Mind the Gap

Chapter 6

landonorris: Carlandooooooo, congratulations to my brother @carlosainz🏆

Waking up after dinner with Ana has me feeling like I'm on top of the world. As I head to the track for race day prep, I'm grinning like an idiot. I probably look ridiculous, but I can't help it. My trainer, Jon, catches on immediately.

"You're in a good mood today," he remarks as we start our warm-up routine. "What's the secret?"

I laugh, unable to contain myself. "Just had a great evening last night."

"You went out last night?" He raises an eyebrow. "Okay... What's her name?"

"Ana," I say, grinning wider than ever. Just saying her name makes me feel like I'm buzzing.

"Ah, there it is," Jon chuckles. 

I pause mid-stretch. "Does age really matter to women in terms of dating?"

Jon blinks, surprised. "Not what I expected you to say." He thinks for a moment. "Depends on the woman, I guess. Some might care, others won't. Why? How much older are we talking?"

"Not that much, just five years," I mutter. "But she's kind of... intimidating. She's smart, grounded, but not in a boring way. It's like she has this presence."

Jon raises an eyebrow knowingly. "Sounds like you're already in deep. Age doesn't matter, honestly mate."

"Yeah," I say, feeling the realization hit me. "I guess I am."

We finish the warm-up, and Jon pats my back encouragingly. "Just be yourself, mate. If she's worth it, she'll see that."

The Spanish Grand Prix starts, and before heading to the car, I send Ana a quick message:

Lando: Maybe I'll actually win this for you, y'know. I had a lovely time last night.

A few minutes later, my phone buzzes.

Ana: Good luck, Lando. I'm rooting for you. You've got this!

Her words feel like a surge of adrenaline straight to my veins. I'm more determined than ever. The race goes by in a blur, and I push the car to its limits, channeling every bit of energy from our night together and her encouragement. I secure P2, and Carlos wins the race, making it a perfect day for both of us. But instead of the usual rush of competition and adrenaline, all I want is to see Ana again.

After the podium celebrations and the interviews, it's time for the sponsor's party. I know Ana will be there, and I'm eager to catch up. She texted earlier, saying she's coming with Lucas since it's technically still a work event for her. The mere mention of his name makes my chest tighten, but I'm determined to play it cool.

The party's in full swing when I arrive, and I spend the first few minutes mingling, all the while scanning the room for her. When I finally spot Ana, she's standing with Lucas, looking as stunning as ever. The sight of them together sends a surge of frustration through me. And of course, Carlos, who's always too perceptive, catches me staring.

"You're staring, mate," he mutters, nudging me with his elbow. "What's going on with you and Ana?"

I glance at him. "Wait, you know Ana?"

Carlos nods thoughtfully. "She dated one of my best mates a few years back."

My stomach twists. "Who?"

"You've never met him. But they broke up because... well, she was too good for him anyway," Carlos says with a smirk. "She's great, Lando. It's hard for me to compliment people, but she's easy to compliment."

I stare at him, floored. Carlos is rarely impressed by anyone. "So, what's up with you and Ana? And how did you meet?"

I run a hand through my hair, feeling the frustration simmer beneath the surface. "I met her in Italy. Then we reconnected at the Gala last weekend."

"Reconnected?" Carlos narrows his eyes. "Did you ghost her, or...?"

"No, no, no," I say quickly. "It's the other way around."

Carlos laughs in disbelief. "She ghosted you? Seriously?"

"Yeah, she didn't respond to my texts and right now... She's still thinking about it," I admit sheepishly. "But Lucas... he's bad news. The way he's always hovering around her, showing her off like she's some kind of girlfriend—it just doesn't sit right with me."

"You're jealous," Carlos finishes, grinning. "Relax, mate. My dad and I play golf with Lucas' dad. Lucas is a good guy, but he's not you."

I nod, feeling slightly better. "Still, I don't know how to handle it."

"Just be yourself," Carlos advises. "And don't let Lucas or any other male colleague get to you. I get it, she's magnetic. But if you want her, show her."

"Thanks, man," I say sincerely.

We approach Ana and Lucas, and I jump into their conversation about golf. Lucas is charming and confident, but I keep my cool.

"Ana, I didn't know you were into golf," Carlos teases.

"I'm not, really," she laughs. "But Lucas has been trying to convince me to give it a shot."

"You should play with us sometime. Us four," Carlos suggests. "Lando can teach you. He's decent."

"I'll think about it," Ana says, glancing at me.

She excuses herself to go to the restroom, and I wait a few minutes before following her. When she exits, I'm already waiting in the hallway. Without a word, I gently grab her hand and lead her into a quiet corner.

"Lando, what are you doing?" she whispers, surprised.

"I just needed some alone time with you," I say softly. I don't know if it's the alcohol or just my nerves, but the words spill out before I can stop them. "Lucas is pretty close to you, huh?"

She sighs. "Lando, I told you, he's just a friend and a colleague."

"I know," I mutter, stepping closer. "But I want to be the one standing next to you, not him."

"It's work visibility," she counters.

"That close?" I lean in, my voice low.

"Are you jealous?" Her eyebrow arches in amusement.

"I just wish I could hold you in public, show you off to everyone like he does."

"Lando—"

"Trust me, I know what I'm saying, Ana." My voice softens as I close the distance between us. "I don't want to hide."

Her cheeks flush as she meets my gaze. "Lando, just give it time."

I take a deep breath, then pause, finally asking, "Is this okay?" I lean in slowly, our faces just inches apart.

"Yeah, I like it," she whispers, leaning in to close the gap. She's the one who initiates the kiss, and I swear I feel my heart explode.

They say only girls feel butterflies, but that's bullshit. I feel it too. The kiss is intense, fueled by jealousy and longing, months of pent-up feelings that finally find an outlet. When we pull back, we're both breathless.

"We should get back," she says softly.

"Yeah," I agree, but I don't move. "Just one more minute?"

She smiles and leans her head against my chest. "One more minute."

We stay like that, holding each other, before finally heading back to the party.

Goddamnit, I'll make this work.