Escaping

Chapter 21: Officially

After a 30 minutes drive, Charles stop the car and when i look around, i don't see anything, just a sort of parking lot with no car. Charles gets out of the car and opens the trunk. I slowly follow him, and when i turn around and face what was behind the car, my eyes widen. We are on a cliff and we can see the whole city from here. The view is so beautiful that i'm stuck looking at it for a few minutes, until Charles speaks.

-It's beautiful, right?

-Yeah, it's amazing. I didn't know there was a place like this so close to Milan.

-I discovered this place during my first year in formula 1. Since then, i went every year before the grand prix.

-I understand why, it's so calming.

Charles takes my hand and turn me to the car. He had placed two blancket and a few plates with food in the back of the car. He gestures me to seat and he soon joins me. 

-It's really sweet. I love it. I say after we got comfortable.

-I'm glad. I planned this last minute.

-You know, the more i live with you, the more i feel like i owe you. You do a lot for me.

-It barelly begun. My goal is to make you the happiest girl alive for the rest of your life. And i'm not doing that because i want something in return. I just love being with you and making you happy. 

I plant a light kiss on his lips, before pulling back slowly. He looks directly in my eyes, his gaze soft, and doesn't say a word.

-Thank you. I don't know what i would do without you. And i hope i'll make you the happiest guy on earth too. I'm just a mess right now, but as soon as i'll be better, i'll be the one to take care of you.

-You're my mess, i'll handle you.

We continue talking for hours, and i enjoy every second. Charles is really easy to talk to, and even the silences are not awkward. After a long pause Charles looks suddenly nervous and takes my hand.

-You know, there is actually a reason i made you come here.

-What is it? I ask confused.

-I realised something earlier. I cannot lose you. And as much as i love our relationship, it's not enough. I want you to be mine. Officially. I want the world to know how much i love you.

My eyes widen, and no word leaves my mouth.

-So, will you do me the favour of letting me be your boyfriend?

I stay silent for a few second, before coming to my senses again.

-Of course, i would love to be your girlfriend!

I jump in his arms and he is quick to wrap them around me. He buried his face in my hair and let out a sigh of relief.

-Oh god... I'm so freaking happy.

-Did you really thought i would say no? I ask playfully

-No, but still, i was so freaking nervous.

I giggle and nuzzle even more in his arms. His hand slides in my hair and plays softly with it. I don't know how long we stayed in each other arms, but it felt like hours. We were just enjoying each other's presence, each other's touch, each other's love.

On the way back to the hotel, we don't talk much, a song playing on the radio. The drive back to the hotel room seems to fly by, as my heart kept racing from the night's events. As he drives, i can't help but stealing small glances at him. I can't believe he's now my boyfriend.

Charles notices my glances and smiles at me

-What are you thinking?

-Just... This whole thing, it still seems a bit surreal. I respond, my eyes fixed in his.

-Trust me, I feel it too. I can't believe a few months ago I still thoughts of you as my childhood friend i lost, and today you just agreed to be my girlfriend.

He gently grabs my hand, squeezing it softly before his hand return to the steering wheel.

Charles turns off the engine in front of the hotel, before taking a deep breath and turning to me.

-Can i ask you something? He asks all of a sudden

-Of course. I respond looking at him curiously.

-You know I'm totally serious about this relationship, right? I don't do relationships lightly. I care about you a lot, more than i've ever cared about anyone before. He says while looking straight in my eyes.

I feel a warmth spread through my chest at his words. I take his hand again, gently caressing his knuckles.

-Of course i know. I think you've showed me enough how much you cared for me the last few months. I respond in a chuckle. And for the record, i feel the same.

I see relief wash over Charles' face. He squeeze my hand gently.

-Good. You're too precious to me, i don't wanna mess this up.

-You won't. I trust you.

There is a small silence between us, as we're both lost in our thoughts, Before i speak again.

-Can i ask something too?

-Sure. What is it?

I take a deep breath, feeling a bit nervous

-Where do we go from now? I mean, now we're offiacialy together, but what does that means? What's going to change?

Charles think for a moment, considering my words. 

-Honestly, i think it will mostly stays the same for now. We were basically already acting like a couple anyway. We'll still hang out and do the same thing we always have, just with an added layed of emotional connextion, i suppose.

He paused for a moment, before adding with a lower voice and a seductinve tone:

-And also... More physical intimacy as well.

I feel my cheeks flush at his words, a mix a excitement and nervousness washing over me, but i try to keep my composure.

-Is that all you can think about? I say teasingly

Charles chuckles, a smirk drawing on his face.

-Of course not. But you can't expect me to ignore the fact that you're even more beautiful than usual now that i know you're mine.

-I was always yours...

He smiled at my words.

-Yeah, you were. He says, his voice soft. But now it's official. You're my girlfriend, and i'm yours.

I smile back, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me.

-I like the sound of that.

Charles leans closer to me, his eyes fixed on me.

-You know, i really appriciated when you kissed me earlier, and i can't shake the feeling i need to return the favor.

I feel my heartbeat quicken at his words, my body responding to his proximity.

-I won't stop you. I respond, my voice barely a whisper.

He doesn't say anything, just leans closer, his free hand coming to cup my jawline and tilted my head toward him. My heart begins to race as i feel his warm breath on my lips. As he pressed his lips on mine, i reciprocate the kiss immediatly. He kisses me gently and romantically, as the world around us seems to fade away, the only thing existing is the feeling of his body close to mine. I almost forget we're in a car, in the middle of a parking lot. It's just him and I, kissing passionatelly.