Valerie

Part 11

VALERIE

After the brief awkward exchange with Daniel in Italy, he made an effort to make sure that things stayed the same between us. The next morning he was outside my hotel room with coffee, and he walked me down to breakfast. I appreciated that it didn't change things between us.

We're in Portugal, I've just pulled on my bikini and thrown a little dress over it, Danny and I are meeting a couple of people at the beach, we've got two days before we need to be at the track, so everyone is taking the chance to enjoy the short time off.

I've just got down to the lobby when I hear Maddie calling my name, everyone is already there, Danny takes my bag from me and I link arms with Maddie as we walk to the beach together.

"Max keeps looking at you," I whisper to Maddie, throwing a look over my shoulder at Daniel and Max who are walking together.

She laughs. "Uh, no he isn't."

I look over my shoulder again and watch as Max sees me looking at him and quickly diverts his eyes away from Maddie's back. "Oh, he definitely is. I think Verstappen may have a little crush."

"Girl shut up." Maddie laughs. "Maybe the man just appreciates a fine behind, you have to admit, my butt looks good in these shorts."

I stop walking and look at her butt for a second before running to catch up with her. "Ok, maybe he's a butt guy. Your butt looks good! Damn."

She laughs loudly. "Thanks, Val. I haven't been squatting all the time for nothing."

When we reach the beach Maddie and I lay our towels out and then help each other put sunscreen on our backs.

"Not gonna lie, this is the shit wet dreams are made of." Lando giggles.

I chuck my flip-flop at him. "Grow up, Lando."

The guys are laughing, apparently agreeing with him.

Maddie and I get up and start walking down to the water together.

We stop and let the water lap at our feet.

"It's beautiful out here. I love how quiet this beach is." I sigh, enjoying the breeze in my hair.

"Incoming!" I hear Daniel shout, I turn just in time to see him running at me, he moves faster than me, wrapping his arms around my waist and throwing me over his shoulder.

"Daniel! No! Put me down!" I squeal.

It's too late, he's already carrying me further into the water and when he's deep enough, he plunges both of us into the water, making sure to pull me down with him.

I come up spluttering, he grabs my waist, helping me stay afloat.

I slap his shoulder, laughing loudly. "You're a fucking menace Ricciardo."

He grins. "Like you'd have it any other way, Wolff."

I roll my eyes, wrapping my arms around his neck, just as a wave comes up behind us, pushing us forward. I feel his grip on my hips tighten, making sure I don't get lost in the waves.

"You good?" he asks, lifting me a little higher out of the water.

I nod. "I'm good, Danny."

"Will you get dinner with me tonight? Just us?" he says quietly.

I look into his eyes and then nod slowly, a smile forming on my lips. "Of course. I'd love to."

He grins. "Okay great, just casual, we're going to go to a place on the beach."