Madrid English Version

Chater 30

Months went by, and as time went by, the two Spaniards spent more and more time together. When Carlos was in the Spanish capital, he spent all his time with the engineer. They ate, talked, laughed and slept together.

Before each race, Aria would call the driver to wish him good luck and forbid him to crash. During these calls, Carlos could hear the brunette's small voice, full of concern, but also of support for him.

With the Barcelona Grand Prix fast approaching, Carlos plucked up his courage with a pass-paddock in hand. He was standing in front of the engineer's door, about to ring the bell, yet he hesitated. He hesitated, not knowing whether he wanted the woman who held his heart to be exposed to fans who would speculate on their relationship. Yet he knew he couldn't introduce Aria to his fans, and to the world, until he had introduced her to his family.

With that in mind, he tucked the pass away in his back pocket and rang the doorbell. Aria, knowing perfectly well who was on the other side of the door, rushed in and threw herself into the arms of the dark-haired man who had opened them for her. The Spaniard used his forefinger to lift the young woman's chin, anchoring his eyes in hers, before hooking his lips to hers.

The brunette invited her into her home, and after a few minutes, Aria noticed that something wasn't quite right. She knew it. She didn't know why, but she knew. She immediately thought the worst.

He'd cheated on her. He'd offered his body to someone else.

Yet they weren't a couple. "He can do what he wants," was the first thought that popped into her head. Carlos also noticed that Aria's mood had changed, and he had only one fear: to be the reason for it.

- What's wrong with him? he asked her.

- Nothing, nothing, don't worry," she replied, her gaze downcast.

- Aria, what's going on? I know you, I know something's up. he said, raising his face with his index finger to meet her gaze. Seeing that she didn't answer, he continued: Come on, spit it out.

- Are you cheating on me? she asked, regretting her question when she saw the expression on the pilot's face.

- Are you? No, of course not! I'd never cheat on you Aria, you're far too important.

- But we're not a couple. For all we know, you're married and..." she said, stammering, before Carlos cut her off.

- Dare to say just once more that we're not a couple and I swear I'll cheat on you. You...you're much more than a girl you sleep with once and throw away. You're an extraordinary woman, you're smart, you're beautiful, you care about the people around you. You even pay attention to, and care about, people who absolutely don't deserve it. You're much more than just a person, you're a part of me, a piece of my soul, a piece of my heart. Carlos, caught his breath for a few seconds before resuming. When...when I saw you in the parking lot in August, I knew right away that I wanted to know everything about you. I want to know your birthday, your middle name, where you were born. I want to know the color of your eyes, and be able to imagine them with my eyes closed. It kills me to know you're away from me when I leave, to know you're alone. To be afraid that you won't eat, or won't eat enough, that you'll work too hard, that you won't sleep enough. I don't care about that parking space, I never have. I just wanted to be able to talk to you. And if being able to talk to you means I have to park my car, which will soon be yours too, then I accept. I agree to walk several miles to see you, to talk to you. I agree to commit to feeding you until your last breath if it means you eat. I...I...I love you Aria, I love you like I've never loved anyone, and I can't imagine my life without you. I want to grow old with you, have children, get married, have cats, dogs. Spend Christmases with Lando, Alba and their children. I...I love you Aria, and there's nothing you can do about it. My love for you is unconditional. Carlos fell silent and saw the brunette's eyes fill with water before she connected her lips with his.