unexpected love [c.l.]

chapter eight

The race was over, but the adrenaline still buzzed in the air. Evie navigated her way through the crowded paddock, her heart racing - not from the energy of the race, but from what lay ahead. She hadn't been able to stop thinking about Charles all day. Their relationship, if she could even call it that yet, was at a tipping point, and she knew they needed to have the conversation. But tonight, she wasn't ready for heavy talks - she just wanted a moment with him.

As she approached the Ferrari garage, her eyes landed on him. Charles was leaning casually against the wall, his dark hair still messy from pulling off his helmet, and that irresistible smile tugging at his lips when he saw her. It made her heart skip a beat, just like it always did.

"Mon coeur," he called, his voice warm and teasing, as if he'd been waiting for her all along.

"Hey, Charlie," she replied softly, already feeling lighter just from seeing him.

He pushed off the wall and closed the distance between them in a few long strides, his arms opening instinctively for a hug. Evie stepped into his embrace, and for a moment, the chaotic world of the paddock melted away. She rested her head on his chest, letting the steady beat of his heart soothe her nerves.

"I've been meaning to give you something," Charles said after a moment, pulling back just enough to look down at her, his eyes twinkling with that mischievous charm she adored.

Evie raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What did I do to deserve a gift?"

Charles chuckled and reached into a small bag beside him. "You'll see," he said, the excitement in his voice impossible to miss.

She watched as he pulled out the tiniest, softest red onesie she had ever seen, emblazoned with the iconic prancing horse of Ferrari.

Evie's breath caught in her throat. "Is this-" she started, her voice catching in the middle.

"The baby's first present," Charles finished, his smile shy now, like a boy sharing a secret. "I know it's a bit early, but I couldn't resist."

Evie's heart swelled with emotion as she gently took the onesie in her hands, feeling the softness of the fabric. Her eyes misted over as she stared at it, imagining their little one wearing it. "Charles... this is perfect," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the noise of the paddock. "You didn't have to, but it's... it's so sweet."

"I wanted to," he said, his fingers brushing lightly over hers as she held the onesie. "I thought... well, I thought it might make things feel a little more real. For both of us."

She looked up at him, her heart full, and in that moment, she saw so much more than just playful, confident Charles Leclerc. She saw the man who was trying, who cared deeply, and who wanted to be part of this in a way that made her feel safe. Without thinking, she stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly.

"Thank you," she whispered, her face buried in his chest.

Charles hugged her back, resting his chin on top of her head. "You don't have to thank me, Evie. I'm just... happy to be part of this."

They stayed like that for a while, the world around them fading into the background. Eventually Charles pulled back, his hands resting gently on her waist. His thumbs brushed her sides in a way that made her skin tingle, but his eyes were soft, searching hers.

"I know we haven't talked about what's next," he said quietly, his gaze never leaving hers. "But I just want you to know... whatever happens, I'm here. For you, and for the baby."

Evie felt her heart squeeze at his words. She didn't have the answers yet, but the way he looked at her, with such sincerity and care, made her feel like they could figure it out together. She smiled up at him, reaching out to gently cup his cheek. "We'll talk soon, I promise."