THREE - Daniel Ricciardo

Chapter 57 - Funny Business

MATURE CONTENT WARNING

AMY

"He's looking at you." Rachel whispered as I stood in a group with her, Chloe and Daniel's mom. I tried not to look back over, which failed miserably as my eyes found contact with his.

His skin was darker and his hair appeared thicker. As soon as I noticed him, his smile multiplied on his complexion, his teeth dazzling in the Australian sun. I moved my hand up to motion a small wave over to him as he copied my motions and did the same.

The men around him also stared. Lando beamed as he noticed I was present, bounding over to the women and engulfing me in his arms.

"I knew you'd change your mind." He laughed with me as he patted my back.

Isabella dragged Daniel by the hand as they moved over to us, his laughter was infectious as he sauntered over, instructed to do so by his niece.

Grace patted my shoulder as she moved out of the way, pulling Rachel and Chloe to the other side of the garden, grabbing Isabella's small hand in the process.

Lando smiled at us before stepping backwards and jogging back over to the group of men who were surrounding the barbecue. The aromas of coal and spiced meat filling the air.

We stood apart as I stared at him, smiling with my eyes as I couldn't comprehend the words to say. Daniel placed both hands in his pockets as he shuffled closer, nervously chewing at his bottom lip as the silence filled the gap between us.

Without question, my mind made my move. Almost running into him and wrapping my arms around his back, I sunk my head into his chest. His broad arms hesitated for a moment, before wrapping around my shoulders, squeezing me tightly.

Daniel placed a kiss to the top of my head as I inhaled the same distinct scent of his cologne which lingered to his skin.

"You came." His voice sounded soft yet shaky as he mumbled into my hair.

I pulled away from his chest and looked up at him. My eyes felt teary but I wouldn't dare cry. I smiled through my lips and let out a small audible giggle as I shook my head and tilted my neck.

"I missed you." I confessed in a whisper. My admission allowed Daniel to smile again, about to speak before another Australian accent disturbed the peace between us.

"Are you going to introduce us Daniel?"

Daniel pulled away as he grabbed my hand and walked me over to the group of boys in the corner. I soon learnt their names and the personalities in which they had. They shared stories of how they knew Daniel and what he was like at school and growing up.

They teased him and embarrassed him for the their own entertainment, the way in which any group of friends should be.

They soon learnt things about myself; either from the mouth of Daniel or from mine. His stories beckoning me in a new light as they showed admiration and pride, whilst I stayed more modest and subtle, not to brag about my accomplishments and achievements.

I sat with Rachel and Chloe whilst they continued to cook lunch for us, which was delicious when it was ready.

At this point, Daniel and I sat on opposite ends of the table as I caught up with his mom and looked after her grandchildren. Joe informed me that he was busy with his work and that he would love to show me what he had been operating on for the past six months whilst I was here.

Although I hadn't known them for very long, it felt like I was with family. I felt comfortable and settled in their presence as they accepted me for who I truly was.