence, save for Ella uttering a few “first lane,” and “follow the blue car” to back Sloane up. However, just as the first time, once Sloane was into the groove, she found her driving mode. She pulled up in Ella’s space and sat back with a smile.

“That was 60 per cent less scary than the first time. In a few more weeks, maybe I can think about getting my own car.”

“Big steps, make sure you’re ready,” Ella joked. The slight tension that had been in the air from Sloane’s confession popped. Ella was glad. She didn’t want there to be weirdness between them. She got out of the car and Sloane followed. She locked it, then gave the keys to Ella. Their fingers touched and Ella fought the frisson that ran through her whole body. However much she tried to deny it, it was there.

When Sloane fell into step beside her, Ella shivered slightly. Maybe it was colder this November than she’d thought. When she glanced at Sloane, she was wearing an expression Ella couldn’t read.

“Now I’ve blurted out my shit love life – or rather, complete lack of – what about you? Have you swiped right yet?”

Ella shook her head. “My cousin’s coming over tonight, and I know she’s going to badger me.” Ella checked her watch. Marina was due in half an hour.

“Badger you?” Sloane tilted her head. “What the hell does that mean? I hope no wildlife are going to be hurt in your apartment tonight.”

Ella spat a snort of laughter. “No animal cruelty, I promise. I’m almost vegetarian, if you discount the chicken and fish I eat. Plus, the occasional steak.”

“Vegetarian of the year.” Sloane gave her a slow grin. “You want to come up for a quick coffee? Or to look at some clothes?”

Ella shook her head. “My cousin’s due any minute for her tea and a glass of wine.”

“Tea and wine? A bit overkill on the liquids.”

“Tea means dinner up north.”

Sloane made a face. “I amnevergoing to get the hang of UK English, I swear.”

“Stick around, and we’ll have you talking proper in no time.” Ella paused. “Plus, I also have some work to do for a client meeting early tomorrow, so tonight’s not good.”

Sloane smiled. “I always forget you have another job. That you’re in demand.” Her breath swirled around her in the cold evening air. “Not that I’m surprised, because you’re amazing.” The timbre of her voice went low.

Ella gulped. She wasn’t sure what Sloane was or wasn’t saying here, and she didn’t have time to work it out. “I never take it for granted, and I give my all to everyone I work with. You’re all special to me.” Ella glanced at her watch, then back at Sloane. “I have to go.”

Their gazes connected. Ella stared into Sloane’s azure blue eyes. There was so much behind them. So much going on. She was in serious danger of drowning.

“I’m sorry I’ve been elusive over the past few weeks. I’ve just had a lot to work out, with Jess and everything. But I’ve done it now. I’ve missed our chats, but it’s just been a weird time.”

Ella put a hand on Sloane’s arm. She’d missed their connection, too. “You don’t owe me an explanation.”

“I disagree,” Sloane replied. “I just want you to know, you’re pretty special to me, too.” But as soon as the words escaped her mouth, Sloane looked like she wanted to scoop them back in and swallow them whole.

A loud gong sounded in Ella’s heart, but she shushed it internally and flailed around for words to reply with. Anything. Something. It was no use. She couldn’t locate her next sentence. Eventually she managed: “I’m not in Thursday and Friday, so I’ll see you for the game on Sunday, if not before?”

A wholly inappropriate response, then.

Sloane gave her an exaggerated nod. “Sunday, sure,” she muttered.

Right at that moment, Marina’s sky-blue Corsa sailed into the car park and screeched to a halt. Marina had never done anything quietly since the moment she was born.

“And that, with perfect timing, is my cousin.”

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