the IT girl

Homecoming Excitement

The house was quiet when Lando unlocked the door, the faint hum of the refrigerator the only sound as he stepped inside. It was late—well past Gemma's bedtime—but Lily had waited up for him. She was curled up on the couch, her legs tucked beneath her, a blanket draped across her lap.

"Hey, love," he said softly, setting his bags by the door.

Lily looked up, her face lighting up as she saw him. "You're back!" she said, tossing the blanket aside and rushing into his arms.

Lando wrapped her in a tight hug, burying his face in her hair. "I missed you so much," he murmured.

"I missed you too," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

He pulled back slightly, his hands resting on her waist as he studied her face. "You waited up for me?"

"Of course," Lily said, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. "How else was I supposed to greet my husband properly?"

Lando grinned, leaning in to kiss her, his lips warm and familiar. The kiss deepened, and Lily's arms slid around his neck, holding him close as the tension from their time apart melted away.

When they finally pulled away, Lando rested his forehead against hers. "How's Gemma?" he asked, his voice soft.

"Fast asleep," Lily replied, brushing her fingers through his hair. "She was so excited to see you earlier. She made me promise to wake her up if you got home before midnight."

Lando chuckled. "I'll sneak in and see her before bed."

"Not so fast," Lily said, grabbing his hand and tugging him toward the couch. "You've been gone for days. I get you first."

Lando laughed, letting her pull him down beside her. He kicked off his shoes and stretched out, Lily curling up against him.

"You're not mad about how late it is, are you?" he asked, stroking her arm absently.

"I'm just happy you're here," Lily said, resting her head on his chest. "But maybe you could cut back on the post-race events next time?"

"Noted," Lando said with a smile, kissing the top of her head.

The warmth of being home, with Lily by his side, was a comfort Lando hadn't realized he needed so much. He shifted slightly, leaning down to kiss her again, his hands moving to her waist.

Lily responded eagerly, her fingers trailing down his back as the kiss deepened. It wasn't long before Lando pulled her closer, lifting her effortlessly onto his lap.

"Missed this," he murmured against her lips, his voice husky.

"Me too," Lily whispered, threading her fingers through his hair.

Their laughter mixed with quiet murmurs filled the living room as they enjoyed the closeness they'd been craving.

Eventually, they pulled apart, breathless and smiling. Lando rested his forehead against hers, his hands still on her hips.

"I should check on Gemma," he said, his voice low.

Lily nodded, sliding off his lap and straightening her clothes. "Go ahead. I'll make us some tea."

Lando kissed her one more time before heading upstairs. Gemma's room was softly lit by a nightlight, her small figure curled up under her favorite blanket. Lando smiled as he crouched beside her bed, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"Missed you, munchkin," he whispered.

Gemma stirred slightly, a sleepy smile crossing her face as if she could sense her dad's presence.

Satisfied, Lando headed back downstairs, where Lily was waiting with two steaming mugs of tea.

"Everything okay?" she asked, handing him a mug.

"Perfect," Lando said, taking a sip. "Just like being home."

They settled back on the couch, Lily leaning against him as they sipped their tea. The night stretched on, quiet and peaceful, the perfect end to a long week apart.