The Arrogant Best Man I Hate

Chapter 9 – Closer Than Ever ❤️

😘😍

The hall smelled faintly of roses and fresh linen. Charlotte moved through the tables, checking every detail one last time. Even with everything in place, her nerves refused to settle.

Alexander appeared silently behind her, his shadow stretching across the floor. She didn’t need him to speak to feel his presence pressing against her.

Across the hall, a new florist assistant was laughing as he adjusted the centerpiece near Charlotte. His eyes lingered on her for a moment too long, and she felt a familiar heat rise to her cheeks.

Alexander’s gaze hardened. Without a word, he stepped closer, subtly closing the distance between her and the man. The assistant awkwardly straightened and moved away. Charlotte felt a strange mix of gratitude and embarrassment.

She looked at Alexander, realizing how close he had been standing all along. The air between them carried something unspoken, something electric.

Working side by side, they adjusted the last chairs and checked the ribbons. Their movements kept brushing against one another, and every accidental touch made Charlotte’s pulse race.

When she reached to straighten a decoration above the dance floor, Alexander was already there, steadying it. Their shoulders brushed, hands barely touching. Charlotte caught her breath, acutely aware of the warmth of his body so near.

He didn’t pull away. He let her finish the task while standing impossibly close.

After the final piece was in place, Charlotte stepped back. Her heart still thumped erratically. Alexander’s eyes followed her every movement, and she could sense the faint curve of his smile, almost hidden beneath his serious expression.

“Everything looks perfect,” he finally said, his voice low.

Charlotte nodded, though her stomach felt anything but steady. She tried to focus on gathering her things, but she couldn’t ignore the tension that lingered between them.

Alexander lingered near the doorway, watching her. Each time she glanced in his direction, their eyes met, holding a silent understanding that neither of them had named yet.

Charlotte realized, with both fear and thrill, that this slow-burning tension had become impossible to ignore. Every look, every brush of hands, every shared glance was pulling them closer, and neither had the courage to stop it.

She walked toward the exit, pretending composure. Yet a part of her desperately wanted him to stay close, just a little longer.

And Alexander didn’t move. He let her leave the hall, but his gaze followed her, intense and unwavering.

Charlotte knew this was far from over. The wedding might be weeks away, but the sparks between them had already ignited, and there was no turning back.