“Never,” he said, smirking.
Eventually, Charlotte landed a perfect toss, winning the round.“Ha! Dessert’s mine!” she declared, holding up a caramel apple.
Alexander laughed, shaking his head.“Fine, fine… but I’ll get the next one.”
As they wandered through the fair, sharing candy and teasing each other, a sudden gust of wind blew Charlotte’s scarf away. Alexander dashed after it, catching it just before it tumbled into the fountain.
“Got it!” he exclaimed, draping it carefully around her shoulders.“Safe and sound.”
Charlotte smiled, warmth blooming in her chest—not just from the scarf, but from the thoughtfulness in his eyes.“You’re ridiculous,” she said softly.
“And you love it,” he replied, brushing a thumb over her hand.
Charlotte laughed, but the sound was tinged with happiness and a touch of fluttering nerves. For a few stolen moments amid the autumn chaos, the fair seemed to belong entirely to them—the teasing, the laughter, and the growing intimacy building into something neither wanted to end.
As the evening lanterns glowed and the fair wound down, Charlotte realized that she and Alexander had moved beyond flirtation. Every laugh, every shared moment, was stitching their hearts closer together—and she couldn’t wait to see what came next.
Chapter 19:
Misunderstood Intentions
The following week, practice had been unusually tense. Charlotte noticed Alexander chatting animatedly with another teammate, his laughter echoing across the pitch. Something in Charlotte tightened—a flicker of jealousy she hadn’t expected.
“Is everything okay?” Emily asked, noticing Charlotte’s distracted gaze.
“I… I think so,” Charlotte muttered, brushing it off.
But every time Alexander came near, Charlotte’s mind raced. When he finally approached, she tried to hide her feelings behind a smile.
“Hey, Charlotte! Great catch earlier!” he said, his eyes lighting up.
“Thanks,” she replied, her voice slightly clipped.
Alexander frowned, sensing the tension.“Something’s wrong, isn’t it?”
Charlotte hesitated.“I… I don’t know. I guess I just thought—” She stopped, realizing how ridiculous she sounded.
He reached out, taking her hand gently.“Hey, talk to me. Whatever it is, we can figure it out.”
Charlotte took a deep breath.“It’s silly. I just… I felt a little left out today, seeing you with Emily. I guess I’m… insecure.”
Alexander’s expression softened.“Charlotte… nothing like that is happening. You’re the one I care about. The one I’ve liked all season.”
Charlotte’s cheeks flushed, relief mingling with lingering embarrassment.“I know. I guess I just needed to hear it again.”
He smiled, squeezing her hand.“I’ll say it as many times as you need. I like you. You’re mine, alright?”
Charlotte laughed, her nerves settling.“Alright… you’re mine too.”
They shared a quiet moment, side by side on the muddy pitch, realizing that even small misunderstandings could test them—but also strengthen the bond they were building.
As they walked off together, Alexander teasing her about her temporary jealousy, Charlotte felt a warmth that had nothing to do with the autumn sun. It was the certainty that they were in this together—messy, playful, and real.
Chapter 20:
Seasons of the Heart
The village green was quiet that evening, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. The cricket season had ended, and with it, the whirlwind of matches, muddy mishaps, and playful teasing.
