I can't .

~32~

POV y/n:

I laugh with Alex, the two of us getting along effortlessly. The sun is warm, the breeze is gentle, and everything feels light.

"So," she says with a grin, "you're Toto's daughter, right? How did he take the news about you and Carlos?"

I let out a little laugh. "Oh god, that was a journey," I say, shifting slightly on the lounge cushion. "At first? Not well. That's how I ended up working with Alfa Romeo last season until the summer break. It gave him some space... and it gave me a chance to help Bottas get back in the groove."

Alex raises her eyebrows. "And now?"

I shrug and smile. "He's trying. I mean, he's not totally on board yet, but he's making an effort. The truth is, with the constant traveling and crazy schedules, he hasn't had much of a chance to really get to know Carlos. Not like I have."

I glance toward the other side of the deck. Carlos is laughing at something Charles just said, droplets of water still clinging to his sun-kissed skin. He looks effortlessly perfect, and just watching him makes butterflies stir in my stomach. I can't stop the smile that tugs at my lips.

"Aww, you're so in love," Alex teases.

I chuckle, and Carlos, catching me staring, sends me a wink before turning back to Charles. Alex and I giggle some more, and I shift the conversation toward her and Charles. She's happy to share, telling me all the sweet and messy details of how things unfolded between them.

A little while later, Charles strolls over with that typical, easygoing grin. "Sorry to interrupt, ladies—but did you want to go out to eat like this?" He gestures to our swimsuits with a playful smirk. "It's getting late, and we thought it'd be fun to head somewhere."

We shake our heads, laughing, and hop up almost in sync.

"Alright, time to get changed," Alex says, already walking toward her room.

"See you in a minute!" I call after her before opening the door to mine. As I step inside, the door clicks shut behind me, and there's Carlos—lying on the bed in nothing but his swim trunks, phone in hand, and that irresistible grin on his face.

He quickly puts his phone aside and looks up at me. "Hola, mi amor. You having fun?"

"Yeah," I say, smiling as I cross the room. "Alex is really nice."

He arches an eyebrow. "What were you two talking about?"

"Just girl stuff," I say vaguely, already feeling a blush creep onto my cheeks.

"Girl stuff, huh?" Carlos sits up and reaches out a hand. I take it, and he gently pulls me down beside him. "I saw the way you were looking at me, mi amor."

I try to play innocent. "Did I?"

He grins. "You like to play games, don't you?"

His fingers trail softly across my cheek, and I melt under his touch. "So what if I do?"

He chuckles, eyes sparkling. "Mi amor, I have two sisters—I know what girl talk means. So tell me the truth."

My face heats up even more. "Your reaction already gave it away," he teases, then presses a soft kiss to my lips.

I trail my fingers down his arm, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath my touch. My heart is pounding, and I can't help but smile.

"I love you, Carlos," I whisper.

He looks at me with that warmth in his eyes that makes my stomach flutter. "I love you too, mi amor."

Our lips meet again, and this time the kiss deepens, his hand slipping into my hair as I pull him closer. My breath catches in my throat.