Book 2: Beginning Again -Carlos Sainz

Chapter 7

It was the Thursday before the Italian grand prix and Marie found herself in a small room with both Charles and Carlos. She had managed a tight lipped smile and a slight nod at him when she greeted him today. Even just meeting his eyes, Marie found herself starting to sweat as they followed her around the room. They were gathered there before the guys had to start their filming for one of Marie's video ideas.

"Alright guys," Marie said as she looked over her notes. "We are going to make some short videos for the instagram story, asking the fans what they want to see from you guys. I'll sort through the answers and we will try to do 5 or so of these short 2 minute video ideas. Sounds good?" She looked up at the boys, spending more time looking at Charles to avoid Carlos' eyes that seemed to make her sweat even more. She glanced at him quickly, seeing his carefully messed up hair that had fallen over his face. His eyes stayed on hers, but his eye contact was more intense than she had expected. Their dynamic had shifted since the apology, but she didn't quite know how to act around him now. She decided to forgive him- fresh start. But then why did she feel so uncomfortable around him right now?

"Okay, here is what I want each of you to say. Charles this is your cue card and Carlos... this is yours. Any questions?"

"Nope," they both said simultaneously.

These two were clearly naturals, she noted, as the cameras started rolling and they both gave their best million-dollar grins.

"God, he's so handsome," Marie thought to herself, before snapping up at the thought. "I was talking about Charles. Yep."

Marie shook off her thought, watching as the two spoke slowly to the cameras. She couldn't understand why her eyes kept bringing her back to Carlos and the way his accent made the words sound. Her eyes were no longer under her control as they took a sweeping look of him, wearing fireproofs with his race suit tied on his hips. She could just make out the etchings of his abdominal muscles under the tight mock-turtleneck top. Her eyes pulled back up, staring at his perfectly plump lips, mouthing words in slow motion to her brain. Just as the camera guy called cut, his eyes met hers, making her almost jump in intensity. Her brain was still caught up on him, not hearing any words that were spoken.

"Marie? Was... that good?" Charles spoke, trying to read the expression on the blonde's face.

"Oh, yes. Very good, guys. You're both naturals!" She cleared her throat, giving her brain time to catch up on the words she wanted to say. "Great, so we can tentatively plan on next week for filming the first short video. This won't be like your other social media duties, this will be quicker, a few minutes each time, I promise."

She smiled at the boys, staring intensely at Charles again to avoid Carlos' eyes. Something about those deep brown eyes made her lose her train of thought.

**

The Italian grand prix was in full swing as quali had just wrapped up on Saturday. Marie didn't find the races too particularly exciting, usually opting to sit from somewhere more quiet with a nice view. She was working on editing the video and creating graphics for the instagram stories, making sure to keep the company logo plastered everywhere. Finally partially satisfied with her work, she shut her laptop and went to find her dad to update him on the progress. Things had been good between them, as the Ferrari social media team had backed most of her ideas and he had to trust her. She was derailed by her mission as she saw Chad calling.

"Hey babe one sec, I'm still at the track but I'm heading back to my hotel now, can I call you in 5?"

"Uhh... what I have to say is actually kinda important," he replied in a strange tone. Marie felt her heartbeat quicken as she ducked into an empty room and shut the door.