Middle of the Night

Chapter 26 - It's You?!

"TOTO!" Claire shouted through the hotel room. She turned looking expectantly at the bathroom door with her shirt half buttoned. Claire stood with her hands on her hips waiting for him to make his appearance through the door.
"Yes Little One?" The voice of her very patient boyfriend poked through the door, drying his hair with his towel. "My shirt is too small now. I knew I should have grabbed a new one before we left for testing. Everyone's going to see the bump and we haven't said anything yet," Claire stood pouting

Claire was now four months pregnant. They'd won both championships and had focused on the car for the next year. Claire had maintained her duties but they'd decided not to tell anyone about the baby until the final dinner at the end of testing.

Toto walked forward, chuckling at Claire and placed his hands on her hips. She folded her arms indignantly and glared at him. "You're not allowed to laugh at me and look that sexy while doing it."
Toto pushed her backwards slowly until her back hit the wall. Her breath caught in her throat as his body pressed against hers. He lowered his lips tantalisingly close to hers. She could feel each breath as he exhaled.
"Are you sure about that Little One?" Toto whispered against her mouth. Claire nodded her head slowly.  Her body aching for him to move. To touch her more. To do anything but tease her. He held her gaze as his hand wrapped around her neck gently. His thumb rubbing her throat softly. Totos lips crashed against hers. Claiming her the way only he could. Her hands wrapping through his hair and pulling him closely.

Toto broke the kiss and laughed softly.  "We have to get ready and eat Little One," he said. Claire sighed and ran her fingers through her hair as she watched Toto put his shirt on. "Easy for you to say when your clothes fit you perfectly," she shot back. More out of frustration that he'd left her feeling so turned on than the fact that her work clothes were suddenly that little bit too tight.
She sucked her stomach in a little and closed the last buttons before tucking her shirt into her slacks. She then tied her hair into a slick ponytail and touched up her make up.
Claire turned around to find Toto ready and waiting for her, seated on the edge of the bed.
"See! No one will notice a thing. You look beautiful." She walked up to him and slapped his shoulder playfully. "Fine, but if anyone comments, so help me God."

They arrived at the paddock. It was wonderfully quiet compared to race weekends. Only everyone who needed to be at testing were there. It made Claire feel calmer about any press noticing but she was still worried about everyone else.
"So we have a meeting at 9am with the engineers and drivers to go through the run plans for the day. Then there's a meeting with the FIA at 11am. Testing then starts at 1pm," Claire explained to Toto as they approached hospitality. "Anything else?" Toto asked her briskly. Claire looked at her schedule shaking her head. "Nope. Nothing," she affirmed. "Well then why is Christian Horner standing outside our building?"

Claire looked up in surprise. She genuinely didn't know why the Brit was standing there, seemingly waiting for them. Christian walked forward and extended his hand. Toto took it and shook. "Christian, how may I help you?" Toto asked cautiously. "Can we speak in your office? Away from ears?" Christian said softly. Claire and Toto looked at each other confused. "I have some time before my meeting. Let's head up now."

They walked in and headed straight to Totos office. Claire stood at the door. "Would you like some coffee? Tea?" Christian shook his head and before Toto could respond he said, "This involves you too, so you should stay." Concern flashed across Claires face, but she closed the door and sat down.

"What's going on Christian?" Toto asked forthrightly. Christian ran his hand through his hair and sighed. "I know we haven't always gotten along, but I do respect you so you need to know what's going on." There was a brief pause and then Christian started again. "Look, I know Susie has been to see us and a few other teams. I don't know how many, but she's trying to get permanent access to the paddock. She's willing to give teams Mercedes information in order to do it. I'm assuming it's because of your relationship."