“Thought I’d check on my favourite batter,” he said, offering the towel.“Can’t have you walking around covered in mud all day.”
Charlotte took it, their fingers brushing. She felt a jolt—nothing more, nothing less—but it made her heart skip.
“Thanks,” she murmured.
Alexander leaned against the fence, his usual grin softened.“You know, the team’s great, cricket’s fun, but… I like these quiet moments the most. Just us.”
Charlotte’s cheeks warmed.“I was thinking the same. It’s… nice. Peaceful.”
They lingered, talking about everything and nothing—plans for the weekend, their favourite players, silly memories from childhood. With every shared laugh and glance, Charlotte felt herself drawn closer to him.
At one point, Alexander reached over to adjust a loose strap on her cap.“There,” he said softly.“Much better.”
Charlotte’s heart fluttered. She looked at him, noticing the earnestness in his eyes.“Alex… I—”
He smiled, catching her gaze.“It’s okay. You don’t have to say anything.”
But in that silent exchange, words weren’t necessary. The tension, the warmth, and the unspoken feelings were enough.
As they walked off the green together, side by side, Charlotte realized that these quiet corners—these little moments away from the crowd—were where she felt closest to Alexander.
And deep down, she knew that it was only a matter of time before their feelings would spill into the open.
Chapter 12:
Rain and Revelations
The team had gathered for a casual end-of-season match, the sky a patchwork of grey clouds. Charlotte was batting when the first drops of rain began to fall.
“Looks like we’re in for a shower,” Emily said, dashing for cover.
Charlotte gritted her teeth.“I’m not leaving yet!”
Just then, a heavier downpour began, sending the players running in all directions. Charlotte slipped on the wet grass, and before she could hit the ground, Alexander grabbed her hand, steadying her.
“Careful!” he laughed, pulling her close under his arm as they ran toward the pavilion.
Charlotte’s heart pounded—not just from the sprint, but from the closeness.“You’re impossible,” she gasped, smiling.
“I prefer charmingly impossible,” he teased, brushing a wet strand of hair from her face.
They huddled under the small overhang of the pavilion, dripping and laughing. The rain poured around them, but for a moment, it felt like the world had disappeared.
“You know,” Alexander said, his voice quieter now,“I like moments like this. Just us. No team, no crowd, no cricket… just us.”
Charlotte’s cheeks flushed.“Me too,” she admitted softly, unable to hide the flutter in her chest.
Alexander’s gaze lingered on her, full of warmth and something deeper she couldn’t quite name.“I think I’ve been wanting to tell you something for a while,” he murmured.
Charlotte’s heart skipped.“Yes?”
He smiled, teasing yet sincere.“That… you’re impossible to stop thinking about.”
Charlotte laughed, though her heart was racing.“I could say the same about you.”
For a few moments, the rain fell unnoticed around them, and for the first time, their feelings were close enough to almost touch. Almost.
Charlotte realized that this storm—messy, sudden, and thrilling—mirrored the growing whirlwind of emotions she felt whenever Alexander was near.
