Chapter 8 – Sparks and Jealousy
666 Words
Charlotte Reed was carefully arranging the centerpieces when a familiar laugh echoed across the hall. She glanced up and saw a young man—one of the caterers’ assistants—leaning casually against a table, flashing a charming smile.
“Hey, these flowers look amazing,” he said, nodding toward the arrangements. “You really have a talent for this.”
Charlotte smiled politely, brushing it off. “Thank you. Just trying to make sure everything is perfect.”
She didn’t notice Alexander’s sharp gaze until he stepped closer, his presence suddenly looming over her shoulder.
“Is someone distracting you?” he asked, voice low and teasing.
Charlotte stiffened. “It’s nothing.”
Alexander’s eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced at the young man. There was something possessive in the way he tilted his head toward Charlotte.
“Nothing?” he repeated. “He’s obviously flirting.”
Charlotte rolled her eyes. “It’s harmless.”
“Harmless doesn’t matter,” Alexander said quietly. “I don’t like it.”
Charlotte felt heat rise to her cheeks. His tone wasn’t teasing this time—it was serious. Protective.
The young man cleared his throat awkwardly. “I didn’t mean to cause trouble,” he said.
Alexander’s hand rested lightly on the small of Charlotte’s back as he subtly guided her a step away from the intruder. The gesture was casual, but it made Charlotte’s heart skip.
“You’ll be fine,” Alexander murmured. His eyes met hers for a moment, and she felt the tension spike between them.
The young man nodded quickly and retreated to the other side of the hall.
Charlotte let out a shaky laugh. “I didn’t need… that.”
“You did,” Alexander said softly, though there was a hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth.
Charlotte shook her head, trying to focus on the tables again. Every time she looked at him, her heart raced. His presence was impossible to ignore.
Later, while adjusting the table linens, her sleeve brushed against Alexander’s arm. She froze. His eyes flicked down to their hands and then back to hers, unreadable.
“You’re careful,” he said casually.
“I’ve been working in close quarters all day,” she replied, trying to sound indifferent.
He smirked faintly. “Still, you’re careful around me.”
Charlotte felt the warmth creeping up her neck. She forced herself to concentrate on straightening the linens.
As the afternoon wore on, small moments like this kept happening. A shared ladder, an accidental brush of hands, lingering glances that lasted a heartbeat too long. Every time, her pulse jumped.
By the end of the day, the hall looked impeccable.
Charlotte leaned against one of the tables, breathing deeply.
Alexander approached silently and offered a hand. “Good work today,” he said.
Thanks, she replied, taking it briefly. Their fingers touched for a split second longer than necessary.
“You’re improving,” he said, smirking lightly.
Charlotte rolled her eyes. “I’ve always been good at my job.”
He tilted his head. “Sure. But today… you handled a distraction better than I expected.”
Charlotte swallowed, heart racing. “I handled it fine.”
Alexander’s gaze softened. “You did more than fine.”
Charlotte felt a strange flutter. She tried to ignore it, but it lingered, making her suddenly aware of how close he stood.
The day ended with the staff leaving and the hall quiet. Alexander lingered by the exit.
“See you tomorrow?” he asked, voice calm but with a hint of something unspoken.
“Yes,” she said firmly, though her stomach betrayed her nerves.
As she walked to the door, she felt his eyes on her back. For the first time, Charlotte admitted silently to herself that she wasn’t sure if she wanted to escape his presence—or if she wanted him to stay.
And deep down, she knew this slow-burning tension was far from over.
- Writer
