Exes

Chapter 11

Abu Dhabi is always such a relaxed race. Everyone knows it's the end and they get to rest after. Once the fireworks explode and all the smoke settles there is a calm feeling across the paddock. In terms of relief, it's like canceling plans you didn't want to attend in the first place.

Carlos is laying on his massage table while Rupert moves his body to get all the kinks out. Kenzie is sat on the floor in the corner. She's texting with Daniel who is asking to see her.

Rupert finishes and then heads off to get dinner for Carlos. Kenzie stands up once Carlos sits on the table. "Feel better now?" She asks and Carlos nods.

"I"ll be back late." She says as she moves to the door.

"You're going to him?" Carlos asks, voice deep.

Kenzie stops and turns around. "Daniel? Yes, I'm going to see Daniel."

Carlos slides off the table and walks closer to Kenzie. "I worry about you." Carlos takes her in his arms.

"I'm fine, Carlos. It's different this time." She feels tense in his hold, but she wants to relax.

"You can still get hurt." He warns her like she doesn't already know.

"It's better than being alone." She snaps.

"You don't have to be alone, Kenzie." Carlos reaches a hand up to cup her cheek and his thumb strokes across it. He looks deep into her eyes and he leans in. Their lips are so close Kenzie can feel his breath against hers and then their lips touch. She enjoys the moment because she's not sure why it's happening or if it ever will again. She's wanted to kiss Carlos again ever since the last time, so, she kisses back. It's soft, this kiss, but also hot because it's Carlos who is kissing her.

When Carlos pulls back, he lets his forehead rest on hers and breathes in deeply. He wraps his arms around her tightly, protectively. She relaxes and feels safe. Her phone buzzes breaking the little magic bubble they were in. He kisses her lips once again quickly.

"Go if you want."

"You're with Mariette, Carlos." She smiles at Carlos then walks out.

Once she shuts the door, she stands in the little hallway for a moment just to collect herself. Carlos kissed her. She's so confused.

When she gets to Daniel, he can tell something is off with her. When he asks, she doesn't want to tell him because, it's Daniel and she's not sure what's happening here either. He doesn't stop though and it's the way they're lying on the bed and how he's rubbing her side, she breaks. She doesn't tell him about Carlos, instead she kisses him, needy. It's slow and relaxed and there is an unspoken agreement that it won't go further than this tonight. They lay in bed kissing and Daniel is rubbing her sides as she's playing with his hair. It's nice.

"Stay." Daniel says and Kenzie nods.

She wakes up early and she's comfortable in Daniel's arms. She snuggles in closer and he tightens his hold. She looks up and he's got a sleepy smile on his face. "Morning." She sighs and says it back to him. "Your phone was going crazy. I silenced it but you should maybe look."

Kenzie realizes then that she didn't tell anyone except Carlos she was going to Daniel's. She replies to a few people then pulls up Carlos' text.

::I mean what I said. You don't have to be alone.::
::My plane leaves at 2.::

Daniel smiles because he's not an idiot. He knows Kenzie has a thing for Carlos. Anyone can see the way she looks at him. "You know, if Carlos is offering . . ." He lets his voice trail off.