Page 89 of The Billionaires (Lover's Triangle 1)
When she did, Ella’s face lit up. “A Wispa Easter Egg!” She got up, took the chocolate egg from Sloane and danced around the room with it pressed against her chest. She glanced up at Sloane when she stepped closer to her. “This is a fantastic gift. You’re good at this.” Ella put the egg down, grabbed Sloane and put her arms around her neck, swapping dance partners with ease. “An unexpected gift from my unexpected gift.”
When Ella smiled up at Sloane, she took her breath away. The soft rouge on her cheeks, her mess of shiny hair, her rich, caramel gaze.
“You’re quite the gift, too.” Sloane kneaded her fingers on the base of Ella’s spine. Every time they got like this, and she looked into Ella’s eyes, she saw a possible clock ticking. But she didn’t want this to end, and she was going to do everything in her power to make sure it didn’t. Even if Salchester didn’t renew, she’d press Adrianne to work something out.
Ella frowned. “What’s going on with you? I was just about to kiss you, and you drifted away.”
Sloane shook her head. “Not me. I’m right here.” She leaned in and pressed her lips to Ella. “Kissing my beautiful girlfriend.” She pushed her tongue into Ella’s mouth, desperate to feel her hot breath. This was what she needed. No thinking required. This was uncomplicated, it was magical, and Sloane was here for it.
They didn’t turn the game off before they stumbled to the bedroom.
* * *
When Sloane wokethe next morning, Ella wasn’t there, but she could hear the water running. Her muscles ached from yesterday’s training, but the sweet hum of last night still glittered inside. They hadn’t declared love for each other yet, but Sloane might be ready soon. It had taken her over nine months with Jess, and that was quick. She wasn’t usually someone to fall hard and fast. She feared Ella might have broken all her rules.
She grabbed her phone from the bedside table. Her onyx ring sat beside it. When she saw a string of messages, her heart sank. More from Jess. In the middle of her night. No doubt a little wasted.
She’d started up again over the past week, and this was the third night running Sloane had woken up to them. Jess was worried she wouldn’t be selected for the England team, because her form had dipped since she and Brit imploded. She kept reminiscing about the time she and Sloane were together, when they both played fabulously for their respective countries. Last night, she’d written,Maybe we should get back together when I’m over for the game. We might both score.It wasn’t funny, even said in jest. Sloane had hoped Jess’s loss of form would mean she didn’t get picked. Then she wouldn’t come to England. However, the final message this morning told her otherwise.
Just to let you know,I got into the England camp. Shit knows how. Hopefully we can see each other before, too. I miss you, Sloane. See you in a couple of weeks.
Sloane droppedher phone and closed her eyes, picturing Ella in the shower. Her round butt, her perfect breasts, her fiery eyes. She didn’t deserve Jess walking back into their lives, and Sloane wouldn’t let it happen. Maybe she could arrange coffee with her beforehand to sort things out. Would that be wise? She ground her teeth together. She had no idea. She wanted to keep her new life and her old life far away from each other. On the field was one thing. Off it, she could control.
She sent a message back to Jess, telling her she’d see her for coffee at some point to catch up.
Providing Sloane was selected. She wiped her brow. If she wasn’t, it would be devastating. But at least it meant she wouldn’t have to see Jess.
Silver linings.
Only, this camp was crucial. The final one before the World Cup. If she wasn’t selected for this, her chances of making the tournament were slim. Would her five goals since her return be enough to get her noticed? She hoped so. People often thought it was obvious she’d be selected, but not Sloane. She’d experienced the crush of non-selection before, and it had stung. However, she’d done as much as she could to make her case. It was up to the coach.
The bedroom door opened, and Ella came in, a blue towel wrapped around her, her hair a damp bird’s nest on top. She looked edible. She grinned at Sloane. “Morning, Hotshot!” She walked over, kissed Sloane, then pulled back. “After last night, maybe you need a new nickname. Something sexy.” She put a finger to her lips. “Leave it with me.”
Guilt slithered through Sloane. Should she tell Ella about Jess? But she didn’t want to knock that smile off her face. Not one bit.
Ella frowned. “Everything okay? You’ve got your crease back.” She pointed to her forehead.
Sloane wiped her face, then plastered on a smile. “Perfect. Just had a funny dream, that’s all.”
Ella nodded. “Did you see the England team has been announced?” She paused. “Jess is in it.” Her eyes clouded, and her energy dipped.
“Is she?” Sloane hoped she sounded convincing.
“She is, so this is your chance to trip her up and show her who won in the end.” Ella winked, a dismissal of that subject. “But more importantly, Nat and Becca made the cut. Isn’t it amazing? I feel like a proud aunt. Two of our babies being called up.”
“Fucking awesome.”
Ella towelled her hair, then sat, naked, next to Sloane.
“Do you remember when we viewed this flat? When that agent caught us nearly kissing? She should have seen us last night.” She smiled, clearly thinking back. Sloane knew, because she was, too. “You hear about the US team today, right?”
Sloane grimaced. She’d tried not to think about it, but it was big news. “Two o’clock. The coach calls at 9am Eastern.”
“You’ll be in.” She cupped Sloane’s chin in her hand. “Who can resist this face?”
CHAPTER30
“Do you remember where we used to play?” Lucy kicked the ball to her.