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Sloane let out a hoot of laughter. “Depends if you’d broken a metatarsal. Then the inquests would have started, right?”

“I do not plan on breaking your foot now or anytime.” Ella cleared her throat. She was having a normal chat and a laugh with the world’s best striker. This was her life now. No big deal.

However, it was one thing dealing with a world-famous basketball player, or a gold medal-winning hurdler or diver. Ella knew what it took to get to the top of any sport, and anybody who made it had her total admiration. But she’d never been starstruck before.

Until now.

Ella had seen Sloane play a few times, and she lived up to the hype. Talented, ultra-competitive, and always first to the ball, no matter what. Her results spoke for themselves. She showed up in the big games and scored big goals. Now, she stood in front of Ella, her face fitted with an American-pie smile.

“Is this your first day?” Play it cool. Ella had told her boss dealing with players would be no trouble. But that was when she’d had time to mentally prepare, with questions to ask them, research to fall back on. She hadn’t delved into any of the players’ backgrounds in depth yet. They weren’t due back at the training ground until next week, and she didn’t want to rock up to any meetings with pre-conceived ideas. The only thing she knew about Sloane? Fabulous legs, toned arms, lethal with both feet, gorgeous fiancée.

Sloane shook her head, the famous crease in her brow. “Yes and no. I mean, yes, this is the first time I’ve come to the training ground. The club car dropped me off. Very nice service. I’m here to say hi to the manager. I think she wants to make sure I’ve arrived and have no plans to run away before the rest of the players turn up next week.”

“And do you?”

Another gentle laugh. Sloane was nothing like she was on the pitch. There, she was a force of nature. In real life, she appeared laid back. The ideal combination.

“I don’t know yet.” She held out a hand. “I’m Sloane Patterson. But I have a feeling you knew that.”

Now it was Ella’s turn to smile. She couldn’t quite laugh. Not when Sloane was waiting for her to shake her hand. She gulped, but managed to propel her hand forward and grasp Sloane’s. It was warm and soft in Ella’s embrace. She did her best to ignore that. She really had to get over her childish crush.

But holy fucking hell, she was touching Sloane Patterson!

“Ella Carmichael. Nice to meet you, Sloane.” She leaned forward. “I did know that. It’s my first day, too. I’m the new club performance and lifestyle coach, so I think we’ll be seeing a lot of each other.”

“Thank goodness you do actually work here. But the blazer tipped me off.” She swept her gaze over Ella. “You look very professional.”

Ella did a mock bow. “Why, thank you.”

What the actual fuck, Ella?

Sloane unzipped her black hoodie and tilted her head towards the building. Her golden hair glinted in the morning sun. “Shall we walk in together?”

She couldn’t quite believe this was happening, but Ella went with it. She fought the urge to get her phone out and Insta-story this moment to the world.

She fell into step beside Sloane. As well as her posh bag, she also wore Nike trainers Ella had never seen before. They were probably made specifically for her. Ella followed Sloane on social media when she remembered to look. She was always in the latest fashions, with the latest trainers to match. Or sneakers, as she would say.

“Have you worked with other soccer teams? I’m impressed they’ve got you on the books. Performance and lifestyle coaches are not the norm.”

“Salchester Rovers are the first team to have one, I’m told. We’re breaking new ground. I usually work on a freelance basis. I have my own practice too, working across a few different sports. But the club have brought me on-board three days a week to work with the teams, with the option of more if required. I’m also going to be part of the women’s team on matchdays. I’m really looking forward to the challenge.” She wasn’t lying. “I’m also very excited, as I’m a lifelong supporter.”

“I better be on my game then, right?” Sloane grinned. “My brother was the same when I played for Houston. Loves that team for no apparent reason, as we’re from Detroit. But every time I had a bad game? He’d call me and give me shit.” She raised her gaze to Ella.

Ella was struck by just how blue Sloane’s eyes were. She’d noticed them before on TV. But in real life? They held you in place and wouldn’t let you go. Ella bet they’d been the reason for many broken hearts over the years.

“I’m sure you’re going to do great and give your all for the team. I’ve seen you play. You’ve got mad skills.”

They reached the front door of the training ground, and Sloane stepped forward. “Ready with your first-day smile? Want to practice it on me first? Here’s mine.” Sloane made an exaggerated face.

Ella snorted. She couldn’t help it. She was charmed. “Definitely go with that. Lucy Harris won’t fail to fall for it.” Lucy was the Women’s team manager.

“Thought so.” She nudged Ella with her elbow. “I’m nervous. You nervous? People think I don’t get nervous, but I feel okay telling you. You’re a psychologist, right? It would be bad not to be nervous.”

“I’m not strictly a psychologist, just a humble performance and lifestyle coach.” Ella smiled. “But I agree, it would be bad. Everyone gets nervous and wants to make a good first impression.”

“Especially when you come with the reputation like mine. Never shy away from a tackle. Outspoken bad girl.” She put a hand to her chest. “But that’s on the field. Underneath it all, I’m a big softie. You believe that, right?”

“I never listen to gossip. I take everyone at face value. I know what people say about a number of players, but I reserve judgement until I meet them and know the facts.”