Page 95 of Hotshot

Ella sat on one of the kitchen stools, then exhaled. “Because I just got news. Lucy offered me a full-time contract. I’ll be the club’s part-time performance coach, working with both teams, but I’ll also be the part-time youth football coach.” She gave an exaggerated shrug, coupled with a full-scale grin. She couldn’t keep this joy inside much longer. “Honestly, it’s a dream come true. And the first person I wanted to tell?” She held Sloane’s gaze. “You.”

Sloane sat on the stool next to her. She raised her hand as if she were about to touch Ella to congratulate her, then took it back. They weren’t quite there yet.

But dammit, Ella wanted to be. She desperately wanted Sloane to touch her, hold her. It turned out, the thing she’d been denying herself was what she’d wanted all along: Sloane by her side. But she hadn’t known it for sure until now. She’d been too busy expecting the worst. Now, she hoped, however things turned out, the fog might be clearing.

“That’s such fantastic news, and nothing less than you deserve.” Sloane locked eyes with Ella.

How she’d missed looking into Sloane’s exquisite gaze. She wanted to stop time, and stay here for days.

“Can I hug you? Is it allowed?”

A wave of warmth washed through Ella. “You better hug me, or I might expire.”

Sloane did as she was told, and just like that, the world got brighter. In Sloane’s arms, Ella felt supported, safe. In response, she wrapped her arms around Sloane too, and breathed in her smell. Apple shampoo and Sloane’s bergamot perfume.

Sloane nuzzled her nose into Ella’s neck. Somehow, this felt different. To the months they’d done this, with one eye open, always looking over their shoulder. This time, Sloane’s body was relaxed, in the moment. Just like Ella always told her to be. She could do it on the training ground. Now she had to do it in real life.

Slowly, Ella pulled back, and locked eyes with Sloane. A roar of attraction revved inside her. She’d never wanted anybody like this. In moments, their lips reconnected, and a shimmer of joy cascaded through Ella. When she was around Sloane, all she wanted was her. Their attraction was magnetic. Now, she could finally have what she wanted.

When they finally untangled their lips, Sloane tipped her head back and blew out a long breath.

Ella frowned. “Was my kiss that bad?”

Sloane smiled. “Far from it. Kissing you is easy. Talking to you is where it gets scary. But I want to be honest with you, because dishonesty hasn’t gotten us very far, has it?”

Every muscle Ella had tightened. Was this about Jess? Had they slept together after all?

“And before you go thinking the worst, this has nothing to do with Jess.”

Damn, she was easy to read. “What is it, then?”

“Let’s take this to the balcony. It’s sunny, I don’t want to waste it.” Sloane got up and offered Ella her hand.

Ella took it, her heart rolling out the red carpet. She’d wondered if this was going to be awkward. She had her answer. Sloane pulled back the glass door, and they stepped out. She pulled out one of the white chairs, and Ella sat next to her. The afternoon was summer-holiday warm. If anyone had clothes on the line, they’d come in smelling of sunshine.

Sloane waited until Ella was settled before she spoke. Below them, someone tooted a car horn and tyres screeched. Above, the sky was combed with cirrus.

“First, I have to say I’m sorry. A million times, sorry. In fact, sorry isn’t nearly enough. About it all. For keeping you a secret. Not telling you about Jess being in touch. For being dishonest. I did it for the right reasons, but the outcome was all sorts of wrong. From now on, that stops. One hundred per cent honesty.”

Ella liked where it was going, but she knew there was more. Her reply was short. “Apology accepted. Go on.”

“I got a call from Adrianne this morning. My agent. She’s had an offer from a big US team. New York wants me to come back and play for them, make me a statement signing. Playing for Salchester was only ever meant to be a short-term project, that’s what I told Adrianne when I moved. The upshot is, she wants to know if I’m interested.”

The upbeat mood was immediately extinguished, as if Sloane had snuffed a candle by pinching the flame with wet forefinger and thumb.

Ella closed her eyes. Disappointment slammed into her at speed. After all of this, she’d been right. It was depressing to realise. She would have liked to snog Sloane a little longer before their bubble burst. But that was not to be.

However, Ella was a grown-up. She always knew this might happen. But she was still more than gutted that her worst expectations were playing out in front of her.

She took a deep breath before she spoke. “I get it. You have a limited career, and you have to take whatever comes your way. A big pay out especially.” Ella shrugged. Tears bubbled up behind her eyes, but she was determined to keep them in. They’d had a fling. It was always going to be nothing more. She had to accept that and move on. “Congratulations. It sounds like something you can’t possibly turn down.”

Okay, maybe those words had come out a little harsh.

A slight smile graced Sloane’s features.

She thought this was funny? Ella folded her arms across her chest in defence.

“You’re very cute when you’re flustered. And you’re a terrible liar, just so we’re clear.”

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