Fired Up

Valeria's POV

I had agreed to Lewis's invitation for the Grand Prix in Barcelona, a decision I had mixed feelings about. On one hand, it was an opportunity for Mateo to experience a race weekend, and on the other, I was constantly questioning my judgment. Could I really handle more complications right now?

When we arrived at the track, the excitement in the air was palpable. Lewis was waiting for us, his smile bright enough to put the sun to shame. I couldn't help but feel a little nervous. It had been a whirlwind since we first met, and here I was, spending an entire weekend with him and Mateo in tow.

"Hey there, mate!" Lewis greeted as soon as he saw us. He crouched down to Mateo's level with that playful smile of his. "You ready for a weekend of racing?"

I could see the tension in Mateo's eyes, that little frown tugging at the corners of his mouth. He wasn't exactly thrilled about meeting Lewis, not yet. My son was cautious around men. I had to respect that, especially after everything that had happened with Alejandro.

"I don't know... Are you a good driver?" Mateo asked, his voice wary, looking at Lewis with a hint of suspicion.

I watched the two of them with a mix of emotions. Mateo wasn't exactly making it easy for Lewis, and my heart tightened with sympathy. He was just a boy trying to make sense of a world that had turned upside down because of his father.

"Well, I try to be," Lewis replied with a wink. "But I guess you'll have to watch and see for yourself."

Mateo didn't respond, still keeping his distance. As we walked through the paddock, I could feel the invisible wall between my son and Lewis. I understood why Mateo was being standoffish. He had every right to be cautious.

Later, while we sat in the pit stop area, Lewis leaned over to me with a small chuckle, glancing at Mateo. "He's got his guard up, huh?"

I nodded, my heart heavy. "He's been through a lot. He doesn't trust easily, especially when it comes to men."

Lewis's gaze softened, and I could see the concern in his eyes. "I can understand that. I won't try to force anything. I just want to be someone he can feel comfortable with."

His words meant more to me than I could say. Lewis wasn't just being kind to me, but he was also genuinely trying with Mateo. And for that, I was grateful.

As the weekend continued, I noticed how patient and considerate Lewis was with Mateo. He didn't push him, but he kept trying to engage him in conversation, even if Mateo didn't respond right away. He asked about his favorite cars and seemed genuinely interested in what Mateo had to say, even if it was just a few words here and there.

At one point, as we were walking through the paddock, Lewis leaned down to Mateo and asked, "You speak really good English, Mateo. How did you learn?"

I smiled softly. Mateo had always been good with languages. "I speak English with him since he was born, alongside Spanish," I explained.

Mateo puffed his chest out a little, proud of himself. "Mom talks to me in both," he said, his voice full of pride.

Lewis raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "That's amazing. You're a lucky kid."

I watched them interact, the tiny moments of connection that I was sure meant a lot to both of them. I saw Lewis's efforts, and despite my hesitation, I couldn't help but feel that warmth spreading through me. It wasn't just about the racing, or the fun Lewis was having with Mateo—it was about the care and patience he was showing.

As the day wore on, I noticed how Mateo began to warm up a little. He still kept his distance, but his interactions with Lewis were more relaxed, even if only by a small degree. I couldn't deny that it was a relief to see them getting along. And, for the first time in a long while, I found myself allowing myself to enjoy this weekend with Lewis.

But just as I felt a small flicker of hope, I quickly smothered it. I had sworn to myself that I wouldn't let anyone in again after what happened with Alejandro. The last thing I needed was to put my heart out there, only to have it broken again. Yet, as I looked at Lewis laughing with Mateo, I knew it wasn't going to be easy to keep my walls up much longer.

Later that evening, while we sat on the balcony of our hotel room, Mateo playing with his little car on the floor, I couldn't help but feel a tug in my chest. I was watching something I hadn't experienced in years—genuine warmth between Mateo and someone who wasn't family, someone who was making an effort to be part of our lives.

It felt... good. Too good. And that scared me.