Chapter 5 – Close Quarters
940 Words
Charlotte Reed adjusted the last of the table settings, brushing invisible dust from the napkins. She hated that she had to repeat the same steps so many times because of last-minute changes.
A shadow fell across the table. She looked up. Alexander Hayes was standing there, a stack of menu cards in his hand.
“You’re early,” she said, trying to sound neutral.
“I like to make sure you’re doing it right,” he replied, his smirk subtle but infuriating.
Charlotte’s hands tightened around the cloth. “I don’t need supervision.”
“Supervision?” he asked, tilting his head. “I’m helping.”
“By criticizing me every two seconds?” she shot back.
He chuckled. “You’re dramatic.”
Charlotte rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath. “You’re impossible.”
Alexander leaned closer, just enough that she noticed the faint scent of his cologne. Charlotte’s stomach fluttered and she quickly turned away, pretending to focus on the menu cards.
“Careful,” Alexander said softly. “Those cards are delicate.”
“I can handle delicate,” she said, her voice firmer than she felt.
They worked side by side in tense silence for a few minutes, each arranging tables, folding napkins, and checking floral arrangements. The hall was quiet except for the faint hum of the lights above and the rustle of fabric as they moved.
“You know,” Alexander said casually, “we make a surprisingly good team when we cooperate.”
Charlotte paused. “Surprisingly good? That sounds like a compliment.”
“It is,” he said with a slight grin. “But don’t let it go to your head.”
Charlotte bit back a laugh. “I won’t.”
A sudden crash interrupted the quiet. Charlotte spun around. One of the floral arrangements had toppled over, spilling petals and water across the floor.
“Oh no,” she groaned, rushing forward with paper towels.
Alexander was already there, bending to help. “It’s okay,” he said, gently lifting the vase. “I’ve got it.”
“Thanks,” Charlotte said, slightly flustered.
“You’re welcome,” he said simply, his eyes meeting hers for a brief moment.
Charlotte looked away quickly, embarrassed by how long she had stared.
They spent the next hour fixing small mishaps: misplaced chairs, crooked ribbons, and uneven tablecloths. Every time Charlotte thought she could finish a task alone, Alexander appeared, offering help she hadn’t asked for but secretly appreciated.
At one point, their hands brushed while reaching for the same vase. Charlotte jerked back immediately. Alexander looked down at their hands, then back at her.
“Careful,” he said softly, a teasing glint in his eyes.
“I was careful!” she protested, though her cheeks warmed.
“Sure,” he said with a smirk.
Charlotte exhaled and focused on her clipboard, pretending nothing had happened. But her heart still beat faster than usual.
Finally, the rehearsal dinner tables were arranged. Charlotte took a step back, surveying the hall. Everything looked perfect.
Alexander joined her silently. “It does look good,” he said, scanning the room.
Charlotte gave a small nod. “Thank you,” she said, though her tone carried a hint of reluctance.
“You’re welcome,” he replied casually. “Even though you hate admitting you need help.”
Charlotte frowned. “I don’t hate admitting anything.”
Alexander chuckled. “Sure.”
They were quiet for a few moments, both surveying the hall. Charlotte tried to focus on the task, but she couldn’t help noticing Alexander’s presence nearby. There was something… reassuring about it, even if it annoyed her.
“Are you going to leave now?” she asked finally.
“I’ll stay until the caterers arrive,” he said. “Just in case.”
Charlotte felt a mix of relief and irritation. Why do I feel relieved? she thought. He’s annoying.
The sound of the first catering trucks arriving broke the tension. Charlotte quickly began coordinating with the staff, assigning tasks, and checking deliveries. Alexander helped silently, offering guidance where needed.
During the setup, he leaned closer to Charlotte to point out a small misalignment in the tableware. Their faces were close enough that she could see the faint gold flecks in his eyes.
Charlotte swallowed hard and stepped back. “Don’t get too close,” she said firmly.
“I’m just helping,” he replied with a faint grin.
“You’re too close,” she insisted, though her voice wavered slightly.
He raised his hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay. But you’re not making this easy,” he said softly.
Charlotte ignored him and focused on the food setup. Inside, though, she was acutely aware of him standing beside her, his presence making her heart race more than it should.
By the end of the afternoon, the hall was ready. Charlotte leaned against one of the tables, exhausted but satisfied. Alexander stood nearby, arms crossed, watching her.
“You did well today,” he said quietly.
Charlotte blinked. “I… thank you,” she said, her voice softer than intended.
He gave a small nod. “See you tomorrow?”
“Yes,” she replied firmly, though inside, her stomach betrayed her nerves.
Alexander left the hall, leaving Charlotte alone. She exhaled deeply, rubbing her temples.
Today had been stressful, exhausting, and… strangely enjoyable. She hated that thought immediately.
Alexander Hayes, impossible, infuriating, and undeniably captivating, was making her world more complicated—whether she wanted it or not.
And Charlotte Reed had a feeling this wedding would change more than just the venue.
- Writer
