𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞 | 𝐜. 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐳

31

[ MADRID, SPAIN ]
AUGUST 2021

IT HAD BEEN just over a week since Reina moved back to Spain.

Her farewell from Italy was certainly a teary one; she was sad to go. Despite being there for less than a year, she had grown to love her time at Ferrari and living with her brother. About five different people tried to convince her to rescind her two weeks' notice, but her mind was set. This was her chance to pursue her dream since childhood.

And admittedly, it was nice to be back home. She dearly missed Madrid. The city sounds, the food, her mother—she felt comforted in that sense. Carlos was able to help her pack before his race in Great Britain, and he came to visit her as soon as the race weekend came to a close.

The two decided to go on a day-trip to a beach, where Carlos's family kept a luxurious boat, followed by a dinner with Carlos's family in Madrid later that evening.

"Oh, I'm so glad I start my new job after your Hungary race," said Reina as Carlos helped her step onto the yacht. "I bet Hungary is beautiful."

"You're going to love it," Carlos replied, planting a kiss on her cheek.

Reina sat back as Carlos started to make all the preparations to leave the dock. She watched as he untethered ropes, shirtless, in the blazing Spain sun. She could see each individual muscle flex across his arms, shoulders, and back.

But, Reina was apparently staring a bit too intensely.

"Take a picture, it will last longer," joked Carlos.

Reina scoffed, turning away. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Just admit that you like what you see," said Carlos, dropping his voice, approaching Reina. He propped his arm on the seat back behind Reina, encaging her with his body.

She sighed, pretending to lean in for a kiss. As Carlos too leaned in, Reina stopped, and instead whispered, "Never."

Carlos grinned. "So you want to play hard ball?"

"Oh, I do."

With that, he swept her off the seat, cradling her body. Slowly but surely, he approached the edge of the boat overlooking the lake. "Get ready for hard ball."

"Carlos," said Reina, realizing what he was about to do. "Carlos, Carlos, don't you dare-"

Too late. Carlos jumped off the boat, Reina still in his arms. 

As Reina emerged from the surface of the water, she was gasping from the shock. Carlos soon emerged too, shaking off his hair like a wet dog. He howled with laughter.

Embracing her in the water, he asked, "So you still want to play games? Or will you just kiss me now?"

Reina met his lips with hers. "Fine. You win."

Eventually, the two climbed back into the boat and set off, sailing across the lake. Reina loved the breeze in her hair and the warmth of the sun.

Eventually, Carlos stopped the boat, and two laid down on the boat's deck, enjoying the nice summer day.

"I'm so excited to meet your family," commented Reina. "Although, I admit, I am a little nervous too."

Carlos turned on his side to face Reina, beaming. "They will love you."

"Oh, I don't know..." she responded.

"Just be yourself," reassured Carlos. "They will see what I see."