The Battle Of The Heart

Chapter 7: More than a glimpse

"Nice dress."

I spun around. And there he was. Just the sight of him brought a warm, fuzzy feeling in my stomach and a big smile on my lips.

"Thanks," I said. "I just got back from a party."

It seems that he'd been in that room after all. Had he seen me peeking in? He must have. Why else would he have come out? Fuck.

"Must've been a boring party," Sebastian remarked. "You're back at 11pm."

"I'm afraid I'm the boring one. I'm not a huge fan of parties."

"That makes two of us then!" He flashed me that trademark smile of his. "Are you going upstairs? I'll walk with you."

We made our way towards the elevators.

"What were you up to? More interviews?" I asked.

"Yeah. Not the most exciting part of the job but I shouldn't complain," he sighed. "I wish I had more time to relax and enjoy the island though. It's beautiful, especially at night."

"I know!" I exclaimed. "I got a brief view of the marina lights when I went to dinner last night. It was gorgeous. I really wanted to go on a long drive around the island. Lewis said he would take me but he got busy."

I immediately regretted mentioning Lewis. As the elevator doors slid open, I noticed that it was empty. I got in and I pressed for Floor 5. Sebastian walked closely behind me, moved to my side and leaned in to reach for the Floor 9 button. As he did this, my left shoulder brushed against his chest and I caught a faint scent of a gentle, musky fragrance radiating off his neck. I felt a sudden urge to grab his collar, pull him towards me and French kiss his neck. Fortunately, I was not drunk enough for such folly and managed to keep my composure.

"Well, I could take you if you want. It's not that late," Sebastian said quietly.

My heart almost stopped. Yes, yes, yes, a thousand times yes.

"Erm, Lewis did say he might take me tomorrow... If he gets the time..." I said, instead.

Dani, you fool. But it just didn't feel right to go on a late night drive with Lewis' arch-rival behind his back. And the fact that Sebastian made my pulse race only served to add a blanket of guilt over all of this.

"But it's incredibly sweet of you to offer though," I added, timidly.

He seemed to hesitate for a few seconds while I stared at my feet, wondering if he was going to ever talk to me again.

"You know what," he finally spoke. "Here, take my number. If you find no one to take you tomorrow, give me a call. I'd be happy to see the marina again myself."

Oh.My.God. I managed not to drop my phone as I handed it over to him. I watched, in shock, as he saved him number on my phone as 'Seb.' The elevators door opened on the 5th floor and I stepped out. I turned around just in time to see Sebastian leaning back with both hands in his pockets, his eyes peering straight into mine and half of a smile on his lips.

The doors closed. But I stayed rooted where I was and stared at my phone. This can't be good. The more I saw of him, the more I wanted him. Not Lewis. Him. I slowly walked towards my room. I would have to end it with Lewis, I realized. I did not, for one second, imagine that he would be heartbroken over this. He already has a contact list full of supermodels, fawning over him.

But what would I tell him? Hi Lewis, I've got a huge crush on Sebastian Vettel. So yeah... See ya! I have never felt more stupid. Sebastian didn't even like me. He was just being nice. Like a normal human being would be. He's got a long time girlfriend and two beautiful daughters. I'm just a friend. Actually, 'friend' is probably a stretch. I'm just an acquaintance.

Sebastian Vettel is trouble, I decided as I struggled to sleep. I would have to stay the hell away from him. Nevertheless, I fell asleep that night, dreaming of blue eyes.