Risking it all (Lando Norris)

Chapter 45

Lando

The sun was high and the sky a perfect azure blue as Lily and I made our way down to the beach. We were still basking in the afterglow of our amazing yacht day, and the thought of splashing around in the crystal-clear water was absolutely irresistible. 

With the gentle waves rolling in and the occasional seabird swooping overhead, the beach felt like our personal paradise.

As we reached the water's edge, Lily grinned at me, her eyes sparkling with playful mischief. "Race you to the water!" she challenged, her voice light and teasing.

Before I could respond, she took off, her laughter echoing across the sand. I watched her for a moment, admiring the way the sunlight glinted off her sun-kissed skin, before giving chase. "Hey, not fair!" I shouted, laughing as I sprinted after her.

We splashed into the water together, the coolness of it a welcome relief from the warm sun. Lily let out a squeal of delight as she dove under the surface, her head bobbing up a few meters away. I followed, my own dive cutting through the water as I caught up with her.

"Can't catch me now!" she called out, her voice muffled by the water. "Oh, is that a challenge?" I asked, grinning as I emerged beside her. "You're on!"

We spent the next few minutes darting around the waves, our laughter mingling with the sounds of the ocean. I tried to catch her, but she was slippery and quick, darting just out of reach each time. 

Finally, I managed to tag her with a playful splash, causing her to yelp and turn towards me with a mock scowl.

"Okay, okay, you win!" she said, her face breaking into a smile. "But only because I let you."

"Sure, sure," I replied, chuckling as I floated on my back, the gentle waves rocking me. "I'm just that good."

Lily floated beside me, her head tilted back as she enjoyed the sun. "You're definitely something," she said, reaching over to give me a playful shove. "But you're not as good as you think."

I grabbed her hand, pulling her closer. "And what exactly am I supposed to be?"

"A charming, slightly competitive, and very handsome boyfriend," she said, her eyes twinkling. "And don't you forget it."

"I'll make sure to keep that in mind," I said, leaning in for a quick kiss. "But I think we've both earned a break. What do you say we head back to the shore and grab some lunch?"

"That sounds perfect," she agreed, smiling as we made our way back to the beach.

As we settled onto our beach towels, I pulled out a small cooler we'd brought along and started unpacking some sandwiches and snacks. Lily stretched out on her towel, her skin glistening with the saltwater, and watched me with an amused expression.

"Want some help?" she asked, propping herself up on her elbows.

"Nope, I've got it covered," I said, passing her a sandwich. "You just relax and enjoy."

"Fine, fine," she said, taking the sandwich and taking a big bite. "But only because I'm too relaxed to argue."

We ate and chatted, enjoying the simple pleasure of good food and each other's company. The sun was warm, and the ocean breeze was just right—everything felt perfect.

After we finished, I reached for my phone to check on any messages and notifications. That's when my phone buzzed with a call from my mum. I glanced at Lily, who was now lounging comfortably, and answered.

"Hey, Mum," I said, trying to sound cheerful despite the sudden distraction. "What's up?"

"Hello, Lando!" Mum's voice was warm and enthusiastic. "I hope you're having a wonderful time on your vacation. How's everything going? I've been dying to hear all about it."