Charlotte smirked.“Maybe a bit of both. You?”
“I’m here to make sure no one outshines me,” he replied, tossing her a ball.“Just kidding—I’m here to help. Probably.”
They spent the next hour running drills together—fielding, catching, and batting. Every time Charlotte stumbled or missed a ball, Alexander was there with an encouraging word or a teasing grin.
“You missed that one,” he said after a particularly tricky catch.
“I did not,” Charlotte argued, rolling her eyes.
“You did,” he replied, nudging her lightly with his shoulder.“But it’s okay. Everyone has their off days. Except me, of course.”
She laughed, shaking her head.“I’m beginning to think you enjoy making me laugh more than actually practising.”
“Guilty,” he admitted, brushing a strand of hair from her face.“But if it helps, I think you’re improving.”
Charlotte felt a flutter in her chest.“Thanks… I think.”
As the practice continued, their banter became easier, more natural. Alexander’s teasing was never cruel, and Charlotte found herself enjoying every moment—every shared laugh, every competitive challenge, every quiet glance.
By the time practice ended, the sun had dipped below the horizon, painting the field in warm shades of pink and gold.
“Race you to the pavilion,” Alexander said suddenly, sprinting ahead.
Charlotte chased after him, laughing and breathless, her heart light. Even in the middle of cricket drills, she realized that being with Alexander felt different—fun, easy, and… a little thrilling.
And as they reached the pavilion, both laughing and slightly out of breath, Charlotte knew that their connection was only just beginning.
Chapter 5:
Rivalry on the Pitch
The next match was against the neighbouring village team, and Charlotte’s nerves were buzzing as she pulled on her whites.
“Ready to take them down?” Alexander asked, offering her a reassuring smile.
“I’m ready,” she said, gripping her bat.“And I won’t let you show me up.”
Alexander laughed.“Oh, you mean like last week when I hit that perfect six? Don’t worry, I’ll let you have your moment this time.”
The game began, and the friendly rivalry quickly turned into a playful battle between the two. Whenever Charlotte batted, Alexander cheered loudly—and occasionally teased her when she missed a ball.
“Focus, Charlotte!” he called, just as she swung and barely connected.
“Focus yourself!” she shot back, smiling despite herself.
When it was Alexander’s turn to bat, Charlotte found herself secretly enjoying watching him take the pitch, the sunlight catching his hair, his concentration turning into something oddly attractive.
“You’re impossible,” she muttered under her breath as he smirked after a perfect strike.
“And you love it,” he called over his shoulder, flashing a grin that made her cheeks heat.
By the end of the match, both had performed impressively, and the team celebrated a narrow victory. Charlotte and Alexander walked off the field together, laughing and covered in grass stains.
“You know,” Alexander said, nudging her shoulder,“we make a pretty good team. On the field, and… maybe off it too?”
Charlotte felt her heart skip.“Maybe,” she said softly, smiling up at him.
As they walked back toward the pavilion, she realized that cricket had brought them together—but it was everything beyond the game—the jokes, the teasing, the quiet moments—that was making her fall for Alexander faster than she had expected.
