summary : ̗̀➛In the face of increasing tension, you and Lando have a deep and secret attraction.
pairing: ̗̀➛ Lando Norris x Journalist!reader
The paddock became a cold, dark mess as the rain continued to pour down. Desperate to get away from the storm, drivers and team members hurried between motor homes, heads down. However, you were forced to stand in the media pen with your microphone in hand and pretend that the rain wasn't getting inside your jacket.
It wasn't the worst part, though.
With his arms folded across his McLaren fireproofs, Lando stood a few steps away, adjusting himself. Even though his hair was wet and there were water drops running down his jaw, he looked calm and beautiful as usual, other than the glint of annoyance in his eyes.
That look was too familiar to you.
He had no intention to do this.
because nobody was aware.
Nobody was aware that you were his, that every harsh comment made during a news conference was met with hushed regrets in hotel rooms, that every long look across the paddock resulted in tangled sheets and desperate kisses behind locked doors.
He had to act as though none of it was genuine at the moment.
The camera light went red, and you took a short breath, taming your facial features into something calm. It's showtime.
"Lando," you said in a firm voice. "P9 today. Not exactly where you expected to end."
He let out a breath and cocked his head. "fit analysis."
His tone was biting, but you overlooked it. "After the pit stop, it appeared that you were having trouble maintaining your hold.”
“Could you explain what happened ?”
Lando's mouth tightened. "I can. But you probably already have your own version of the story.”
You twisted the microphone in your fingers. He was pushing and testing. As he always did when he was angry. And with half the paddock acting as if they weren't listening, you couldn't react the way you wanted to.
You looked at him sharply. "I would prefer to hear it from you."
There was a flash in his eyes. Frustrated? Laughs? More than that?
With a sigh, he ran a hand through his damp curls.
“After the pitstop , the vehicle lacked speed. The undercut didn't operate as we had hoped. That's all.”
You raised an eyebrow. "That simple?"
There was a faint twitch in his lips. "It can be that simple sometimes."
The wind whipped between you as the rain pummelled harder. Only you and Lando were aware of the tension, even if some of the other drivers had turned their heads.
How much he wanted to be near you.
How much you wanted to reach for him and break the rules.
You cleared your throat instead. “ Final question. On the radio, you sounded irritated. Was the team the target of that, or—
Lando shifted on his feet and sighed. "Is it fun to put me on the spot?"
You suppressed a grin.“It’s my job, Norris.”
His eyes darkened, but now something else was there, something that, regardless of the cold, made you feel hot.
A few seconds later, he leaned in a little and spoke in a voice that only you could hear.
“Can’t wait for you to do your job later.”
Your breath caught. It was clear what he meant when he talked.
You were about to argue, scold him, or do something, but he was already backing off and smiling at the cameras as if nothing had happened.
Lando Norris disappeared into the rain in a matter of seconds, leaving you breathless, nervous, and eager to see what would happen behind closed doors.
The rain had turned to a light drizzle by the time you finished your interviews and returned to the paddock. The cameras had stopped recording, the media pen had been cleared, and the majority of the drivers had gone to their garages
Lando, however, was waiting.
You saw him with his arms crossed and his hood up, leaning against the McLaren entrance .
He appeared to be just another driver dodging the rain to anyone else, but you knew better. His lips curved into something knowing and arrogant the instant your eyes met.
Despite rolling your eyes, you moved in his direction and slipped through the sliding doors. You walked as you got shivers down your spine from him following you.
"You were having fun with that, weren't you?" You mumbled without looking back.
"Having fun with what?" He teased in a quiet voice.
With a sigh, you let your bag fall onto a chair. "acting like an absolute ass in front of everybody."
A laugh. Then, his hands holding you waist just enough to cause you to let out a bit strongly.
He said, his breath warm against your neck, "You like it when I push you."
You took a long breath, rolled your eyes, and turned to glare up at him." “I like it when you act professional for few minutes so I don’t have to work twice as hard to clean up your mess.”
Lando tilted his head and grinned. "You enjoy cleaning up my mess."
You were about to start an argument but as soon as you opened your mouth he pressed his lips to yours, closing the gap between you.
His hands moved up your sides and wrapped around your jacket as if he needed you closer during the slow but meaningful kiss.
The tension from earlier melted into something else, something powerful, and you melted into him with your hands grabbing the fabric of his race suit.
"Are you still upset with me?" he whispered, stepping back just enough.
Your eyes narrowed. "You're crazy"
Lando smiled. "But here you are anyway."
He simply laughed and grabbed your wrist before you could get away, despite your yelling and pulling at his chest.
"Stay," he said, his tone now softer and more serious.
Your determination failed. You were supposed to return to the press room, edit interviews, and pretend that nothing was going on. However, here, in private, with Lando staring at you like this.
You let out a breath. "Only for a short time."
He smiled mischievously. "You said that the last time."
You already knew you weren't going anywhere, just like the last time.
a/n: if you have requests lemme know! Also im really excited for the first race of the season!!