Borrowed • Jesse Lingard

twelve.

I sit down in the private box with some of the other United families including my own a few weeks later. I look at Anoushka and smile seeing how excited she is to watch her dad play football.

"She's just the cutest little girl isn't she?" I say to no one in particular.

"She is yeah. She loves watching football unlike my own daughter who think she's too girly even at her age" I hear Nicky say beside me and smile at the thought of my Manchester family "anyway how did you end up watching Anoushka?"

"Jesse had no one to watch her so he asked me if it was okay for her to stay with me. I'm not tied to looking after kids of my own so it kind of makes sense".

"Just be careful Montana. You don't need people assuming things and you know they will because you have his little girl and I've noticed you've got Lingard on your top today. I don't want to see you dragged into that kind of drama"

"That's nothing Nick, I was wearing Pereira last week and no one said anything. I'm wearing Lingard because Anoushka wanted us to be matching" I shrug Nicky off knowing I've got United tops with all of the players names on and wear a different one for every match.

"Hi Princess" I say as Anoushka comes over and climbs onto my knee.

"When will daddy be playing?"

"Very soon "

"Will daddy score?"

"I don't know. Maybe he will. I'm sure it will be for you if he does though". I sit with Anoushka watching the game as she gets excited every time Jesse has the ball. Just after half time in the 49th minute Jesse scores and Anoushka goes crazy as he runs to the touchline where our box is blowing a kiss and drawing a heart in the air.

"Montana you were right! Daddy scored me a goal!"

"See I knew he'd do it for you. You'll have to give daddy a big kiss and cuddle when you see him to say well done"

"Daddy can have lots of kisses and cuddles" Anoushka sits with me until the game ends when we hear a voice behind us.

"Hey Baby" I freeze as I hear Daniela calling for Anoushka not expecting her to be back in the UK let alone here at the game. Anoushka runs into her mothers arms as I excuse myself and head to the bathroom texting Jesse at the same time. I let out a deep breath as I lean against the wall when I feel someone pull me into a corridor.

"Jesse what the fuck are you doing!"

"What's going on? Tell me everything" I look at Jesse confused assuming I told him everything he needed to know in the text.

"Just like I said in the text Daniela has just turned up at the end of the match. Anoushka is with her now. I thought you said we had another week before Daniela got back"

"I thought we did. Don't worry about anything though, Montana. I'll sort something I promise" I rest my forehead against Jesse's as he wraps his arms around my waist.

"Jesse we can't go on like this. It's too risky. Anyone could catch us at any moment one of them being your wife" although I knew what I was getting into with Jesse I can't help but feel like we've pushed our luck one time too many lately.

"I just need time to speak to her. I'm terrified she'll take Anoushka to LA if she finds out what's been going on and you know how much she means to me"

"Jess I would never ever put you in a situation where you had to choose me or your daughter. I might be sleeping with another woman's husband but I'm not prepared to be the reason why a little girl is taken away from her dad especially one's who idolise each other as much as you two do" I kiss back as I feel Jesse's lip on mine unable to resist him "Jesse please don't. I want to do this believe me I really do but we can't get caught here".