The day had been long. Loud, demanding, full of strategy and speed.

Now, silence settled over the McLaren garage. Most people had already left or were quietly packing up.

Lando sat in his driver’s room, head leaned back, eyes fixed on the ceiling.

Then, a soft knock. The door creaked open.

You step inside, hesitant.

Your hands trembled as you close the door behind you, eyes searching for his.

He straighten up, surprised, but calm. “Hey." He says gently.

“Hey…” You whisper, your heart already begin to race.

You step closer and before you can stop yourself, the words bubble out of you.

“Lando I..I know I pulled away…and I’m so sorry. I never meant to. I was just scared. Not of you, but of what this could’ve been. What it might already be. I tried to keep some distance because…because I thought if I didn’t let you get too close, maybe I couldn’t get hurt, you know?” Your words came fast, messy, tangled and raw.

“I mean, you mean so much to me..and that terrifies me because…because what if I’m not enough for you? Or what if someday y-” Lando cut you off.

Not with words.

With a kiss.

A deep, quiet kiss that silence every frantic thought in your head.

When he finally pulls away, his face stay close to yours, his gaze soft, steady, warm.

His hands still gently cupping your cheeks. "Do you have time tonight?” He asks quietly.

You need a moment just to breathe.

Then you nod, a lovestruck smile playing on your lips. “Yeah.”

“Perfect.” He says grinning, kiss you again and turn toward the door.

He open it, then glance back over his shoulder with a playful glint in his eyes.

“I’ve got a quick meeting. After that, we can go out to eat. Or see a movie. Or order or cook something. Whatever you want.” And then he leaves.

Leaving you alone, with a racing heart and the feeling that this is only the beginning.