Twists and Turns in Monte Carlo: A Formula 1 Affair

{12.0}

"That's why I flew you in a day early, so we could spend more time together," Toto smiled as he pulled Joanne into a deep kiss.

How she missed this—him, everything. They'd only been apart for three weeks, but it felt like an eternity.

His steady hand at her waist guided her even closer, and it took a lot of strength for him to release his lips from hers. "I missed you, Jo," he mumbled with a crooked smile.

Joanne slowly pushed his hair out of his forehead, roughing it up a bit. "It's longer. I like it."

"That's all?" he joked.

"Duh," she grabbed his chin softly, yet sternly. "I missed you too." Placing another kiss on his lips, she continued, "So, what's your plan then?"

"You got your bag?" Toto asked, grinning like a child.

That made her very wary. "Yeah?" She wasn't very fond of surprises, especially when he'd had her pack a bag with hiking gear. Hiking wasn't exactly her idea of fun.

Toto took her hand and pulled her after him, down the hotel hallways. "We're going on a trip."

"What kind of trip?" Now she was even more unsure of what to think.

"A fun trip."

"My kind of fun trips include little colorful pills, honey. I doubt we use the same reference here."

Toto just shot her a daring glare as they stepped out of the hotel, a car already waiting for them. He placed their stuff in the boot and held the passenger door open for her.

Joanne crossed her arms, looking at her partner with a stern face. "Are we hiking? Better tell me now."

"You said you wouldn't bike with me, so yeah, we're hiking," Toto smiled.

"Do you want me to die?" She slowly walked towards Toto, who gave her a light smack on her ass.

"I know you have enough cardio for that," his voice made her smirk in a cheesy way, "now move that ass in the car."

She didn't need to be told twice and took a seat, albeit somewhat annoyed. However, it didn't take long for the changing landscape to lift her mood. Her head was almost completely out of the window, and every few seconds she pointed out something that caught her eye.

Toto's gaze kept wandering from the road to the blonde beauty at his side, whose eyes were shining with excitement.

After about two hours of driving, the scenery became increasingly lonely and mountainous. Joanne nearly talked Toto's ear off, unable to keep quiet the whole drive.

The tall Austrian spoke briefly to a car park attendant in Italian, and as they drove on, Joanne jumped onto his lap. "You speak Italian?" Her excitement was evident.

"Certo, Joanne, ti piace?" Toto said, holding her gaze.

"Whatever you said, yeah," her tone noting her excitement clearly.

As they parked and started the hike, Joanne sighed dramatically. "I'm dead. You have to throw me down there to get me going again."

Toto chuckled. "Come on, it's not that bad. Plus, you said you needed more cardio."

"Cardio, yes. Climbing mountains, not so much," she retorted, playfully shoving him.

They set off on the trail, winding through lush greenery and wildflowers. Joanne's eyes darted around, taking in the stunning landscape.

"So, how long is this hike?" she asked casually, though there was a hint of suspicion in her voice.

Toto glanced at her with a sly smile. "Oh, not too long. Just enough to enjoy the scenery and get a good workout."

Joanne narrowed her eyes at him. "That sounds suspiciously vague."

Toto laughed. "Trust me, you'll love it."

They walked in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying the tranquility of the mountains. The only sounds were the rustling of leaves and distant chirping of birds. Joanne stopped suddenly, pointing ahead. "Look, cows! Please take a pic, yeah?"

Toto grinned, pulling out his phone. "Of course."

Joanne smiling as she posed with the cows in the background. With her sweater, sports shorts and hiking boots she almost looked like a hiking pro. Toto snapped a few photos, and they continued on their way.

After a few more stops to admire the scenery and take pictures, Joanne's curiosity got the better of her again. "So, Monza. Are you ready for me to make my official debut as your plus one?"

Toto looked at her, his expression serious. "Absolutely. But how do you feel about it?"

Joanne sighed, glancing down at her feet as they walked. "Honestly? I'm a bit anxious. It's a big step, and I do not know how all of this extra media attention is gonna get to me. The formula one fandom is very harsh as I already had to learn." 

Toto stopped walking, turning to face her. He took her hands in his, squeezing them gently. "Jo, I understand your concerns. But I want you by my side. The people who matter will see how happy we make each other. And anyone who judges us? They're not worth our time."

Joanne looked into his eyes, feeling a wave of reassurance. "You're right. But you won't be the one that gets all the heinous comments."

Toto smiled, kissing her forehead. "I wish I could spare you that. You can always change your mind, just make sure you know. And besides, you'll be amazing. Just be yourself."

They continued walking, the path becoming steeper as they ascended. Joanne's breathing grew heavier, and she shot Toto a playful glare. "You didn't mention it would be this steep."

Toto grinned. "Just a bit of a challenge to keep things interesting."

Joanne laughed, shaking her head. "You're lucky I love you."

The words were faster than her head and she immediately stoped on track as well as Toto. They looked at each other shocked. Joanne opened her mouth but nothing came out.

"Did you just say you love me?" Toto did not clearly know how to react to that.

"Kinda?" She ran her fingers through her hair. 

"Good, cause I love you. Now keep going you will not get out of this hike by declaring your love for me." He kissed her fast, before she had time to react then continued the walk. 

Joanne just shook her head, for a moment thinking she just imagined this. It felt like a fever dram. 

As they neared the top, the trees began to thin out, revealing a breathtaking panoramic view of the Alps. Joanne's eyes widened, and she let out a gasp. "Toto, this is incredible."

Toto smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "I thought you'd like it."

They sat down on a rock, catching their breath and taking in the view. Joanne leaned her head on Toto's shoulder, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. "This was worth the hike, but I will definitely get back to you at this."

Toto wrapped his arm around her leg, placing his hand on the inside of her thigh, pulling her close. "I'm glad you think so." He often did that, and it always drives her crazy, his fingers softly tracing her tattooed skin, causing goosebumps all over her body. 

After a few moments of silence, Joanne spoke again. "I think I actually love you Toto."