Magnetic Hearts

The Interview

The glistening heat of the Monaco sun filtered through the curtains of the hotel suite, casting golden streaks across the floor. It was the first race weekend of the 2024 Formula 1 season, and the paddock buzzed with its usual frenzy.

For Chris, it was another day on the job. She had spent a decade carving her name as one of the best motorsport journalists in the field. Known for her sharp questions and no-nonsense attitude, she was the go-to for every serious driver looking to have their voice heard. But this weekend felt different.

Chris had turned 30 just a week ago. While some would celebrate the milestone, she felt an odd sense of displacement. She had dedicated her entire life to her career, leaving little room for anything else. Relationships had come and gone, and somewhere along the way, she had forgotten what it was like to feel excitement outside of her work. Until today.

"Chris, you're up next with Franco Colapinto. He's finishing with Sky Sports now," her colleague nudged her from the door.

Franco Colapinto. The name had been circulating in the F1 world for months. The 21-year-old Argentinian driver had stormed through the ranks, landing a seat with Williams. He had the talent, the looks, and the kind of charisma that made him an instant media darling. But Chris wasn't easily swayed by charm or good looks. At least, that's what she told herself.

As she prepared her notes, she heard the door creak open behind her. In walked Franco, and instantly, the air in the room shifted. His presence was undeniable - tall, lean, with sun-kissed skin, his messy brown hair falling perfectly into place, and those piercing green eyes that seemed to see through everything.

"Chris!" he greeted her warmly, offering a hand as he sat across from her. His accent carried a melodic rhythm, and for a moment, she was caught off guard by how genuinely charismatic he seemed in person."

Franco, it's great to have you here. How's your first weekend in F1 been so far?" Chris began, keeping her voice professional and her mind focused on the task at hand.

Franco smiled, leaning back in his chair, legs spread confidently. "It's been surreal, honestly. But I'm ready. I've worked for this my whole life."

Chris nodded, her pen scribbling across her notebook as they began the formalities of the interview. But something about Franco's energy felt... off. Every time she looked up to ask another question, his eyes lingered just a little too long on her face. He'd smile in a way that was more intimate than a casual interview required. It wasn't arrogant - it was... curious, almost playful.

"Do you feel any added pressure being so young in a field of more experienced drivers?" she asked, her eyes narrowing as she studied him.

Franco tilted his head slightly, his lips curling into a smirk. "No more pressure than interviewing someone as beautiful as you."

Her pen stopped mid-sentence. Chris blinked, certain she had misheard him. "Excuse me?"

He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "I think you heard me."

Her heart skipped a beat, and she cursed herself for the flutter in her chest. She was a professional - this wasn't her first interview with a good-looking driver. But something about Franco made her feel... different. The confidence in his gaze, the way his tongue darted over his bottom lip after every sentence, the soft undertones of flirtation. It wasn't the usual media banter. This was something else entirely.

"I... think we should stay on track," she replied, clearing her throat, trying to push away the strange attraction that was bubbling under the surface. "Your goals for the season?"

Franco leaned back, but the grin didn't fade. "Win races. But you know, life is about more than just winning. It's about the moments in between, don't you think?"

"Moments in between?" she echoed, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Franco's eyes locked onto hers. "The little things that take your breath away. The unexpected. The things that make you feel alive."

Chris swallowed hard, her legs shifting under the table as heat rose in her chest. There was no denying it - Franco was flirting with her. Boldly. Brazenly. And worse yet, she was letting him get to her. 

She forced herself to look at her notebook, her hands trembling just slightly as she tried to maintain composure. "What about your relationship with your team? How are you settling in at Williams?"

Franco chuckled, clearly enjoying the dance they were in. "Williams is great. But I think you're avoiding the real question here."

Her eyebrow arched. "And what question would that be?"

He leaned in again, his voice low and intimate. "When are we getting drinks after this?"

Chris felt her pulse quicken. She was used to drivers being cocky, but this was different. Franco wasn't just cocky; he was deliberate. Calculated. And yet, she felt herself being pulled into his orbit, her professionalism slowly unraveling under the intensity of his gaze."I don't mix work and pleasure," she said, though the words came out weaker than she intended.

Franco's smile grew wider. "Who said anything about mixing? I'm talking about pleasure after work."

Her breath caught in her throat. There was no mistaking it now - he was coming on to her, and the worst part? She wanted him to. "Franco, this is an interview, not a date," she managed, her voice strained as she tried to regain control of the situation.

"Yet," he murmured, the word hanging between them like a challenge.

Chris stood abruptly, trying to put some physical distance between them. "I think we're done here," she said, her voice firmer now.

But as she gathered her things and turned to leave, Franco's voice stopped her.

"You can pretend all you want, Chris. But we both know you felt it too."

She froze, her back to him, her heart pounding in her chest. For a split second, she considered turning around, meeting his gaze one more time. But she couldn't. Not now. Not like this.

Without another word, she left the room, the door clicking softly behind her. But as she walked down the hotel corridor, her mind raced with the dangerous allure of Franco Colapinto.

What the hell just happened?

The rookie had flipped her world upside down in a matter of minutes. And for the first time in a long time, Chris had no idea what to do next.