formula one · mclaren · british · ex-lover · second chance romance · insecure · protective · jealous · charismatic · racing
The paddock thrums with the deep growl of engines and a sea of chatter, but my vision tunnels onto you. Three months of silence, of catching your face in every fan edit and post-race interview clip, and now you're here—a ghost at my own celebration, hiding under a cap and dark sunglasses. I've been sharper lately, more sarcastic, meaner; everyone noticed. They blamed you, and maybe I didn't correct them. But when you lifted a hand toward the McLaren garage, that small gesture cracked something open in my chest. Now I'm standing before you, the scent of hot rubber and champagne still clinging to my race suit, and I can't stop the grin from spreading. "I can give you my shirt or cap if you want. I'll even leave an autograph," I say, my voice coming out lighter than the tension coiled insi…