When we first met [Charles Leclerc]

9 - Caroline

Charles Leclerc 🏎

Bonjour chérie, I have a surprise
for you later, don't worry about it
but dress pretty!

Okay, but you're scaring me
a little bit. Can't wait to
see you later!

"Victoria!" I screamed after I texted Charles back. "Charles just texted me and I think he's up to no good." My best friend rushed to my side. Vic took my phone and screamed as she read the message.
"What the actual... Do you have any idea what this could be about?" I shook my head no because I really had no idea what Charles was up to. I took a big sip of the glass of wine that was standing on my dressing table to calm my nerves. I decided not to think too much about what Charles was up to even though I hated surprises. It made me feel anxious not to know what was about to come. I continued doing my makeup by applying the perfect winged eyeliner, something I perfected over the years.

Since Victoria dragged me out to the party a couple of days ago I felt better. Not good but definitely better; and Charles was one of the reasons why. My best friend was looking at me in disbelief. I haven't worn my signature winged liner ever since my mom died.
"I can't believe what's happening. Caroline Amelia Harris, is that eyeliner? Like an actual winged eyeliner? Wow, what has Charles done to you?" I let out a little laugh at my best friends tease.
"I guess it is. I felt like doing it today. Since I met Charles I feel better, at least good enough to make myself look presentable" my smile grew bigger as I mentioned Charles. I still had no idea where this was heading but at least he reassured me that the thing between him and his ex was really over.

After Victoria and I finished our make up and two glasses of wine each we changed into the same satin dress Vic got us a couple of weeks ago;  hers white and mine black. She said that the time would come I would leave the house again to wear a dress like this. Well guess that time has come now, exactly 100 days after my moms passing. I could see that my best friend was relieved that I was enjoying life again. We stood in front of my huge mirror in my dressing room and took some selfies together that I posted on Instagram in the Uber in our way to the restaurant.

[itscarolineharris: double trouble coming your way, look out @victoriaverstappen]

As soon as I uploaded the notification started to flow in. My heart stopped a beat when I saw Charles' name flash up on my screen, a small smile forming on my lips. Victoria noticed and nudged my side, a smirk on her lips.
"Let me take a wild guess here, a certain monegasque driver liked your post?" my smile grew bigger as she mentioned Charles.
"Maybe he did, so what? He is about to see me in the dress anyways" I stopped a second to appreciate what my best friend did for me. "Thanks Vic, for everything. I know I wasn't easy to handle the last couple of months but you stuck around, looking after me, making sure I am okay" a small tear formed in the corner of my eye. She leaned over and rested her head on my shoulder.

We arrived at the restaurant, Charles and Daniel already waiting for us. They both were dressed in black jeans and a white button-down shirt. They looked stunning to say the least. Charles hair was messy, some strands hanging down his forehead. His green eyes looking directly into mine. Daniel whispered something in Charles' ear which made him giggle. We all greeted each other with a hug, Charles soon put his arm on my waist and led us to our table. Once we were seated next to the window overlooking the center of Amsterdam he leaned in close to my ear.
"You look beautiful tonight, chérie" I giggled at his compliment, feeling even more grateful.

The food was amazing, we all had some kind of pasta which reminded me of Italy. I couldn't wait to visit again, maybe even for the F1 weekend. After Charles and Daniel generously covered our bill we went to a roof top bar close by, bringing back memories from my date with Charles. I could feel the heat building up as we made our way into the elevator. It was so small that it caused us to stand really close together. Charles scent made its way into my nose. He smelled amazing, me never wanting to smell anything else ever again. I lean in closer to him so I can whisper in his ear.
"What's the surprise you mentioned earlier?" my questions makes him smile.
"Someone's getting impatient" he gave me a kiss on my head. The elevator stopped and we made our way to a quiet table in the corner. The area was surrounded by glass with an outside area on the opposite site. We ordered a bottle of champagne and enjoyed the view over the city I called home. We all head a full glass of champagne in our hands as Daniel started a little speech: "To new friendships and possible relationships. I couldn't be happier that the Dutch GP is back on the calendar. Cheers" and by that we all clinked our glasses, taking a small sip of the bubbly drink.

We chatted for a while when Charles stood up and took my hand.
"Hope you don't mind if I steal this one for a second" he pointed at me not waiting for an answer. We headed to the outside area of the rooftop bar. I was quite happy about that because that meant I was finally able to smoke. A bad habit I started way too early. I tried by best not to smoke around other people but this evening was asking for a cigarette. I pulled out my pack and gave Charles an asking look.
"I don't mind" he gave me a thin lip smile and I lit my cigarette, letting the smoke make its way to my lunges.
"So about the surprise I told you about earlier" excitement spread across my body, wondering what this would be about. Charles took my other hand that was not holding the cigarette into his and locked our fingers.
"I talked to Mattia about a possible internship in our media department" he paused for a second and I couldn't believe what he was suggesting.
"He said it's no problem at all because we were looking for an intern anyway. It doesn't matter that you don't have any experience in the field, that's what internships are for, right?" Charles smirked. I took another draw of my cigarette because my brain had to process this first. Charles, the guy I met only a couple of days ago at a party, who I've been on only a couple of dates with and has a really complicated love life went all the way to his boss to ask for an internship for me. I smiled at him, putting my cigarette in the ashtray next to me and kissed him.

After everything this was exactly what I needed. A fresh start, a new opportunity. Our kiss deepened, Charles slipping his tongue into my mouth which I welcomed by greeting his with mine. His right hand moved to my cheek and the other to my bum, giving it a light squeeze. I chuckled at his actions that took me by surprise. A soft moan left my mouth as he closed the last tiny gap between our bodies. Our little make out session got interrupted by the sound of cameras clicking. Charles and I pulled away from each other with a mixture of surprise, anger and fear plastered all over our faces. He took my hand and dragged me to the elevator. I could feel that his heart was beating just as fast as mine. Once the doors closed I allowed myself to breath again. While I tried to wrap my mind around what just happened Charles already called Daniel.
"Mate, we just got busted by paparazzi. We're on our way out, so with that information what you want to do" and by that he hung up. He let out a deep breath. His eyes found mine again, I could get lost in his green eyes. Never have I ever found so much comfort in someone's eyes.

We made our way to Charles' rented Portofino. I left out a chuckle.
"I can't believe someone or something is always interrupting us" this made him chuckle as well.
"Welcome in the life of an Formula 1 driver. No don't worry I'm just kidding. The paparazzi aren't always that bad. But it's a race weekend so they're everywhere, trying to get a new story they can sell. It doesn't matter if what they're saying is true but some fans live for the rumors about our personal life's" I nodded along to what Charles said.

In that moment I realized what I've gotten myself into, at least partially. I had no idea what would come the next days, weeks, months and I sure wasn't prepared for it. Was it all worth it? I don't know but that's kinda the fun of life; you never know what's next and if it's gonna be worth it.

A/n: I'm so excited for this story to go on! I have so many ideas and plans! Just wait for what's about to come next.
Comments are very much appreciated, I love to read your opinions on this story!