Chapter XXXII - Time to keep my promise

                                    

                                          
07.May – Miami Grand Prix
The next morning the sun made its way through the drawn sheer curtains and touched my face with its gentle caress. I slowly opened my eyes and felt something heavy in my stomach area.  When I looked down, I saw Charles' arm tightly wrapped around my waist, blocking any possibility of me moving. 
I turned my head slightly to the boy next to me and smiled.  He looked calm, like an angel.  His lips were curled into a faint smile, and his long eyelashes fluttered like Thuja needles in a light summer breeze. The painkillers must have worked, as Leclerc was now deeply asleep.  His hair was disheveled and small wavy strands stuck to his sweaty forehead.  Oh, how handsome that man was – like a Greek God. His lips were so attractive, and now, when Vasseur imposed this ultimatum on me – not to get extremely closer to the drivers, otherwise he would fire me, I wanted to do the opposite even more.  Obviously, the reverse psychology was at work for me... Or I just started to fall for the Monegasque and couldn't hold back anymore. Still, I decided I had to suppress my urges and get out of bed before Charles woke up or worse, Lorenzo or Andrea came in and saw us. 
I tried to move, but the Monegasque's muscles tightened and prevented me from standing up. He even settled himself more comfortable and closer to me.  I had to come up with an escape plan. I grabbed a strand of my hair, lifted myself up slightly and tickled the boy's nose with the ends. The moment Charles moved and removed his arm from my waist, I rolled over and jumped into the armchair next to the bed.
Charles stretched slightly and opened his eyes.  His pure teal irises met mine and a smile ran across his face revealing his sweet dimples.  The sight made me smile.
-        Good morning, darling! – he greeted me in a sleepy hoarse voice, making me shiver. – Were you here all night?
-        Of course, I was worried about you – I replied and got up from the chair.
-        And you slept on the uncomfortable armchair? – Leclerc raised his eyebrows. – I can't believe it.
-        You were spinning a lot from the pain, so... You needed space and I provided it – I tried to lie to him... Once again.
He smiled as if he knew something but kept quiet. The Monegasque tried to stand up and groaned, rubbing his neck. I immediately ran to his side of the bed to help him, grabbing his hands. When he stood up, his palms were instantly on my waist. Charles was just so mesmerizing. His face paled, eyes slightly watered from the pain in his neck, and there were dark circles under them from insomnia. Poor guy, he was so tired, he needed a rest. 
I placed my hands on his bare chest and saw the goosebumps on his skin. I felt his grip tighten around my waist and gasped softly. My breathing became heavier, my heartbeat – faster, and Charles slightly moistened his plump pink lips. How bad I wanted to kiss him right now. But Vasseur's voice sounded in my ears. I had to stop... I had to stop before we both did something stupid.
At that moment there was a knock at the door, and I heard Andrea's voice. Charles and I instantly stepped away from each other and I thanked God that Andrea showed up. I would never have been able to keep Charles in the friend zone if we had been alone a little longer.
-        Charlie, it's great that you're up! – exclaimed the coach. – It's time for the doctor's examination.
-        Yes, now I'll get dressed and we're going – Leclerc replied and looked at me naughty. – Do you want to wait for me?
-        I'm going back to my room... – I said quietly. – To take a shower and change.
-        And then we'll go together with Lorenzo to the paddock, okay? – Charles took my hand and smiled.