Page 94 of Hotshot

“What do I say? A huge, unreserved, 100 per cent fucking yes!” She slapped a hand over her mouth. “Shit! I’ve never sworn when accepting a job offer before.” She blushed. “I swore again, didn’t I?”

Elation fizzed around Ella’s system. She wanted to tell her mum, like always. Marina. Aunt Ursula. And then, someone else popped into her mind. Ella pushed her out. “You don’t know what this means. I won’t let you down. I could kiss you, but that’s how rumours start.”

Lucy barked out a laugh. “You’ve earned it. For what it’s worth, the men’s team wanted to hire you permanently, too, as their performance and lifestyle coach is leaving. But I staked my claim.”

She stood and walked around the desk. She shook Ella’s hand, pulled her in for a hug, then held her at arm’s length. “You’ve got so much to offer, Ella. You’ve been fantastic this season, and I’ve no doubt you’ll only build on that next season.” She gave her a tight smile. “I know it’s not been plain sailing with you and Sloane, but I hope you can work things out and come back refreshed next season.”

She walked out of the training complex, her skin still flushed, lit with adrenaline. She was going to be a proper football coach. She clenched her fist as she approached her car. Parked next to it was Sloane’s silver Jeep. She was here late. Probably still in the gym. There was a reason Sloane was as good as she was. She worked hard, every single day.

Ella desperately wanted to tell Sloane her news. She also desperately wanted a congratulatory kiss. It had been weeks since it happened. Far too long. Her resolve wavered.

This was an about turn, but maybe her news had shown her who was important. As had her possible holiday booking. She didn’t want to do life without Sloane. Should she wait for her? Ella shook her head. Instead, she threw her bag into her back seat, then tried her aunt. No answer. Then she tried Marina. Same deal. Godammit, where were her family when she needed them?

She got into the driver’s seat, phone still in hand. She scrolled to Sloane’s number, and her finger hovered over her name. All the reasons she should press strolled through her mind. Quickly followed by all the reasons she shouldn’t. Why was all this so bloody hard?

All she wanted to do was tell her that she’d been offered a new job, and she was taking it. She was staying at Salchester for the foreseeable future, and if Sloane felt anything for her – anything at all – then she should stay too. But Ella wanted Sloane to stay because she wanted to. Not for her. But she couldn’t bring herself to call. To spit out the words. To make the first move. Because what if it was too late? What if Sloane had already decided she was going elsewhere? What if she’d decided Ella wasn’t worth the hassle after all?

“She’s already a bit in love with you, and vice versa.” That was what Marina had said. Was she right?

A knock on her window made her look up.

Sloane stared down, sunglasses on.

Ella’s heart made a noise like wind chimes. Her ear lobes glowed hot as she lowered her window.

“I hoped I might see you today.” Sloane’s words were unsteady, as if she’d just learned them.

“I was just wondering whether to call you.”

Oh fuck, she’d said that out loud.

But it was the truth. At least Ella didn’t have to wonder any more. Fate had lent a hand. Sloane was here in person.

“You were?” Sloane paused. “In that case, what are you doing right now? Would you like to come back to mine so we can talk?”

Ella sucked in a huge breath. The wind chimes turned to drums. Yes? No? Maybe? All of the above?

But then Sloane leaned in, and took off her sunglasses. She tilted her head and gazed at Ella with an intensity that made her melt. “I should tell you, I’m not too proud to beg.” She licked her lips. “Please?”

All Ella wanted to do was rise up, take Sloane’s face in her hands, and kiss her. Perhaps Ella should listen to what her body was telling her.

Sloane had made the move, taken a chance. She’d repeatedly told Ella she wanted to make this work, and Ella had rebuffed her. Today was different. Now she took time to truly assess, the answer was simple.

Yes.

* * *

Sloane’s flat felt different.More welcoming. She spied plants. Pictures on the wall. A new rug. Sloane had been busy in her absence. On the far side of the lounge, sunlight streamed in through the patio doors and windows. This flat was already a work of art—now it seemed almost homely as well. Ella had missed it.

Ella snagged her gaze. “I like the new look.”

Sloane threw her a tentative smile. “I thought you might. You always told me I needed to soften the place.” Sloane swept her arm across the space. “I had some spare time after camp. I hope I made good use of it.”

“You did.”

They’d both suffered. But maybe they’d needed to, so they could arrive at this point.

“The next thing I need to soften is you. Can I get you anything to drink?” She stopped mid-turn. “But also, why were you going to call me?”

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