THREE - Daniel Ricciardo

Chapter 32 - Before Tomorrow

AMY

It was now Monday, the day before the lads needed to leave to travel to Azerbaijan. They were getting there three days before first practice needed to start, in order to relax, train and settle into a different time zone. Even though it was only four hours difference, they needed to be as focused as possible and being tired was not an option. Well, at least for Daniel anyways.

I had learnt over the past few days that Daniel was starting to become drastically concerned with the way in which McLaren were beginning to treat him. He felt pushed aside and shunned. He always knew that Lando was the golden boy for the team, but he was starting to feel as if he was back at Red Bull; the second driver. Let the younger star shine whilst he was a place holder for the other position. And to make matters worse, Daniel wasn't doing so great on track days. He had barely placed into any points, something about the car not performing and his mind not being in the correct place. He just couldn't get it to work for him.

The last fews days had been heavenly with Daniel, visiting my bedroom every evening since we reconnected, keeping our new-found 'relationship' a secret from the prying eyes of the others in the house. Rachel hadn't been around much, to engrossed in her new boy toy to make time for any of us, leaving just myself to host for our guests. But this was my home, so I guess the ball fell into my court to be the 'hostess with the mostess'.

As Daniel's workload shortened during these days, he found every creative way to get us alone, ushering Michael out to the shop on multiple occasions just so he had ten minutes alone with me where he could kiss me and hold me. I giggled every time Michael shouted at Daniel for not reminding him to grab several items at one given time, instead of making him to go the shop each time per item.

Luckily for us, Pierre had wanted a training session in Hyde Park today so Michael went to accompany him. The other boys had other engagements, either back at their teams headquarters, media responsibilities or having the chance to explore London. Most of them had been here many times before, but off days always gave them the opportunity for quality time here and unwind before the travelling circus started again. 

This left us alone again, one thing I wouldn't be taking for granted when he had to leave tomorrow. I had to savour my time with him for the few hours we had in peace this morning as Rachel and I had a photoshoot this evening with Cosmopolitan.

As the bedsheets sprawled around us, covering our exposed bodies, the sunlight glistened over our sweaty skin. I lay into Daniel, my back touching his front as his back was firmly pressed up against the headboard. His fingers gently caressing my arms as we lay in a comfortable silence after some fun morning activities, making use of any spare time we had. Daniel's head sat in the crook of my neck, planting small kisses behind my ear.

"I don't ever want to leave." Daniel whispered, his hot breath still causing my skin to become sensitive, sending shivers down my back.

I hummed in response and used my hand to reach back and caress his cheek. I grazed my fingers over the stubble which formed around his mouth, now staring out of the window at the sunny day outside.

"What happens now?" I asked and closed my eyes, melting into Daniel's warm embrace.

"We go to Baku tomorrow morning and after that, we go straight to Canada. It's a nine hour difference so I'd like to get used to that before I race again." He spoke, kissing my skin in between every word.

"And then?" I queried, wanting a run down of his plans for the next year, needing to know when I could next be lay in his arms.

"And then," Daniel ran his hands up my arms and I hummed, "I'll be back here. Silverstone."