Exes

Chapter 2

It's a Monday of race week and Carlos has just finished a long day of sim work. It's rare he's in Italy on a Monday, but here he is. He's just posted an Instagram story asking for Netflix recommendations when Kenzie texts him. She asks if she can come over even though Carlos has told her enough times now that she can whenever. She's just being polite.

She walks in taking her coat and shoes off. Carlos reminds her to make herself at home and she nods walking into the kitchen. He watches her move effortlessly around the cabinets getting a cup then filling it with water. He likes how she knows where things are in his home.

"What's up? It is late, no?" Carlos isn't complaining, just stating a fact.

"I saw you were watching Netflix and thought you might want company." She takes a sip of water.

"Kenz. Really, what's up?" Carlos knows her better than to believe that.

She sighs deeply. "I just wanted to spend time with you, like this. Just being friends, not running around crazy in the paddock. And I didn't want to be alone. Ya know?"

Carlos smiles because, yes, he does know. He enjoys any time he can spend with Kenzie just relaxing. He looks at her and motions for her to move closer. He wraps his arms around her and kisses her shoulder.

"Anytime. We can spend time like this together anytime. Now, what do we watch?"

After a movie Kenzie and Carlos put their cups in the sink and when Kenzie goes to get her things Carlos looks at her knowingly. "You are staying, no? You said you don't want to be alone."

Kenzie really doesn't want to be alone but the more time she spends with Carlos, the more she does want to be alone with him. Carlos must sense her inner fight and he reaches forward putting his hand on her arm.

"Kenzie. Just stay. I will make us waffles in the morning. Your favorite, right?" The fact that Carlos knows that makes Kenzie fall for him more.

She nods. "Yeah, my favorite. I don't have anything with me to stay."

"I will give you something to sleep in. I have extra toothbrushes. Come on." Carlos holds out his hand for her to take it and after a slight hesitation she does.

He secretly hopes he has everything to make waffles in his cupboard.

At the race that week, Daniel has a DNF and is less than happy, and no one can blame him. Kenzie sends him a quick text and immediately gets a response. She smiles because Daniel asks if she can meet him back in his driver room. They've been talking a lot and spending time together for coffee in the mornings sometimes. Kenzie feels like Daniel is starting to be someone she can trust. She walks out of the garage and into the hospitality. She moves through the halls and knocks on his door. Almost immediately his brown, curls appear behind the door. His smile dulled but no less bright when he lifts his head from sulking. She can feel something happening between them and while she's not against it, she does think about him being Carlos' teammate. She doesn't want to do anything that negatively impacts her best friend.

Daniel wraps his arms around her and pulls her close. Kenzie returns the gesture and breathes deeply. After spending time with him, Kenzie has become used to his smell and it's pretty comforting but she knows he's the one who needs comfort right now. She squeezes him and smiles when he pulls her closer.

"Thanks. I just needed a hug from someone who doesn't see me as just a race car driver." He says into her hair and then pulls back.

"Anytime. We can talk later if you want." Daniel looks at the television screen in his room.

"I don't think you'll have time." He points to the screen and Kenzie turns to look.

Carlos is P2. She sighs because she would like to comfort Daniel and take his mind off his DNF but she wants to celebrate with Carlos if he finishes on the podium too.

"It's all good, doll. I'm flying back early anyway but I'll call you tomorrow?" He smiles and hugs her one more time before he lets her out the door to take care of Carlos.

The following week Daniel finishes in third with Carlos in second. It's amazing to think they are fighting for podiums again. Lando finishes just off the podium and Kenzie feels bad for him. While Carlos was with McLaren, Lando became like a little brother to her. She finds him in the crowd as the podium ceremony concludes. She gives him a hug and kisses his hair. He smiles and she mentions dinner.

When Kenzie makes her way back to where the podium finishers are, she sees Daniel first. He picks her up and spins her around saying something about being on top this week. She squeals and can't help to giggle when he puts her down.

"I'm so happy for you, Daniel!" She smiles then Daniel notices Kenzie's eyes shift to something behind him. The way she lights up tells him it's probably Carlos.

Daniel grabs Kenzie again and hugs her one last time. He likes that she doesn't get grossed out by how sweaty he is. He turns her around gives her a gentle push towards Carlos. "I'll see you later." He gives her a wink and thinks she blushes, but it's Singapore and he can't be sure she's just not hot. Daniel watches as Carlos embraces her and doesn't let go. She stays tucked into his side and they laugh and smile at each other as they walk to the press conference.

Later that night, Kenzie sits in her hotel room with Carlos. He wants to go for dinner in the hotel restaurant. She remembers that she mentioned dinner to Lando so Carlos texts him to ask if he wants to join. Daniel knocks on Kenzie's door and gets invited as well. That's how Kenzie ends up at dinner with the two men she's pretty sure she has a crush on and Lando.

Kenzie pays close attention to the men tonight. Daniel makes her laugh and is exciting. He's confident, almost overly. He's kind and has a brilliant smile. Carlos makes Kenzie feel safe and calm. He's more reserved. He has a beauty to him that few can match. No one can deny that the two men are handsome, their bodies are wonderfully sculpted. It makes her feel insecure because it's not like she's a great catch when they have models fighting for their attention.