Chapter 7 – The Moment That Almost Happened
815 Words
Charlotte Reed stared at the wedding seating chart like it had personally betrayed her.
It had taken three hours to organize, and now one small change from the groom had ruined everything.
She sighed and rubbed her forehead.
“Please don’t tell me you’re already giving up.”
Charlotte didn’t even have to look up to recognize Alexander Hayes’s voice.
“I am not giving up,” she said flatly.
Alexander walked closer, his polished shoes clicking softly against the floor of the hall. When Charlotte finally looked up, he was standing beside her, hands in his pockets, studying the chart.
“You moved the Harrington family,” he said.
“Yes.”
“That’s going to cause a problem.”
Charlotte narrowed her eyes. “You think I didn’t know that?”
Alexander shrugged slightly. “Just making sure.”
Charlotte crossed her arms. “If you’re here to criticize, you can leave.”
“I’m here to help,” he replied calmly.
“You say that every time.”
“And every time you refuse my help.”
“That’s because your help usually comes with ten sarcastic comments.”
Alexander’s lips curved slightly. “Only ten?”
Charlotte tried not to react, but the corner of her mouth twitched.
He noticed.
“You almost smiled,” he said.
“I did not.”
“You did.”
Charlotte quickly looked back at the chart.
Alexander leaned closer to examine it. Too close.
Charlotte suddenly became aware of how near he was standing. His shoulder brushed lightly against hers, and the warmth of it sent a small wave of nerves through her.
Move,” she muttered.
“I’m looking.”
“You’re standing in my space.”
He tilted his head slightly. “Your space?”
“Yes.”
Alexander didn’t move.
Instead, he leaned even closer to the chart, his arm lifting slightly so he could point at one of the tables.
Charlotte froze when she realized his arm had accidentally trapped her between him and the board.
Her heart began to beat faster.
“See this table?” he said quietly.
Charlotte tried to focus on the chart.
Yes.
If we move the Harringtons here instead…
His voice was lower now, calmer. Charlotte could feel the faint warmth of his breath near her ear.
“…then the problem disappears.”
Charlotte swallowed.
“That… actually works,” she admitted.
Alexander stepped back.
The sudden distance made Charlotte strangely aware of the silence.
“Well,” he said, “looks like my help was useful.
Charlotte rolled her eyes. “Don’t get used to it.”
Alexander chuckled softly.
A few minutes later, Charlotte climbed a small ladder to adjust a hanging decoration above the center of the hall.
She stretched slightly to reach it.
“Careful,” Alexander called from below.
“I’m fine.
“You’re standing on the top step.”
“I know.”
You could fall.!!
Charlotte scoffed. “Relax.”
At that exact moment, the ladder shifted slightly.
Charlotte gasped.
Before she could react, strong hands caught her around the waist as she slipped down from the ladder.
Alexander steadied her instantly.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Charlotte realized she was still in his arms.
Her heart slammed against her ribs.
Alexander looked down at her, his expression suddenly serious.
Maybe you should listen when someone tells you to be careful, he said quietly.
Charlotte looked up at him.
They were standing incredibly close.
Too close.
Her hands were still resting against his chest.
Alexander didn’t move them away.
The entire hall felt silent.
Charlotte could hear her own heartbeat.
Alexander’s gaze shifted briefly to her lips before returning to her eyes.
Charlotte noticed
Her breath caught.
For a split second, neither of them spoke.
Neither of them stepped away.
It felt like something was about to happen.
Something dangerous.
Something neither of them had planned.
Then Charlotte quickly stepped back.
I’m fine, she said quickly.
Alexander ran a hand through his hair.
Yeah,” he muttered. “You’re fine.”
Charlotte turned away and focused on fixing the decoration.
Her hands trembled slightly.
Alexander watched her quietly for a moment before speaking again.
“You’re stubborn.”
Charlotte didn’t turn around.
“You’ve said that before.”
“And you keep proving it.”
Charlotte climbed down from the ladder carefully this time.
When she reached the floor, Alexander was still standing there.
Watching her.
You caught me, she said after a moment.
“I did.”
“Thank you.”
Alexander nodded slightly.
“You’re welcome.”
There was a pause.
Then he added softly,
“Try not to fall again.”
Charlotte met his eyes.
“No promises.”
Alexander smiled faintly.
And for the first time since they met, Charlotte realized something terrifying.
She wasn’t sure if she hated him anymore.
- Writer
