SO AMERICAN | max verstappen

thirtynine.

"Where are you taking me?"

Today's Saturday, also known as Quali day.

I had planned to spend the time in between FP3 and Quali between the Mclaren garage and hospitality. But now Ella was leading me away.

"I've been asked to take you elsewhere, now shut up, and deal with it." I made a noise of protest, but still followed her, Ella's hand firmly in mine as she led me across the paddock.

I didn't know where we were going, but it couldn't be that bad.

We walked in silence, Ella clearly knowing the path she wanted to take and me looking down at my phone occasionally, checking my socials to make sure I was up to date on everything.

Taylor had been messaging me the past couple of days, even going as far as to mention that if I could get an album done by Christmas that there was the possibility that a tour for late next year could be possible. My public image had been getting increasingly better lately and so the idea of a tour made me ridiculously excited.

After sending what felt like the twentieth text to Taylor this weekend, I looked up to see where we were going and immediately stopped in my tracks, causing Ella to stop as well. "Not here."

She was guiding me toward Red Bull.

"No, ma'am, after your boldness on Thursday, you're not allowed to back down." Ella scoffed, tugging on my arm.

"But I can, and I have."

She shook her head and dropped my hand, coming around behind me to literally push me through the paddock. I tried to resist but somehow managed to forget how strong Ella can be when she's got her mind set on something.

I stopped putting up a fight and let her lead me to the door of the very person I had been purposely avoiding since we got back from Milan. My mind has been a wreck and I thought some time apart would do me good.

(It hasn't.)

I winced when Ella knocked loudly on the door, her hand wrapped around my bicep to keep me from escaping – she knows me too well. "I've got your delivery."

The door swung open before I could even think, and there stood Max, with his racing suit draped around his race – and looking far too attractive than I needed him to be right now. Oh, fuck me.

"Thanks, El." he smiled at her, reaching out and wrapping his fingers around my wrist, tugging me toward him.

"My pleasure, Max."

He didn't even wait for Ella to walk away before he pulled me inside with him and closed the door, letting go of his grip on me when he was safely in between me and my only escape route. "Is there a reason you've been ignoring me since we got back from Milan?" His gaze was focused on mine.

I swallowed nervously.

Of course, this is what this is about. Not sure why I doubted anything else.

"Uh... no?" I responded, rubbing my hands together nervously and being the least convincing version of myself than I think I've ever been.

Max rolled his eyes, "Really? Because after what happened at the club, I thought you'd at least want to talk about it?"

I held my breath when Max got close enough, curious to know what his plan was.

But then he stopped his forward progression, stopping just inches in front of me, one of his hands immediately landing on my hip. His eyes locked with mine for a few seconds before dropping down to my lips. I swallowed harshly.

Without thinking, I nodded, giving him permission.

His free hand held my cheek, pulling my face closer to his, and then our lips collided. Fuck, I missed this. I missed the feeling.

Sure, we had kissed a few days ago after the race, but this felt different. This one felt more real and far more passionate.

'Take things slow' my ass.

I don't think Max Verstappen knows how to go slow at literally anything.

I don't think I want to go slow anymore.

My hands slid up his torso, taking in the feeling of every dip and curve and every muscle, ending up with my arms looped around his neck, pulling him closer – making our bodies flush against each other. He deepened the kiss and I had to stop myself from moaning against his mouth.

Not the time, nor the place.

Or maybe it was.

I blinked harshly to bring myself out of the memory, anxiously wiping the palms of my hands on my legs.

"I haven't stopped thinking about it." I mumbled.

Max nodded, running his fingers roughly through his hair. "Neither have I, Ri." He breathed deeply. "Do we really have to take things slow?"

My heart rate skyrocketed.

I didn't want to take things slow anymore.

But would that be a smart decision?

"I want you back, Ri. I want you back in my life full-time. I want to be able to hold your hand in the paddock, kiss you whenever I want. I want to show you off to the watching world. I want you living with me in Monaco again."

My gaze snapped to his as my breath caught in my throat.

I hadn't thought about him wanting me to move in again. I remember how much I hated the idea the first time. But now? I'd do anything to go back to the little honeymoon period we had, living as a small little family – Max, me, and Lili.

"Really?" My voice was still quiet, almost as if I didn't believe him.

He nodded again, his eyes locked on mine, pleading with me. "Really. I want everything, Ri. Life has been shit without you."

Maybe being fully back with Max was what I needed?

What we both needed?

Sure, we only made up not even a full week ago, but we had too much history for this to be considered 'fast', right?

Without thinking, I slowly made my way over to him, laying my shaky hands on his chest. All the while, Max never broke his gaze, his blue eyes intensely on me. With a deep breath, I ran my still-shaking hands up his chest, his neck, and then cradled his face in my hands. Our breaths were audible, nerves taking over the both of us.

"Okay."

Max's eyes widened.

"'Okay' as in you're back? You're mine again? You'll move back to Monaco with me?" He looked excited, hopeful.

With happy tears in my eyes, I nodded. "Yeah, I'm back." I've never been more sure of a decision in my life.

This was the right one.

Max let out a sound of joy as he abruptly leaned in and kissed me, almost as passionately as the other night in Milan.

Before I could even properly think, he looped his arms around my waist and began spinning in circles, laughter and cheers of pure joy coming from the Dutchman. I couldn't help but laugh along, tucking my face into his neck and holding the back of his head in one of my hands, holding him close.

I'm happy to be back.

•

don't worry, i only plan
on having our duo happy
from here on out!!!

(maybe a little drama, but nothing bad)