unexpected love [c.l.]

prologue

The beats of the music thumped through the walls, matching the rhythm of the ecstatic crowd that filled the Miami beach club. Little Lando Norris had outdone himself today, both on and off the track. Fresh off his victory at the Miami Grand Prix the young driver knew how to throw a party that rivaled any victory lap. The air was electric with laughter, clicking glasses, and the mingling of voices.

"Evie!" Lando yelled over the music, making his way through the mass of bodies, throwing his arm around the girl's shoulders.

She grabbed his hand to stabilize herself. "Hey Lan."

"Come do shots with me and Maxie."

"In a little bit Lan. I'm going to go outside for a bit." she turned her body to his. "Find you guys later?"

Lando nodded, kissing her forehead sloppily before letting her go and making his way to Max while she made her way to the balcony.

Charles leaned against the balcony railing, a glass of champagne in his hand, and surveyed the scene below. From his spot he could see Max and Lando doing shots after shots. Charles smiled, happy that Lando had finally achieved what he had been working so hard for. Tonight was a night to forget track rivalries and simply enjoy the moment.

"Mind if I join you?" a familiar voice called out.

Charles turned to see Evie approaching, a playful grin on her face. She looked beautiful, the night breeze catching her hair just right. They'd known each other for years. She had always been there since he met Max and she had become a good consistency in his life.

"Not at all," Charles replied, gesturing to the empty spot beside him. "Enjoying the party?"

Evie laughed, the sound light and infectious. "How could I not? Lan's parties are legendary." She took a sip of her drink, her eyes sparkling. "Congratulations on the podium today, by the way."

"Thank you," Charles said, clinking his glass against hers. "And congratulations to you for surviving another race weekend with Max."
Evie rolled her eyes, though her smile remained. "He's a handful and you know that, but he is not that bad." she pulled herself closer to Charles, their arms now touching. "I think we all deserve a night off."

They stood there for a while, talking and laughing about the race, the season, and childhood memories outside of the track. Charles felt a warmth in her presence, a comfort he hadn't realized he missed. As the night wore on, drinks flowed, and their distance grew smaller as the minutes progressed.

A particularly strong gust of wind sent a shiver down Evie's spine. Without thinking, Charles draped his jacket over her shoulders. "Here, take this. Can't have you catching a cold."

"Thank you Charlie," she murmured, her voice softer now. Their eyes met, and suddenly, the party seemed miles away.

"Maybe we should get another drink?" Charles suggested, feeling a flutter of nerves.

Evie nodded and took his hand in a bust of confidence and they made their way back inside, weaving through the bar to the bar. The bar was completely filled with people wanting drinks or just having conversations against it, so Charles had to stay behind Evie while they were asking for their drinks.

She could feel Charles' body heat as they waited for their drinks to be delivered to them. Charles leaned closer to her, feeling the soft smell of her hair. "Honey."

"What?" Evie asked, turning her head to look at him.

"Your hair... smells like honey." he pressed a soft kiss to her head as she turned her head back to the bartender.

One drink led to another, and before they knew it, they were in a corner of the dance floor dancing together. Evie's back was pressed against Charles' front, their hands intertwined as they moved against one another to the rhythm of the music.

"Do you want to get some fresh air?" Charles asked, his voice audible over the music. Evie's answer was a simple nod, letting herself be guided by him through the throng of partygoers to the club's VIP lounge, which offered a bit more privacy.

They found themselves in a private room, away from prying eyes and the deafening music. Charles locked the door behind them, the click loud in the sudden relative silence. He turned to face Evie, her cheeks flushed from the dancing and the alcohol.

"You look beautiful," Charles said as he leaned against the door admiring her. Evie blushed under Charles' gaze which prompted him to walk the short distance between them and pull her chin up to face him. "If you want to stop at any moment just say the word."

The first kiss was tentative, a question, to make sure that both of them were okay if what was about to happen, and when neither pulled away, it deepened, fueled by the night's excitement and the drinks they'd had. One thing led to another, clothes were discarded carelessly, and they tumbled onto the plush lounge sofa, a tangled mess of limbs and laughter.