After the Hate Has Gone (Sebastian Vettel)

4. Forbidden Fruit

Silverstone 2013

"Come on Sebastian, smile. Just for a minute, let me get these shots then you can look as miserable as you like," said Charlotte. Seb put the fakest smile he could on his face. This was the last place on earth he wanted to be. Her happiness was nauseating. Why was she so happy anyway? Maybe she got laid, he thought, bitterly.

Charlotte sighed. He really was in a right one today. Surprisingly though, he was very quiet. She wished he would just co-operate. She had to meet Ollie for lunch. She wasn't looking forward to that. She'd tried, she really had but she was going to have to tell him that it wasn't going to work. He was a lovely guy but there was something missing. She didn't know what but there was just no spark. They'd done nothing more than kiss. But you can tell a lot from a kiss, she thought to herself.

"Right, OK Sebastian. That'll do. If you want your army of fans to think you're a miserable toad then this will do fine."  She put her camera down on the table and picked up her notebook to jot a few things down. Seb climbed out of the car and approached her.  She braced herself ready for his probably snide comment.

"Why are you so cheerful today?"

"Am I not allowed to be?"

"Makes me suspicious. Are you plotting my downfall or did you get laid or something?" There he was, the Sebastian she knew and.....not loved, definitely not loved.

"Why? Are you jealous Sebastian?"

"Jealous?" he spat, nearly choking on his words.
"Why would I be jealous? I have a girlfriend, I can get laid any time I want."

"She has my sympathies."  Seb laughed, in spite of the implied insult.

" So when are you going to let me buy you that drink?"

"Let me check my diary." He froze, was she really going to agree?  "Oh yes, when Hell freezes over." 

For God's sake Seb, don't you ever learn? He vowed once again to concentrate on his relationship and forget this minx.   But deep down he knew that he couldn't keep that promise. He decided that it was just the thrill of the chase. He was sure that's all it was. After all, what could be a worse idea than him and Charlotte? They'd kill each other. She really was the most annoying, irritating woman.  

***

Seb slammed the door of his driver's room behind him. Gearbox trouble had caused him to retire from the race. Fuming, he'd stormed past everyone and into his quarters.  He wanted to be alone. He managed that for about 10 minutes. Then Britta was knocking on the door, dragging him out for interviews he didn't want to be doing.

He reluctantly exited his room and made his way to the media pen. Of course SHE followed him with that bloody camera. Why couldn't she go bug Webber for once? He did what he needed to do and headed back to his room.

"What?" he barked at her as he noticed her watching him.

"Nothing."

"There's obviously something, spit it out."

"I was just wondering if you ever give yourself a break. It wasn't your fault. Sometimes these things happen."  OK, so he wasn't getting a lecture from her.  He went into his room, shutting the door behind him. To his surprise the door opened and she followed him in.

"Sebastian, I'm trying to be nice here. You're way too hard on yourself. What happened today, that was out of your control, yet I see you beating yourself up over it."

"Careful darling, I might start to think you actually care," he said, sarcastically.

"No, it's just.." her words were cut off as he suddenly pushed her against the wall,  his face inches from hers.

" Maybe you just want to console me on my DNF. Make me feel better eh?"  She swallowed nervously.
"Word of advice. Don't play with fire. Or you're gonna get burned."  He leaned in close and for a second Charlotte thought he was going to kiss her. He was so close she could feel his breath. He whispered in her ear, "Now get out before I do something we'll both regret. "

He marched off to the door and held it open for her. She glared at him and stormed out. Arghh, she screamed inside. She hated that insufferable pig of a man.

Germany 2013

Seb arrived at the Nurburgring bright and early on the Friday morning.

"Darling, I thought it would be nice if we had dinner with your parents tonight," the petite blonde at his side said.

"Sure Cel," he agreed,  pressing a kiss to her forehead. He had decided the best way to ignore his growing, unwanted desire for HER was to bring his girlfriend along for his home race. He picked up her hand, said good morning to Christian in passing and went into hospitality to get Celestine her morning coffee.  He saw Charlotte sitting at a table with Sophie. She looked up as he entered the room, their eyes locking briefly. She noticed Cel at his side and looked away.

"I'm so glad you invited me baby. I know you don't usually like distractions but I feel like I've not seen much of you at all lately. "

Little did she know was that he had only invited her to be a distraction. He didn't like whatever it was he was feeling for Charlotte. It had to stop. She really was the last woman on earth he should be having lustful thoughts over.   He noticed her leaving.

"Cel, I'll be back shortly. There's someone I need to see." He quickly headed out and looked both ways to see which direction she had gone. He caught sight of her disappearing into the small cabin she was using to store her cameras so she didn't have to carry them all around. He slipped in after her and shut the door before she could protest.

" Sebastian," she said, wearily. "What do you want?"

"To talk to you."

"About?"

"I really don't know. I keep telling myself to forget you. But time and again I'm drawn back. Tell me it's not just me Charlotte."  What the fuck was he doing? Why did he keep doing this?

"Sebastian. Your girlfriend is waiting for you.  You should be with her.  Not here trying to wind me up. So fuck off back where you're wanted."  She turned her back on him and started fiddling with a camera on the desk. He took a few steps forward until he was right behind her. He put his hands on her hips and pulled her back until their bodies were touching. He pressed his lips to her neck and felt her shiver.

"One day you will beg me to take you."

"Never. I'll never want someone like you."  He pulled himself away.

"You should be grateful love, don't think you could do much better," he smirked, that smug grin back on his face.

"Just go back to your girlfriend Sebastian. Just go." He yanked the door open and marched back to hospitality . What the fuck was wrong with him?  Why the hell did she have to be so annoying? OK, try again Seb, he told himself. She doesn't exist. But he knew once again he would end up doing the opposite. It was like he was an addict and she was his drug.