Charlotte smiled, squeezing his hand.“Not even that.”
And for the first time that day, her heart felt light, full of laughter and the growing certainty that Alexander was more than just a teammate—he was something she couldn’t stop thinking about.
Chapter 8:
A Friendly Bet
The village green was alive with the sound of leather hitting willow and the cheers of the weekend crowd. Charlotte adjusted her cap, a mischievous grin tugging at her lips.
“Ready for today’s match?” Alexander asked, tossing her the ball.
“Only if you’re not going to distract me this time,” Charlotte replied, twirling her bat.
Alexander raised an eyebrow.“Distract you? Me? Never.”
“Right,” she said, smirking.“Let’s make a bet. If I score more runs than you today, you buy the entire team ice cream after the match.”
Alexander laughed.“And if I win?”
“You wash the team’s kit for a week,” Charlotte said confidently.
“Deal,” he said, shaking her hand.“Prepare to be schooled, Charlotte.”
The game began. Charlotte’s batting was sharp, her strokes confident. Alexander’s laughter and teasing comments followed her with every swing, but instead of frustrating her, it fueled her determination.
By the time Alexander came to bat, the scores were close. He smirked, twirling his bat.“Hope you’re ready to lose, Charlotte.”
“Not a chance,” she shot back, matching his grin.
The final overs were tense. Each swing, each run, each cheer from the crowd made Charlotte’s heart race—not just from the game, but from the thrill of competing alongside Alexander.
In the end, the match ended in a tie. Both teams cheered, and Charlotte and Alexander turned to each other, laughing and breathless.
“I guess… no ice cream, no kit-washing?” Charlotte asked, still smiling.
Alexander grinned, reaching for her hand.“Maybe we just call it even… and get ice cream anyway?”
Charlotte laughed, squeezing his hand.“I like that plan.”
As they walked off the pitch together, the sun dipping low over the village green, Charlotte realized that cricket had given her more than matches and practice—it had given her Alexander, and maybe, just maybe, the start of something unforgettable.
Chapter 9:
The Village Fair
The village fair was in full swing, lanterns swaying above the bustling stalls and the scent of candy floss and popcorn filling the air. Charlotte wandered through the crowd, trying not to get lost among the cheerful chaos.
“Charlotte!” Alexander’s voice cut through the noise. He jogged up, carrying two sugar-dusted doughnuts.“Thought you might need this.”
She laughed, accepting one.“You always know how to show up at the right time.”
Alexander smirked.“It’s a talent.”
They wandered together, playing games, laughing at each other’s poor aim with the ring toss, and sneaking bites of doughnuts. At one point, Alexander grabbed a small plush trophy from a stall and handed it to Charlotte.
“For the best batter in the village league,” he said, his grin mischievous.
Charlotte blushed, holding it close.“You’re ridiculous.”
