Friends for life?

6. England vs Spain

The following few days Isla found herself in a bit of a routine. Her mornings started with a short walk with her dog, Charlie, followed by gym sessions with the coaches and physio. Every other afternoon she was allowed to take part in small sided games with the team. On the days she wasn't taking part Jonas had allowed her to take on more of a coaching role. He knew this was her plan when she retired and knew keeping her busy was key if she was to return by the start of the season.

During the last few days there'd been a few awkward moments with Emile, or as Isla was now calling him pretty boy. Usually Isla would catch him looking but this time it was Jordan who pointed it out. In a way it was probably for the best it was Jordan because she was so oblivious even when it was blatantly obvious. She made a joke that he wanted to join the women's team, clearly not noticing who he was so clearly eyeing up.

Making their way back into the building earlier than usual the girls chatted about their 5 a side game they'd just played.

Jordan
Ah shit, I forgot I've got this appointment today. Sorry mate, I won't be able to drop you off

Isla
Don't worry about it, I'll ask one of the other girls

Emile
I can drop you off if you like

Isla
Holy shit. You trying to give me a heart attack?

Isla froze as he wrapped his arm round her shoulder

Emile
It's just a lift home, I'm not getting down on me knee...yet. Unless you want to walk?

Although Isla hadn't stuck 100% to the no driving rule during her recovery, Jordan had been driving her to and from training most days. She reluctantly agreed to take Emile up on his offer mainly so it didn't seem odd to the rest of her teammates.

She took her time getting showered and changed before heading out to the front where pretty boy was waiting. To Isla's surprise the drive home wasn't awkward at all. Thanking Emile for the lift home she turned and headed to the path to her house.

Emile
Isla?

Turning around as she fumbled with her keys

Emile
You any plans tonight?

Isla
Was going to order a Nandos and watch the England vs Spain game. Why? You missing me already?

She even shocked herself letting that last part slip out. Emile's smirk told her everything she need to know.

Isla
You coming in then,before I change my mind?

Emile
Thought you'd never ask haha

Opening the door, they were greeted straight away by Charlie frantically wagging his tail showing how happy he was by Isla's return. Giving Emile instructions to let Charlie into the back garden while she went upstairs to get changed.

Making his way through the house, Emile admired her decor choices. It was modern but classy with a homely feel and with the size of the house and it's location he could tell it must have cost a lot. Thinking about it he should've realised she'd have a nice house, he'd seen her car plenty of times and the clothes she wears outside of training. Despite the pay in the women's game being significantly lower than the men's, Isla was probably one of the highest paid women's footballers in Europe, maybe even the world. She had multiple sponsors and had featured in a few adverts aswell so that helped top up her income.

She didn't expect to be met with them both playing with a football in the garden. She stood and watched from the window before making her way outdoors to join them. Usually she'd lounge around the house in a crop top/ sports bra and shorts but with her unexpected visitor she decided to cover up a bit more, not wanting to give him the wrong idea. It was 25 degrees outside so she could only cover up so much opting for a pair of shorts and a vest top with sliders on her feet. Casual but not too revealing, perfect she thought.

They'd spent some time chatting in the garden while waiting on the food being delivered. Maybe pretty boy wasn't too bad, they'd always got on pretty well. Even in the short time before he left the Arsenal Academy at the start of her coaching badges. She'd started coaching just as he was leaving so they'd had very little interaction at that point but she always knew he had talent on the pitch.

Their conversation was interrupted by the food arriving so Isla left to collect it while Emile distracted Charlie. On her way back through the house she noticed how relaxed Charlie was with Emile, usually he took a bit of time to get to know people. They ate their meal without much being said the only noise being the birds in the trees, they'd eaten at the table in the garden since it was still so warm outside. Throughout the meal Isla tried to keep herself from looking directly at Emile, distracting herself with Charlie lying at her feet. Emile wasn't so subtle and kept glancing at her very few minutes.

After eating they headed inside to watch the game, almost missing kick off while Isla rushed into another room returning with a pair of thigh high compression boots on. The look in Emile's face was priceless

Isla
What? Recovery's important you all people should know that

Emile
I just wasn't expecting you to come in with them on. It's definitely a look

Isla
Well I had to rush, didn't have time for an ice bath earlier. Didn't want to keep you waiting

Emile
Na don't pin the blame on me for that one. I didn't say it was a bad look.

With a smirk from Emile and an eye roll from Isla they got settled on the sofa. Isla in the corner so she could rest her legs on the 'L' of the sofa. Emile about a foot away, taking all his strength not to sit directly next to her.

The entire first half Isla could see him in the corner of her eye shifting about so by half time with Spain 1-0 up she'd had enough and told him to relax because he was stressing her out.

It was strange she felt so at ease with him but also like she was under some sort of spell. Like all the times since that night, she felt her stomach do somersaults when she caught him looking at her. Although she wouldn't admit it, she'd been looking too, how else do you know someone is looking at you??

The second half brought a late equaliser from Ella Toone sending them into extra time. Although Isla was Scottish she wanted England to do well, some of her closest friends were in this team and they deserved the win. Extra time she spent with her elbows on her knees and face in her hands. She hadn't noticed how they'd also moved closer to each other at some point since half time. Celebrating Stanway's goal but returning to the same position. When the final whistle blew they were both up on their feet jumping and cheering for England. They'd done it, they were through to the semi final.

Jumping around, her arm around his shoulder, his around her waist. Celebrating the win she'd forgot about her knee till she landed slightly off. Luckily Emile caught her before she lost balance completely. Helping her up, checking her knee wasn't hurt. Isla looking down at her knee, rolling it to make sure it was ok. Satisfied she wasn't hurt, Emile looked back up taking in every inch of Isla between her knee and her face, while she done the same. Their eyes locked for what felt like an age before their lips crashed together. There was no doubt this kiss was full of lust, both of them fighting for dominance, hands wandering over each others bodies. Without any exchange of words, they were making their way up to Isla's bedroom where they explored very inch of each others bodies until they fell asleep.