RACE 2 - Max Verstappen

5

"I really could have stayed at a hotel, Max," Daniella said as she looked around Max's apartment. She was in Monaco for just a day and Max graciously offered his guest room to her. 

"You were the one complaining last week that you are tired of hotels," Max pointed out. 

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean that you had to kidnap me to your home, instead of taking me to the hotel," Daniella said as she threw herself on the couch, and only then she realized how tired she is. It has been a hectic week. 

Max rolled his eyes before letting out a chuckle when he noticed how comfortable Daniella is on his couch. 

"Come on," He held her hand and pulled her up. "Let me show you to your room."

Daniella wanted to complain since the couch was so comfortable but she wanted to have a shower and change her clothes so she decided to let it go and follow Max. 

Max showed her where everything is and decided to leave her alone so that she can freshen up and relax. 

"If you need anything don't bother asking me," He said. "Just try to find it on your own."

"You really know how to make your guest feel welcome," Daniella sarcastically said. 

Max playfully glared at her. 

"I will order us some dinner, you can freshen up in the meantime."

"Wait, I thought we were going out for dinner," Daniella replied. 

"You really want to go out now?" Max checked his wrist watch, it was pretty late. He showed Daniella the time. 

"No…" She sheepishly said. "But I can cook us dinner," She offered. 

"Dani," Max held both of her shoulders and looked at her. "You are tired and I bet you will fall asleep as soon as you hit the bed. So stop being so stubborn, okay?"

"Fine," She reluctantly said as she rolled her eyes. 

"Good," Max smiled and let go of her. "Take your time to freshen up and I will call you when the food is here."

***

Daniella thought she woke up early but she was proven wrong as soon as she checked the time. Max was right, she fell asleep the minute she laid on the bed. 

She quickly got up and rushed to get ready as she was meeting the interior designer in an hour. 

She went to find Max to ask if she could borrow one of his cars  and searched the entire apartment but he was nowhere to be found. She thought about calling him but just then she heard some noise coming from the balcony. 

She went to check it out but found Max. He was working out. He didn't even notice Daniella until she cleared her throat loudly. 

"Oh, hey," Max greeted her as he stopped working out. He took the towel and wiped his sweaty face. 

"You should see your face when you work out," Daniella let out a teasing laugh. 

"No need, I already know I look hot," Max said smugly. 

"It's actually the opposite," Daniella teased. 

Max glared at her before throwing the towel at her. 

"Are you heading out?" Max asked. 

"Yes," Daniella replied as she threw the towel back at him and he effortlessly caught it. "And I was wondering if I could borrow one of your cars."

"Yeah sure," Max nodded. "Just don't crash it."

"You are the one they call Crashteppen, not me," Daniella gave him a teasing smile. 

"How long have you been waiting to use that line?" Max chuckled, not finding any offense in her words. 

"Almost a year," Daniella grinned. 

***

After meeting the interior designer and having hours of discussions about her new house Daniella rushed back to Max's apartment as she was getting late. 

"I am going to miss my flight," She said to herself as she went to the guest room and messily packed up her things. 

"Won't be the first time," Max commented. 

"Okay that happened only once," Daniella argued. "And shut up and please help me."

Max laughed as he went over and helped pack her things. 

"You were here for just one day and you packed like you are staying here for an entire week," Max pointed out, and he was not wrong. 

"Your comments are really not helping me Max," Daniella said. 

Max just chuckled, feeling unbothered since she wouldn't mind if Daniella missed her flight and stayed over one more night. 

"I need another favor," Daniella gave him her sweetest smile once everything was packed, but Max already knew what she was going to ask. 

"I will drop you off at the airport," He gave her a genuine smile. 

"Ughh you are the perfect host," Daniella gave him a quick hug. 

Max was able to drop her off at the airport on time and even helped her with her luggage. They shared a warm hug before parting ways. Daniella went inside the airport to board her flight and Max drove off in his car. But unknown to them some fans spotted them and filmed the event. It only took a few minutes for the video of the Red Bull driver and the Mercedes driver to go viral. 

While both Daniella and Max were unbothered by it, unfortunately it was not the same case for their team principals. And it was only a matter of time until they started accusing each other of trying to steal their drivers. 

**********

A/N: Such a beautiful friendship. Would be a shame if someone ruins it...

Thoughts on Max and Dani?

I love how Dani and Max can be a little rude with each other and not get bothered or offended. But I don't think they will let anyone else talk to them like that