AGAIN || MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE

Chapter 29

CHAPTER 29

Céline

Now

Charles looks at me with a sly smile as he leans against the kitchen counter. His hair is a mess from running his fingers through it too many times, a habit he's completely unaware of but one I've always adored.

'So...' He begins, drawing out the word. 'What if you came to the triple-header with me?' I blink, pausing mid-sip of my tea. 'The whole thing?'

'Well, at least the first race.' He amends quickly, moving closer. 'But, yes, maybe the whole thing if you feel like it. It'll be fun, I promise.'

'Charles.' I start, my tone hesitant. 'You know I'm not exactly the biggest fan of all the chaos around the paddock, not anymore at least.' He laughs softly. 'I know, but listen, it'll be fun! You'll have me, Max, Daniel, and everyone else to distract you. Plus, Max specifically told me he'd be upset if you didn't come.'

I raise an eyebrow. 'Max said that?'

'Well...' Charles admits, scratching the back of his neck. 'He didn't use those exact words, but he asked about you and then looked very disappointed when I said you weren't planning to come.'

'And Daniel?' I ask, trying not to laugh.

'Don't tease! Daniel's always asking about you.' Charles says, pretending to be annoyed. 'You know how he is, you're like a sister to him, and he also told me you're ignoring him lately! He'll be unbearable if you're not there.' I narrow my eyes, studying him. 'I'm not ignoring him...' I whisper to myself while I think that something about this feels a little too orchestrated, like he's trying very hard to convince me. I hesitate, my stomach twisting slightly. 'Why do I feel like you're hiding something?'

'Hiding something?' He repeats, feigning innocence.

'What could I possibly be hiding?'

I chew on my bottom lip, the unease growing. 'Charles, if this is about...' I lower my voice. 'Fans seeing us together... you know how risky that is. What about the agreement with Ferrari? We're not supposed to be seen together.'

He steps closer, his expression softening. 'Lin, I don't care about that.'

'Charles...' I start, but he interrupts me.

'I'm serious.' He says firmly. 'We'll be careful. If we're seen, I'll deal with Ferrari. I'll take all the heat. I just want you to have fun. I remember how much you loved Miami. I want you to enjoy it again.' I look into his eyes, searching for any hint of hesitation, but all I see is sincerity. 'You're really okay with it?'

'I'm more than okay.' He says, pulling me into his arms. 'I want you there. Not as some secret or because the team is okay with it. I want you there for me.' I sigh, knowing I've already lost this battle.

'Fine. I'll come to the first race.'

His face lights up, and he kisses me quickly, murmuring triumphantly. 'Merci, fleur.'

The kiss deepens as his hands gently cradle my face, and before I realize it, we've moved to the couch. He sits down first, pulling me with him until I'm half-leaning against his chest. His arms wrap around me, and I relax into him, the earlier tension melting away. 'How do you always manage to convince me?' I ask, my voice muffled against his shirt. 'It's my charm.' He says lightly, pressing another kiss to the top of my head. 'And maybe a little bit of guilt-tripping.'

I laugh, swatting at his arm. 'You're terrible.' Charles rolls his eyes but smiles, and I shift slightly to get more comfortable. 'So, what's the plan for tomorrow?'