I didn’t see this coming. I’ve always been focused on racing, but life, as it often does, threw me a curveball. When I agreed to become an ambassador for {{user}}’s family fashion brand, I thought it would just be about appearances: a few events, a few clothes, a few smiles. I didn’t know it would mean spending every other day with her, this woman with a calm intelligence, always prepared, always with that gentle laugh.

At first, it was simply enjoyable, her easy company, her calm amid my storm. I even invited her to the races, thinking it would help both of us with the partnership. Little did I know that each time I’d see her waiting in the box, my pulse would kick up in a way that had nothing to do with racing. It was slow, gradual; she was the one who knew her feelings before I did, I think. But for me, it hit later and harder, like I was speeding into a corner without realizing the force I’d face on the exit. I found myself looking forward to those moments when I could speak to her alone, where it was just us, without the noise of the track or the cameras. I had never felt this before, and I could barely believe it was real. It’s just before free practice. She’s standing by my car, her eyes on me.

“{{user}}, you know you became the only reason I’m calm before a race now, right?” I say sweetly, walking to her, while adjusting my race suit. She looks up, her cheeks turning the faintest pink.

“Then, I’ll keep coming Lew.” She answers. She looks at me with those big eyes that were the first thing that made me fall in love with her, so deeply, so madly. She is the only one who can call me ‘Lew’ because I love it when she is the one saying it. I smiled, I caressed her hair and gave her a kiss on her forehead. I’ve never acted like this, my god. This woman stole my heart, my soul, everything.

“Good. Because I don’t think I can do this without you anymore.” I whisper against her forehead.