❥𝑹𝒆𝒅 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆

Chapter 41

Charles POV

I grabbed my keys and went to the garage. The gala was about to start and I would pick up Valerie. I couldn't wait to see the dress she had bought. For me.
Well, she could go in joggers and she would still be friggin' stunning.

I got to the front door and pressed the ring button.
Carlos opened the door. »Hey mate.« I greeted him with a handshake and he let me in.

»Where's Valerie?«
»She is getting ready. Women need their time I guess.«, her brother chuckled.

He himself was already in a dark blue suit with a Ferrari pin.
I chose a black suit, but without any pins.

We let ourselves fall onto the couch, chatting.
Next up would be the Bahrain GP. I had won there once in 2022. Maybe I had the odds to do it again.
No, I was sure I could do it.
RedBull was strong, but we are getting there too.

I turned around to the hall when I heard footsteps on the stairs.
And then I saw her.
She was followed by another girl but I completely zooned that out.

Valerie walked down the stairs, making a halt only a few meters away from the living room.

She wore a beautiful, rosé colored dress. One leg was showing through a slit on the side and her neckline was stunning.
Her caramel brown hair was curled and laying on her shoulders, a necklace around her neck.
Decent Make-up covered her face and her eyes seemed to glow.

I got up, consumed by her look. And I couldn't tear my eyes away.

»You look...« My breath trembled. »Wow.«
Valerie smiled as I came closer, one hand placed on her waist.
I pulled her closer to give her a kiss, my other hand touching her cheek.
Her lipstick tasted like a field of cherry's on a sunny day.

»Gosh, my girlfriend is beautiful.«
I couldn't find words for it.

How I loved her. With every inch of my body.

She put on a shy smile as I spoke.
»You don't do so bad yourself.«, she remarked as she looked down on me.
I refused to let go of her waist. I wanted to keep her close.

Carlos was right behind me, amazed by his sister.
»Val, you look amazing.«
»Thank you.«, she replied, not sure how to cope with all those compliments.

I saw Carlos' gaze rushing from Valerie and pointing behind her, a certain spark glowing inside of them. His brown eyes lighted up.
I followed his look and noticed the girl that was behind Valerie.

»Oh, I think you two haven't met yet. Juliette this is Charles, Charles, this is my best friend, Juliette.« Valerie tore herself away from my grip and walked over to her friend and gave her a little push in my direction.
»So you're the man she's so in love with, yeah?«, the woman remarked cheekily and reached out her hand.
»If that's what she told you. I've heard much of you.«, I replied, chuckling.

Juliette wore a black, short dress. It glimmered in a blue tone in the light.
It was quite pretty.
And Carlos seemed to be blown away by it.
He couldn't speak a word.

»May we go, then?«, Juliette suggested as she took a look at the clock.

»Of course.« Carlos found his voice again and headed to the door.

Valerie and I exchanged looks.
We knew what was going on.

I rested my hand around her back again, walking out. While we got past the front door, I looked down her neck.
I recognized the necklace she wore. It was the necklace.
I couldn't help but smile widely.

***
Narrator POV

When they arrived, the gala was already full of people.
They met many drivers such as Max with Kelly and Pierre with Kika.
Alex showed up, accompanied by his girlfriend.
Even Daniel couldn't refuse to come.
It was nice to see how many drivers and friends stayed in Monaco for this gala.

Charles and Valerie first went off for some picture for the press, followed by Carlos and Juliette.
They stood together for the photo.

Valerie and Charles couldn't help but giggle when they saw the two.

There was definitely something between them but they clearly didn't want to confess anything yet.

The four of them accompanied some of the other drivers after at the bar.
Lando decided to show up too, late as always.
They had a good chat.
Piano music was playing. The room filled more and more with people.

When another, slow but beautiful song turned up, Charles got up from his seat and reached out his hand to Valerie.
»May I have this dance?«
Valerie chuckled nervously. »Are you serious?«

»Do I look like I'm joking?«

She looked around.
»There's nobody else dancing.«
Charles sighed.
»Someone has to make a start. Come on.«

Valerie smiled and took his hand, leaded to the middle of the room.
Their hands confided in one another, his hand resting on her waist while she placed hers on his shoulder.

Everyone started to stare at them.
But the two of them didn't care. They only had eyes for each other.
Charles lead the dance and Valerie followed, creating a beautiful, smooth rhythm.
They moved like one.

They didn't have to wait too long for other people to join them.
Even Pierre dragged his girlfriend on the dance floor.
Charles and Valerie were surrounded by a dancing crowd, enjoying the moment.
When she looked into his eyes, she drowned in an ocean, like she did so many times before.
A million butterflies tried to escape her stomach every time she saw his smile light up.

»I love you.«, she whispered, only for him to hear it.
His smile grew wider. »Nah, I love you more.

They continued to dance, like they were born for this moment. And they wished this evening would never end.

But little did they know, that someone was watching them from afar, clenching his jaw.