Invisible string (lestappen)

Chapter 30 : Charles

The next days passed like a rocket, the race already a few minutes away now.

I'm so excited. More than usual. The fact that I managed to qualify for pole position and that Max is right behind me most definitely has something to do with it. I can't wait to battle him on track again.

I don't feel that kind of adrenaline and thrill with any other drivers. At first, I thought it was due to the fact that we've been racing against each other since forever. But now I know that's not it. No, it's just special. It's always been, even if I loved denying it.

Since the first day we found each other battling next to one another for the win, I felt it. The deep understanding we have without even having to say anything. And now, it transferred into our relationship. It feels so natural and easy that it's almost too good to be true. I've never felt that connected to someone ever, and it's scary. You shouldn't start developing feelings this quickly for someone. Yet, here I am. Diving into the deep end.

It didn't happen like that with Alex, or any of my exes for that matter. I never really had butterflies when we kissed, shivers when we touched and I never wanted to spend every second of every day with them. But now I do. I do so damn much, I want to scream to myself to slow down. To lower whatever I feel for him. But why would I want to stop something that's making me happier than I've ever been ?

I shake my head to stop the flow of thoughts drowning my mind. It's time to leave everything aside and race. Winning is the only thing that matters right now.

I jump in my car without a second thought.

•••

The first laps went pretty well. I managed to stay on pole which is honestly a pretty good achievement. I know how good Max is, especially at the start. His competitive side is probably fuming right now but boyfriend or not, I won't let him win easily.

Weirdly enough, it's never even been one of my concerns when we started dating. The competition. I know Max enough that I didn't even have to tell him that he shouldn't make me any gifts. We're both pretty similar when it comes to racing. We want to win fair and square. No special treatment. So that's exactly what we do. We fight on track and kiss-off track. A pretty nice combination if you're asking me.

Pushing flat out, I give my absolute all to keep my position but he hasn't moved from my rear mirror. Ready to attack the second I make a mistake. I take corner after corner, braking and accelerating to the maximum. Pushing the car to the limit.

On lap seven, after a few unsuccessful tentatives, he manages to overpass me. I try to pass again but his pace is too strong. All I can do right now is do my best to hold on to the second position.

I will get that fucking podium even if I have to give everything.

•••

We're both on the podium. Max won and I ended up second. I couldn't be happier. I don't think I realistically could've done anything better with the car I've got. Hopefully, next year I'll be able to make him sweat a little more but for now, I'm more than satisfied.

If it's not me, I'll always wish to see him on that top step.

I get out of the car, and congratulate Checo for his p3 finish before joining Max. We smile at each other, still sweaty from the effort we just had to put in. I hand-check him quickly, wishing I could just hug and kiss him like I desperately want to right now.

'Congrats Max'

His smile grows bigger.

'You too. You did well today'