Ready or Not?

9.

A few hours later

I came back to the paddock and sat up on the terrace, I could get a clear view of the rest of the paddock from here, whilst also being able to get on with some work in peace. I began to edit the clips from earlier in the week, and then Joe arrived with some funky looking drinks in his hands and a smile plastered on his face.

"Are you negative?" He asks whilst placing the drinks on the counter

"How did you know?" "But yes I am thankfully, I went out earlier to be sure and get tested"

"You were dropped off by him the other day, I knew there would be a slight risk of it, but good to know you're in the clear, so shall we begin?"

We worked on the edits for hours and those drinks kept coming back so the workflow was impeccable. It got dark outside and that was our sign to switch off for the night, we had a long few days ahead so we needed to get our rest. Joe walked me to the hotel and then we went our separate ways, I headed up to mine and Max's suite where I found him on the sim in the living room.

"Hey Lia, do you want to go get dinner or shall we order in?" He doesn't even move his eyes away from the screens.

"Let's go out, it's been a while since we've been here, I know a good place for tapas"

"Ah I was actually hoping you'd say order in, I don't really want to go out tonight, maybe tomorrow instead?" I can't be angry with him, I know he needs to practise as much as possible, but it would be nice to go and soak up the atmosphere outside of our hotel. I showered and changed into jeans and black corset top, and spotted a message from Carlos, 'hey I'm free tonight if you want to grab some dinner together?'

Since I had nothing better to do, I didn't see any harm in having dinner with him, he is just a friend and I need to make sure I keep it that way. I waited outside and was surprised to be greeted with a few of the guys from the team, including Joe.

"Hey wanna join us? We're off to get pizza and then we might go to a bar after, you look like you're dressed for it"

"Sorry Joe, I'm going to have to get a rain check on this one, I've already got plans tonight, thanks for offering though" The guys continued into their taxi while I checked my phone for any updates from Carlos

"I'm right behind you Natalia" Carlos whispered into my right ear, I turn to see him dressed in a cotton white shirt and shorts. He seems a lot more relaxed than he usually is, but I guess that's what being single does to a guy.

"Stop creeping up on people, it can get you in trouble you know"

"Now what if I like being the one in trouble?" "More so if it's you who's telling me off"

I forgot to breathe for a moment because the tension is killing me here on the spot.
I walk with him towards his car, as he opens the door I can see him looking down at my ass whilst I try to get in. "Stop it Sainz"

"I don't know what you're talking about" He gently closed my door and got in his own seat and before I knew it, we were zooming through the Spanish streets. "I'm taking you to one of my favourite places, they have everything like tapas, pasta, pizza and..."

I interrupt his exhaustive list of cuisines, "Why did you want me to join you Carlos?" I am genuinely intrigued by his thoughts, does such a beautiful face have a truly beautiful mind or is he after the same thing all guys want when they know I'm Max's sister.

"Well I saw Max was streaming on Twitch, and so you were in the background not doing much, I thought you might appreciate the company" "Of course, if you want to go back just tell me, I don't want you feeling uncomfortable with me"

"No no, don't be silly. We're just friends catching some dinner, nothing to be uncomfortable about" He laughed when I said 'friends' but I need him to know that I meant that, I don't want to repeat last year with someone like Carlos, he deserves someone as mature and real as him.

Later in the night

So we returned to the hotel, where I was struggling to get out of his Ferrari , these things are not suited to long legs. Carlos helped me out by holding my hand which he didn't let go of till we reached the elevator door, he looked at my eyes which avoided his because I know deep down he might want more from me than just a hug.

"Good night Natalia, you were amazing company tonight, hope we can do this again on Sunday?"

"Ahh sorry Carlos, I have plans on Sunday, but thanks again for dinner, I owe you one" I gave him a hug before quickly entering the elevator. When those doors closed my shoulders dropped a little, I had fun I will admit that, but I need to keep my head in the game and not get distracted, even when that distraction is someone as hot as Carlos.