Race & Rally // Charles Leclerc

4.00

We had decided to watch the podium from the grandstand knowing that there was no chance of us getting up close. I had heard that this was Charles' first win of the season, making it all the more special seeing him up there.

As the podium celebration ends, David and I decide to stay put to let the crowd filter out. However, he doesn't miss the chance to give me some videos to analyse the different techniques of my upcoming opponents.

While the sun is setting, we finally begin to make our way back to my car through the paddock. It's much quieter now and you can tell that everyone is winding down from the exhausting day they had just experienced.

As we pass the Ferrari garage, David gives me a nudge and points at the doorway. My eyes land on Charles, who is taking a quiet moment on his phone while leaning against the garage wall. His hair is scruffy and his race suit sat above his hips. I feel my heart race at the sight of him.

"I'll meet you at the car?" David asks knowingly. I just nod in response as I make my way over to Charles.

"Congrats on the win Leclerc" I say once I'm close enough for him to hear me. He flinches slightly but the shock on his face immediately melts away when his eyes meet mine.

"Summers, you made it!" he grins from ear to ear. I can hear my heart sigh. I could look at his smile forever.

"It's not like I'd miss your first win of the season?!" I tease as I stand next to him, letting my eyes fall to the ground.

"You must be my lucky charm," he says, lowering his voice. I can feel his eyes on me as my face heats up.

"Well one thing is for sure, you're so lucky you didn't crash on those last few laps! What were you thinking?!" I shove him slightly, still not over the panic I had felt, as a chuckle escapes his lips.

"I was thinking; I'm going to win this race. No matter what," he states. His eyes lock with mine and it's obvious that we share mutual understanding of that competitive feeling. "Plus, I didn't crash, did I?" he smirks.

I rolled my eyes at his words. "Well, it wasn't fun to watch," I mutter, looking back down at my hands this time.

"Wait a second. Were you worried about me Summers?" he asks in a teasing manner.
He has now stood up from leaning against the wall, leaving us face to face. My body is tense at his closeness.

I attempt to speak but I felt like it only came out as a whisper. "I wasn't just worried Charles. I was scared."

His face softens and I watch as his gaze landed on my lips. "You don't need to be scared Summers," he says softly.

I can't place what I'm feeling, but I search his face for any indication that he's feeling whatever this is too.

"Leclerc!" a voice booms from inside the door which startles us both, causing us to move apart.

"I- um, I better go," Charles stutters.

"Yeah, you go," I say, fumbling with my gestures awkwardly.

"Wait, you're coming to the party right?" he questions, pointing his finger at me.

I let a smile creep onto my face.
"Oh I would, if I knew where it was!" I laugh.

"I'll send the address to you. Please be there- I mean, I would enjoy it more if you were there," he utters, holding back the embarrassment from reaching his complexion.

I bite my lip to try and hide my growing smile. "I'll see you there Leclerc."

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