Page 36 of Hotshot

“Why would you? I’m sure the club are paying for this flat for you as long as you want it.” She gestured to the clothes. “You don’t live in the real world.” Ella winced. Had she gone too far?

“I guess I don’t,” Sloane replied, her voice flat, her face clouded over. Ella couldn’t tell if she’d offended her.

“That came out harsher than I intended. It wasn’t a dig, it was just facts.”

Sloane nodded. “I get it. But if you need some help apartment hunting, maybe I can come with you and take a peek into this real world.” She held Ella’s gaze. “For now, you can step into mine. Let’s get this fashion show started.”

Ella flicked through and chose the clothes she liked. The atmosphere was a little frosty after her words, but as Ella held items up and posed in the mirror with Sloane in her ear, she relaxed and so did her host.

“Are you going to try any of this on?”

Ella shook her head. The thought of getting her kit off with Sloane watching made her far too hot under her non-existent collar. “I’ll just take them back to mine. Whatever doesn’t fit, I’ll bring it back.”

“Try a couple of pieces. Especially those dark green pants and that red and cream top. For me?” Sloane pulled out her pout.

Ella crumpled. “How can I say no to that face?”

“Works every time,” Sloane grinned. “My bathroom is just there if you want some privacy.”

She absolutely did.

Ella shut the door with some relief, and put the clothes on. Even with a thick wooden door between them, shedding her clothes in Sloane’s bathroom still felt intimate. Like they were stepping over a line she couldn’t come back from, which was ridiculous. She glanced in the mirror. She needed a haircut. But when didn’t she? She smoothed out the top, so soft it caressed her skin. Everything fit perfectly. Now she just needed a mirror. She opened the door and stepped into the bedroom.

When Sloane looked up from her phone, her mouth dropped open slightly and her eyes widened. Her gaze ran down and then back up Ella’s body, stopping at her mouth. At least that’s what it felt like.

“What is it?” Ella looked down. “Does this look good or bad?”

Sloane’s head shake was quick. “Very much good. You look absolutely stunning. That colour really suits you.” She pointed at the wardrobes. “Slide the door beside it. There are a bunch of white sneakers in boxes. What size are you?”

“Seven.”

“Seven UK? I have no idea what size that is in the US, but we look about the same.” She gestured towards the boxes again. “Try them on. White sneakers would look lit with that.”

Ella did as she was told, getting some box-fresh street trainers from an Adidas box. She slid them on and stood in front of the mirror. Sloane was right. Even she had to admit, she looked incredible. “I love it.”

“So do I.” Sloane’s voice cracked when she spoke.

Something in the air had changed. Ella’s hand shook as she ran it through her hair.

“Try on something else. That blue suit would look good with the ruffled lemon shirt.” Sloane pointed. “Those sneakers would still work.” Her face flushed red, and she rolled her neck and looked away.

Ella nodded, got the items, and went into the bathroom. She noticed things she hadn’t the first time around. Sloane’s Colgate blue gel toothpaste, the same one she used. Her Charlotte Tilbury fixing powder. Her Hugo Boss perfume. She took off the first lot of clothes, folded them and put them on the closed toilet seat. Then she put on the silk shirt, then the suit and trainers. She already felt like a million dollars. She didn’t need to look in a mirror. She knew how these clothes made her feel. Like herself. It had been out there all along, she just hadn’t known where to look. But with Sloane’s help, things were changing. Who knew her new job would lead to this moment?

She stepped out of the bathroom. This time, Sloane was ready and waiting.

“Hot damn, Ms Carmichael. You wear that suit well.” Sloane’s gaze lasered her body.

Ella steadied her breathing as she stood in front of the mirror. Even she had to admit, she’d never looked like this before. “I look like a fucking movie star.”

“And a rock star all rolled into one.”

She spun, not caring how she came across. Who knew clothes could make you feel so light? Not Ella. She paused, got her breath back, and glanced at Sloane.

“I’m sorry I had a go at you earlier. But thanks for a peek into this world. I could get used to it.”

“If I wasn’t on crutches, I’d be up and dancing with you.” Sloane held her gaze. “I’m really glad we met, you know. That first day. Off the clock. It’s made us… something we might not have been otherwise.” Sloane pushed herself upwards, grabbed her crutches and hobbled over to Ella. “I mean it.” She was so close Ella could feel her breath on her face. “Even though getting injured sucks big time, I’m glad I moved and found this new team. But most of all, I’m glad I met you.”

Delight looped and curled inside Ella. Closely followed by desire.

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