Book 2: Beginning Again -Carlos Sainz

Chapter 13

Bright and early, 8am in Japan. Marie was already down in the hotel lobby, running through the details of the video shoot. She didn't need to be ready this early but she could barely sleep a wink. This was her chance to prove herself with her dad, to feel some reward for the insane amount of work she had been putting in. The video idea was plain and simple- it was a box filled with small slips of paper with listed 'firsts.' They would take turns choosing and answering about their 'first,' first car, first love, first time you failed a test, etc. The fans loved getting to know the drivers personally so Marie knew they would eat it up. She was practically pacing around the lobby, the sound of her boots making a constant noise against the marble flooring. The sound of her phone going off brought her out of her trance, immediately diving for where it was sitting on the table.

Carlos: You really went with that outfit today?

Marie's head snapped up to scan the lobby, but he was nowhere to be seen.

You have a problem with it? Marie

Carlos: Yeah, I do. I won't be able to focus today with your ass in those pants.

Marie felt the color rush to her cheeks and she... she started to smile? She was fully grinning at her phone before she even realized what was happening and wiped her face.

"What the hell was that?" she thought to herself as she replied.

Well then I have a problem with you wearing your racing suit. :Marie

She wasn't sure why she was flirting back, but for the first time that morning, she wasn't sick with anxiety. He was just... taking her mind off everything. Just like their little deal, it was just stress relief. A welcome distraction.

Carlos: That really gets you going?

You have no idea. Also, where are you?: Marie

"Hey"

Marie practically jumped at the voice behind her.

"Shit, you scared me, again," she said as she turned to meet his eyes, noticing the soft smile on his lips.

"I know. I was sitting over there," he said, motioning to the very corner of the hotel lobby where Marie didn't even look before.

"Huh, I didn't even see you over there. Anyway, how are you doing this morning?"

"I'm fine, how are you?" He smiled at her, letting his eyes squint just the smallest bit. Marie felt her heart squeeze, something that caught her by surprise. There was a beat of awkward pause as they looked at each other.

"I'm a bit nervous to be honest. I'd really like today to go well," she replied, wringing her hands and avoiding eye contact. She felt the anxiety creeping up into her until she noticed a soft, warm hand on hers. She looked down to see his big hands folded over hers, stopping them from their constant movement.

"Hey... it's gonna be great. It's going to be great because you've put in so much work for this and you don't do anything half-assed. I know that from personal experience." He sent her a wink as he spoke. "You're smart and talented, and your dad would be an idiot if he didn't see that by now. And it's going to be great because you've got two very handsome men starring in it for you."

Marie looked up to meet his eyes, noticing how his gaze softened. He was still holding her hands, rubbing his thumb over her skin ever so slightly. Marie's mind went blank. His eyes captivated her with their warmth, looking like chocolate that could melt at any moment. In fact, everything about him felt warm: his tanned skin and long dark hair. His presence felt like a summer afternoon in the sun. She unconsciously swallowed and parted her lips, tilting her chin up towards him. There were no words left to be spoken because she had no idea how to reply to them. Marie saw his face start to move towards hers before a voice interrupted them.