Chapter 6:
Tea and Teasing
After another exhausting match, Charlotte lingered behind at the pavilion to help pack up the equipment.
“Need a hand?” Alexander asked, appearing beside her with a grin and a thermos of tea.
“You’re here again?” Charlotte teased, brushing dust from her shirt.
“Of course,” he said, handing her a cup.“Someone has to make sure you survive cricket season without collapsing from exhaustion.”
Charlotte laughed, accepting the tea. The warmth of the cup seeped into her hands, as did the quiet comfort of Alexander’s presence.
They sat on the bench, sipping in companionable silence for a few moments. Then Alexander leaned back, smirking.
“You know,” he said,“you’re surprisingly fun to argue with. Even when you’re stubborn.”
Charlotte raised an eyebrow.“I could say the same about you. Annoying, teasing… but somehow charming.”
He laughed, leaning closer.“Charming? That’s a new one. I’ll take it.”
They spent the next hour talking about everything and nothing—school, cricket, silly childhood stories. Every glance, every laugh,and every accidental brush of hands sent tiny sparks through Charlotte.
“You’re impossible,” she murmured softly, a smile tugging at her lips.
“And you love it,” Alexander whispered back, his voice lower now, just for her.
Charlotte’s cheeks warmed, and she looked away, trying to hide her fluttering heart. Maybe cricket had brought them together, but these quiet moments—the teasing, the laughter, the unspoken tension—were what was making her fall for him.
And she knew, deep down, that this was only the beginning.
Chapter 7:
The Lost Match and Found Glances
Charlotte arrived at the green, excited for another friendly match against the neighbouring village team. But her smile faltered when she spotted Alexander talking to one of the opposing players, laughing easily.
“Wait… what’s he doing?” she muttered, a pang of jealousy twisting in her chest.
Emily noticed her frown.“Relax, Charlotte. He’s probably just joking. You know him.”
Still, Charlotte couldn’t shake the unease as she joined the team. The match began, and she tried to focus—but every glance at Alexander sent her heart racing.
During a break, she confronted him.“Alexander… why were you talking to them like that? Laughing?”
He looked surprised, then chuckled softly.“Charlotte, they’re just friends from last season. I was joking about their batting. Nothing more.”
Charlotte felt heat rise to her cheeks.“Oh. Right… I guess I overreacted.”
He reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.“You’re allowed to be jealous. It’s kind of cute, actually.”
Charlotte blinked, caught off guard.“Cute?”
“Definitely cute,” he said with a mischievous grin.“But also distracting. Can we get back to winning this match?”
Her irritation melted into laughter, and she nodded, feeling the tension dissolve. Together, they returned to the field, their teamwork sharper than ever. Charlotte realized that even minor misunderstandings could lead to moments that brought them closer—if they faced them with honesty and a bit of humor.
As the game ended, Alexander leaned close.“See? Nothing could come between us. Not even silly jealousy.”
