Chapter 6 – Close Calls and Racing Hearts
821 Words
Charlotte Reed carried a tray of delicate champagne glasses down the narrow hallway of the Grand Aurora Hall. She focused on keeping them steady, aware of every step.
“You know,” Alexander Hayes said from behind her, “I can carry half of those if you want.”
Charlotte’s eyes narrowed. “I can handle it myself.”
“Sure,” he said, stepping closer. “But I’d be helping.”
She tried to ignore the way his presence suddenly made the hallway feel smaller. The air between them was tight, and every time he moved, it felt like they were brushing against each other.
Careful not to bump him, Charlotte turned slightly to navigate a corner—and their shoulders brushed. She froze. Alexander glanced at her, eyes lingering for a fraction too long.
“Careful,” he said softly.
“I’m… careful,” she muttered, cheeks warming despite herself.
He smirked faintly. “Of course. Very careful.”
Charlotte gritted her teeth and focused on the tray, counting the glasses like a mantra: one… two… three… four…
A sudden clatter made her jump. A glass teetered dangerously on the edge of the tray. Without thinking, Alexander reached out, steadying it with his hand. Their fingers brushed.
Charlotte’s heart skipped. “Thanks,” she said, trying to sound neutral.
“You’re welcome,” he replied, voice low, almost intimate.
They continued down the hall in tense silence, only the soft clink of glasses filling the air. Charlotte couldn’t ignore how close he was, how effortlessly he moved beside her. It was maddening.
Once the glasses were safely on a table, she exhaled deeply. “I swear, you’re trying to make me faint from nerves,” she said.
“I’m not,” he replied, though the faint smile tugging at his lips suggested otherwise.
Charlotte turned to leave, but he stepped slightly in front of her, blocking the path. Her breath hitched, though she scolded herself for it.
“Why are you standing there?” she asked, trying to sound firm.
“To make sure you don’t trip,” he said lightly, his eyes scanning her with an intensity she couldn’t ignore.
She rolled her eyes. “I’m fine.”
“Are you?” he asked softly, his voice lower now.
Charlotte’s stomach fluttered. She wanted to walk away, but the words felt stuck. Instead, she nodded stiffly. “Yes.”
He stepped aside, and she moved past him, trying not to glance at him, though she felt his gaze on her back.
Later, during a rehearsal for the ceremony, they had to set up a particularly tight corner with chairs and tables. Space was minimal. Alexander and Charlotte found themselves shoulder-to-shoulder, reaching for the same chair.
Their hands brushed again. Charlotte pulled back slightly, heart racing. Alexander’s eyes met hers, just long enough for her to notice the faint warmth in them.
“You really are stubborn,” he said quietly, his tone teasing but soft.
“I am not,” she replied firmly, though her voice trembled slightly.
He smirked faintly. “You are. And I kind of like it.”
Charlotte blinked, trying not to let her cheeks betray her. “You are impossible,” she muttered.
“Maybe,” he said, “but you make it fun.”
She nearly dropped the chair. Alexander caught it, their hands brushing again. Charlotte’s chest tightened, and she quickly straightened, forcing herself to focus.
For the rest of the afternoon, they worked in silence, the tension between them unspoken but thick. Every accidental brush, every close movement seemed to make their hearts beat faster.
By the time the final table was in place, Charlotte leaned against it, taking a long, shaky breath. Alexander stood next to her, but there was no teasing this time. Just… quiet observation.
“You did well today,” he said softly.
Charlotte looked at him. “Thanks… I guess,” she said, unsure why her voice felt softer than intended.
He tilted his head. “You’re not used to praise, are you?”
Charlotte shook her head. “No.”
Alexander’s eyes softened slightly. “You should get used to it.”
She looked away, focusing on the decorations, though inside her chest raced uncontrollably. She hated that he had this effect on her.
As the hall emptied and the staff left for the evening, Charlotte packed her things. Alexander appeared at the door.
“See you tomorrow?” he asked casually, though his voice carried an edge she couldn’t ignore.
“Yes,” she said firmly, even though her heart betrayed her nerves.
He nodded once, then left. Charlotte exhaled deeply, rubbing her temples.
Today had been exhausting, frustrating, and… strangely thrilling.
Alexander Hayes, infuriating, maddening, and impossible, was making her world far more complicated than she had anticipated.
And Charlotte knew, deep down, that the slow burn between them was only beginning.
- Writer
