-𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀-

I looked into his eyes while he was waiting for my response. I thought everything through but still wasn't sure of what I should do.

"I... I think I should leave... I need to think about everything that's going on."

"Okay..."

He let his thumbs rub my hands softly before letting go of my hands.

"I'll see you tomorrow at the factory..."

"Yea. See you tomorrow."

I gave him the smallest smile I ever gave him and then rolled my suitcases outside. I was waiting for my cab and looked up to where the windows of his apartment are. I saw him leaning against the wall with his head back in frustration as he ran his hands through his hair. Maybe he is serious about all of what he said... I turned my head away as I heard a car stop.

"Madame Dubois?"

"Oui, c'est moi."

I loaded my suitcases before climbing in. I drove off to the airport leaving Charles behind. My god I forgot about Carlos! Maybe that's better... I guess Charles might be right about him. He's not the one for me. He's nice and all... but he can find a better match then me. I'm just... me. Whatever they see in me shouldn't be there. After flying to Maranello and checking in to my studio apartment for the coming weeks I went out into the city a little bit. I bought some groceries and other needed stuff and headed back. I sat down on my couch and was fiddling with my fingers as I was just back to thinking. People would start thinking I'm in formula 1 because of Charles... I earned my place here. On the other hand... he's so caring and sweet... he bought me flowers every week and he really looks out for me. He's the first person I felt safe around and opened up to in forever and... why's everything so difficult! Urgh I hate this stupid shit! I sighed and collected my things. I went outside and got on the bus. I'll just go to the factory and get some work done. I didn't know what else to do I guess. Working hard has been the only thing I've been doing for all my life. I walked through the building into my office and found a pile of paperwork and documents on my desk neatly stacked. Oh how glad I am I came in a day earlier. I sat down and got to work.

It was already the next day. I had blown off Carlos from our... well it was the start of dating we weren't fully there yet. He received it well luckily. Charles... I avoided him a little bit. I was about to head to lunch break when I opened the door to get out of my office I found Charles his fist almost hitting my face. He recovered quickly by placing both his hands on the doorframe above him leaning on it a little.

"Wow what are you doing here?"

"I wanted to talk with you."

"About what?"

I looked up at his hands. Lord have mercy how can I be attracted to hands? I noticed a piece of foil around his finger. I frowned and grabbed his wrist with my hand. I looked at his hand and saw on the side of his finger a small tiny tattoo. There was a small outline of a leaf. I looked up at him and then back at the symbol.

"You didn't get that leaf because of-"

"Your eyes? Yes I did. I've never seen more perfect eyes."

"You are batshit crazy."

"Oh come on it's cute isn't it."

"The tattoo yes... the meaning behind it isn't."

"Ah not so sad Della. See it as a compliment."

"Oh I see it as a compliment. I'm just not sure if you are brave or dumb to get it tattooed."

He had this admiring look on his face as he licked his lips softly as he looked into my eyes deeply. A small gentle smile growing onto his lips. My instinct took over. I placed my hand on his shoulder and kissed him! OH MY GOD I KISSED HIM! I pulled back and placed my hands over my face. I immediately turned around softly whispering my prayer to god in hope I didn't actually do that.

"You just kissed me?"

"No I didn't. Why would you think that?"

"I'm damn sure I just felt your lips on mine."

"I'm sure your imagination took a toll."

"No... it's on a vacation. You. Just. Kissed. Me."

"Not true."

"Then why so embarrassed that you're talking to me with your back turned to me."

"I'm just hiding that huge... pimple on my face?"

"You don't have pimples Della."

"I do."

"Show it to me."

"No I'm not showing you."

"Hey is that Fred talking with that receptionist Sarah?"

"OH MY! WHERE??"

I turned around trying to look past him when I realized he was tricking me.

"For gods sake Charles!"

"You are blushing..."

"I am not! Leave me alone. I'm trying to get lunch."

"Sure thing Ariel."

"Are you referring to that Disney princess?"

"Yea."

"Wauw so original of you."

He walked into my office and closed the door behind him. He placed his hands on my hips as he walked us back until I felt my desk hit my butt gently. Charles looked at me with those big pretty puppy eyes of his again and pushed a strand of my red hair behind my left ear.

"Why are you fighting your feelings?"

"I'm not."

"Are you lying? Because I don't think god allows that... we don't like liars."

"Are you trying to use my religion against me?"

"Is it working?"

"No."

"Then no I'm not."

"Fine... I did kiss you alright."

"Didn't you tell me don't rush into things?"

"Didn't you flash your green eyes at me Charles?"

"Fair point. Well I'm gonna take you places you've never been before."

"Like where? The 7-eleven on broadway?"

"Grumpy from Snow White has entered the chat ladies and gentlemen."

I huffed at his comment and pushed past him hitting him against his shoulder.

"I'm kidding Della."

"Go suck your own dick Leclerc."

I was about to open the door but instead was turned around and pushed against it with a tingle of gentleness. I looked up at Charles his eyes.

"I was kidding ma belle."

He leaned in to me and kissed the corner of my mouth. I staid silent as I just looked at him.

"I can't do this Charles."

"Why?"

"Because my career will be on the line. People will think you got it for me and I worked way to hard to throw it away like that."

"I know that Della..."

He ran his hand through my hair gently as he looked at the strands of hair that were running between his fingers.

"We can say we'll keep it private till at least next season... nobody will find out if we try our best. I mean we work closely together so it's not weird if I spend lots of time with you."

"Yea... but what if it doesn't work out? It would be awkward."

"It wouldn't be awkward after this?"

"Valid point..."

(1213 words)