“Possibly. But you like it.”
She rolled her eyes, smiling.“Maybe I do.”
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the fair in warm orange and pink hues, they found themselves by the ferris wheel.Alexander paused, looking at her with a softness that made Charlotte’s heart skip.
“You know,” he said quietly,“I like spending time with you. Not just on the pitch… like this.”
Charlotte’s cheeks warmed.“I like it too.”
For a moment, neither moved, the music and laughter of the fair fading into the background. Then Alexander gently took her hand, brushing his thumb over hers.
“You’re amazing, Charlotte,” he whispered.
She smiled, feeling a flutter in her chest.“So are you.”
And under the glow of the lanterns, surrounded by the cheerful chaos of the fair, Charlotte realized that the season was turning into something far more exciting than cricket alone—it was turning into a summer she would never forget.
Chapter 10:
Mud, Mischief, and Moments
The sky had darkened with threatening clouds by the time the team arrived for their weekend practice match.
“Looks like rain,” Emily muttered, glancing nervously at the field.
Alexander grinned.“Perfect conditions for a little adventure.”
Charlotte raised an eyebrow.“Adventure? In a mud puddle?”
The game began, and soon the drizzle turned into a steady downpour. The pitch became slippery, the ball squelching through the wet grass. Charlotte slipped mid-run, landing in a puddle with a splash.
“Oh no!” she exclaimed, trying to get up, only to slip again.
Alexander was there in an instant, holding out his hand—but instead of helping her up, he slipped too, landing with a laugh right beside her.
“Looks like we’re both stuck,” he said, grinning, water dripping from his cap.
Charlotte couldn’t help but laugh, the tension of the day washing away with the rain.“You’re enjoying this way too much.”
“Of course! Mud + chaos + you = perfect practice session,” he said, helping her finally to her feet.
By the end of practice, both were soaked, muddy, and laughing uncontrollably. The team watched from the sidelines, amused by their antics.
As they trudged off the field together, Alexander brushed a strand of wet hair from Charlotte’s face.“You know… I think this might be my favourite practice session ever.”
Charlotte laughed, shaking her head, but her heart fluttered at his closeness.“Mine too… in a ridiculous, utterly chaotic way.”
And as they walked back to the pavilion, dripping and smiling, Charlotte realized that every misadventure with Alexander only made her feel more alive—and more certain that she was falling for him.
Chapter 11:
Quiet Corners
It was late afternoon, and the village green had emptied after practice. Charlotte lingered, picking up stray balls and chatting with Emily.
“See you later, Charlotte!” Alexander called from the pavilion, holding a towel. He jogged over, brushing mud from his whites.
“You’re still here?” she asked, smiling.
