The Race Director's Daughter (Sebastian Vettel)

48. A Risk Worth Taking

Leah gripped Britta's hand tightly as Seb crossed the line to start his final lap of the Belgian Grand Prix.  After a brilliant drive in the wet conditions that plagued half the race, and a brave gamble changing to slicks early, he was on the verge of winning the race.  He had built up an eight second lead, so all he had to do was keep it on the track.

"He's going to do it isn't he?" Leah said, excited for her man.  Britta nodded. 

"He is!" she replied.  Antti popped up behind them and put an arm around each of their shoulders.  

"What a drive.  You must be his good luck charm Leah!"

"You flatter me.  I think it's just his brilliance."

They watched on as the Aston Martin crew ran to the pitwall to cheer Seb across the line. Mikey, Seb's number one mechanic, gave them a thumbs up as he ran by draped in a German flag.  One of the other mechanics was carrying a Canadian flag as Lance was going to finish in third place, giving them a double podium.

Leah felt herself tearing up as she watched Seb's progress on the tv monitor.  She was so proud of him.  He deserved this so much. 

She watched as he went into the Bus Stop chicane for the final time.  Then he crossed the line and took the chequered flag.   She, Antti and Britta hugged each other tearfully.

"He did it! He did it!" Leah sobbed.

"He did!  Quick, we must get to Parc ferme."  Britta grabbed Leah's hand and they tore off, following Antti to join the crew that were already making their way along the pitlane.

As they arrived Mikey helped them through to the front.  The first car to arrive was that of the second place finisher, Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

Then the two green Aston Martins came in together. As Seb stopped the car in front of the P1 board he stayed in the car for a minute. Leah saw him place his hands on his helmet as if he couldn't believe what had just happened.

Then he undid his belts, removed his steering wheel and climbed out of his seat. He stood on top of the car and held his arms aloft, his steering wheel in his left hand and his right index finger pointing upwards in his trademark salute.

Then he replaced the wheel and jumped down into Lance's arms. The two embraced before turning to congratulate Max. Then together they ran and launched themselves at their crews.

As they moved along the line Leah began to feel nervous.  What should she do?  Was she meant to kiss him? They'd never been pictured kissing before, just holding hands.  Would Seb rather she didn't kiss him in public?

As he approached them he stopped and removed his HANS, helmet and balaclava.  He handed them to Antti, grinning from ear to ear.  Then he hugged Britta.  As he released her he looked at Leah.  She was taken aback by the desire she saw burning in his eyes.  She'd begun to recognise that look.  He was horny as fuck.   He came to stand in front of her.   The crowd seemed to melt away.  It was as if it was just the two of them stood there.  Leah forgot about everything apart from Seb.  She stared into his sapphire eyes and smiled. 

"You were amazing," she said, in awe of him.  He smiled and dipped his head. 

"I won it for you," he said just before he took the kiss decision out of Leah's hands.  He cupped her cheek with one of his hands and took her mouth in a kiss that left the world in no doubt about their relationship status.  The team all cheered loudly, with several of them wolf whistling at the unexpected display of affection by their driver. 

After several seconds Seb pulled back, grinning sheepishly.  "I couldn't resist," he said quietly, although Leah only just heard him over the crowd.  "I'll see you later.  Ich liebe dich."