Free Practice | Formula One

Chapter Eighteen: Are You Asking Me Out?

I was smiling like an idiot while writing this lol 

Enjoy!

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I'm not a stranger to love stories. Syd used to share these books with me, sometimes even forcing me to read them so that she has someone to talk to about it. I think it's the reason why we made the categories, starting out as a way to separate the guys we read about in books before using it in real life.

In those books, the authors manage to think of every single romantic thing that could happen. From handwritten letters to saving you from being kidnapped and walking in as your knight in shining armor. From reading those books, I discovered that Syd and I have very different tastes when it comes to men. She likes someone who's willing to join her in whatever crazy adventure life throws her way. She likes stories where the guy would either whisk you away to another country or exceed the expectations you have.

Whereas for me, it was the opposite. I liked the little things. It's the way the characters would remember the tiny details which you'd only realize they took note of a few weeks later. I liked quiet moments where it's just the two of you and the most random conversations that would be questionable to others but normal for the both of you.

I think it's what drew me to Levi at the start. He doesn't care about the glamour of life, savoring the little things instead.

"What does this mean?" I asked, a sense of hope flooding my chest but I tried hard not to let it reach an all time high.

"I'm here to follow your lead, Katarina." He spoke, hand still holding mine as those beautiful blue eyes surveyed my face. "I know I warned you about what would happen back in Cannes, but if you think we can do this, then I'm right there with you."

"Just to be clear," I began, trying to lighten the atmosphere. "Are you asking me out?" I grinned when Levi rolled his eyes but kept his hand over mine.

"Why do you have to make it sound like we're in high school?"

"How do you want me to put it, then? Are you professing your undying feelings for me because I make you feel all fuzzy inside and you can't stomach not being around me?" He was smiling now, too. Levi clicked his tongue against the inside of his cheek as if he was refraining himself from falling for the bait I was clearly waving in front of him.

"Why do I have the feeling you not only want me to profess my feelings for you, but also do it while bending a knee in front of you?"

"So, there are feelings?" I emphasized and Levi cursed underneath his breath before tugging on my hand.

My eyes widened when he used his hold on me to pull me closer– closer than where I was already sitting. The carton of cake was forgotten as he pushed it aside and I found myself sitting in front of him, his legs trapping me as Levi placed his arms over my knees. His face was only inches from mine and being this close to him gave me no choice but to let my eyes linger all over his face. His skin was a bit flushed, most likely from the time he spent in the pool. Since his hair had already dried a little, a few strands were falling over his eyes, the light shade serving as a curtain that only gave me glimpses of his gaze.

"Katarina, I don't like repeating myself twice, but since you appear to be deaf tonight–" He said, my name rolling out perfectly. I interrupted him by slapping his knee on my right. "Yes, there are feelings. From my end, that is." Levi smirked when the only response I offered was a soft hum, my eyes trying to memorize every inch of his face. He chose the perfect time to place a finger underneath my chin, my eyes about to glance down at his lips. When it was obvious he had my attention again, Levi spoke. "Do you want to try?"