She laughed, catching it with ease.“You wish. I’m here to improve my game, not make mistakes.”
They spent the next hour practising—batting, bowling, fielding—Alexander offering tips without ever being condescending.
“You’re too stiff at the crease,” he said, adjusting her stance.“Relax. Imagine the ball is nothing more than a friendly old friend you’re inviting to tea.”
Charlotte couldn’t help but laugh.“Inviting the ball to tea? That’s the most ridiculous advice I’ve ever heard.”
“And the most effective,” Alexander replied with a wink. On her next swing, Charlotte hit the ball cleanly down the pitch, and a cheer escaped her.
“See? Told you,” he said, clapping.“You’ve got talent. You just needed a little… encouragement.”
As the sun climbed higher, they took a break, sitting side by side on the grass. Charlotte noticed how natural it felt to be withhim—how easy it was to laugh and talk without worrying about anything else.
“So,” she said, nudging him playfully,“do you always teach new players with ridiculous metaphors?”
“Only the promising ones,” Alexander said, leaning back on his hands.“You’re definitely promising, Charlotte.”
Her cheeks flushed again, but she smiled. Maybe cricket wasn’t just about the game. Maybe it was about the connection that grew between two people, one practice session at a time.
Chapter 3:
The Opening Over
The morning of their first match arrived with crisp air and a clear sky, perfect for cricket. Charlotte’s nerves buzzed as she adjusted her cap, bat in hand.
Alexander jogged over, a grin plastered across his face.“Relax. Today’s about having fun… and showing off a little, naturally.”
Charlotte rolled her eyes.“Right. Show off. Got it.”
The match began. Charlotte was first to bat, and the opposing bowler sent the ball hurtling toward her. She swung, connecting perfectly—her first boundary for the team. The cheer from her teammates made her chest swell with pride.
Alexander clapped from the field.“That’s my new favourite player!” he called, making her laugh despite her nerves.
Throughout the innings, Alexander was a constant presence—encouraging, teasing, and somehow distracting her all at once. He fielded near her, shouting tips and playful jabs, making her grin despite the pressure.
At lunch, they sat under a tree, sweaty and flushed.
“You’re surprisingly good under pressure,” Alexander said, handing her a bottle of water.
“And you’re annoyingly confident,” Charlotte replied, laughing.“Seriously, how can you make everything seem so easy?”
Alexander shrugged, brushing dust off his whites.“It’s all part of my charm.”
Charlotte shook her head, smiling.“I’m not sure I like your charm. It’s… distracting.”
“Distracting in a good way, I hope?” he teased, nudging her shoulder.
Her heart skipped, and she looked away, embarrassed but unable to stop smiling. Maybe cricket wasn’t just about the game—it was about moments like these, the playful glances and quiet laughter shared on a sunlit field.
And maybe, just maybe, it was about Alexander, who had already become impossible to ignore.
Chapter 4:
Fielding and Flirtation
The following evening, the women’s team gathered for a practice session under the golden glow of the setting sun. Charlotte arrived early, hoping to get some extra batting practice in before everyone else showed up.
“Thought I’d find you here,” Alexander said, jogging up with his bag slung over his shoulder.“Practising alone, or plotting to steal all the wickets?”
