Page 80 of Hotshot

“I could get used to this service.” The smile she gave Ella warmed her right through. Even her toes. Which up until now had stayed staunchly frozen. That was the power of a Sloane Patterson smile.

“I was just saying to your family what a charming ground this is,” Marina told Sloane.

Ella nudged her elbow. Marina didn’t have to lay it on so thick.

“If by charm you mean it’s falling down, then yes, it definitely is,” Cathy said with a laugh. “We’re doing a fundraiser again at the end of the season if you want to donate anything, Sloane. No pressure, but it might help.”

“I’d be more than happy to contribute something,” Sloane replied. “Have you got a new sponsor yet?”

Cathy shook her head. “We had a company interested, but the cost-of-living crisis has affected everyone, so they’ve pulled out.” She nodded at the players. “Hence the shirts are still plain.”

Shouts went up from the crowd as Kilminster went close, but their forward leaned back and skyed it at the vital moment.

“Unlucky, Nathan!” Cathy yelled. “Good cross, Ryan!” She tilted her head. “We’re going back to our usual places now. You’re welcome to join us, or we’ll see you in the clubhouse after the game?”

Sloane nodded. “We’ll see you in there.”

“Hang on, I need the loo,” Ella said. “I’ll walk with you.” As she left, she gave Marina a look which said, ‘Do not say anything bad’.

Marina simply gave her a sweet smile in return.

* * *

Sloane grinned at Marina,then cupped her hands around her coffee to warm them up. The last weekend of January and the weather was brutal, but she kinda liked it. Plus, she also liked knowing it had an end. She'd missed having seasons in LA. Plus, weather like this reminded her of growing up in Detroit, where you always needed gloves in winter.

“You’ll have to come and meet my parents, too, now I’ve met your family. I know they’d love to get to know you.” Marina paused, then pulled back her shoulders. “Now that you and Ella are a thing.”

Sloane registered the vibe shift. “Absolutely. I would love to. It probably won’t be until after international break now, though.” So long as she was selected, which wasn’t a given. “Unless they come visit. Then they can meet my family, too.”

Her family.She’d never introduced her family to anyone who mattered since she was old enough to have a say. It was nice that Cathy had changed this.

“I know they’d appreciate you going there. It would show you’re serious about Ella.”

Okay. Sloane had not imagined she was going to getthe speechstanding on the sidelines of a non-league game from Ella’s cousin, but that appeared to be what this was. Unless she was misreading the room. That Marina was tiny counted for nothing. She had clearly turned up here with an agenda. Sloane turned to face her.

“I assure you, I am serious about Ella. She’s an amazing woman.” Sloane assessed Marina as she spoke.

Marina’s red lipstick glared in full force, her eyes fixed on Sloane, searching for holes in her words. Ella’s cousin had on her poker face. Did she do this to everyone Ella dated?

“She is.” Marina took a step forward. “She doesn’t open herself up to relationships very often, and when she does, she’s all in. You know what I mean?”

“Uh-huh.” A prickle of uncertainty crawled up her spine. She really hoped Marina wasn’t about to thump her in the stomach.

“I read that magazine article you did recently. Where you said there was nothing going on with you and Ella. I know why you said it, but it left a sour taste in my mouth. It did with Ella, too, no matter what she tells you. I just hope you’re not stringing her along for whatever reason. That you’re genuine. Because I wouldn’t want her to get hurt. You might be famous, but that won’t stop me keying your Jeep if anything happens.”

“You’re going to key my Jeep?” Sloane fought the urge to laugh. She had to hand it to Marina. If Sloane ever wanted someone to go to bat for her, she’d choose her.

Sloane held up her hands, as if Marina was about to shoot her. “I promise, as I’ve told Ella, I want to protect us and my recovery by taking the spotlight off our relationship. But as soon as the internationals are done, we’ll post subtle photos.” She tried a smile. “I get you’re protective, and it’s sweet, but you don’t need to be.” She put a hand to her chest. “I’m not going to break her heart.”

Marina narrowed her eyes, then cracked a smile. “Okay, I believe you.”

The crowd roared behind them.

Sloane turned around to see Ryan wheeling away, arms in the air, pursued by his teammates. “Dammit, I missed my cousin scoring.”

Marina laid a glove on her arm. “But you got the seal of approval from me.”

CHAPTER29

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