Page 23 of Melt His Heart

When I reach the lobby doors, Carson is outside his car. And god…Why is this happening to me?

This man looks like the biggest challenge I’ve ever faced.

“Hey.” He says, looking a bit stunned.

His hair is down again.

He absolutely knows I love it.

He’s also wearing the most well-tailored pants I’ve ever seen on a man and a dark cherry red polo that perfectly fits around his biceps. I swallow, hoping it’s not obvious how much I want to touch them. Touch him. Any of him.

“Uh, hey…” I stammer.

“I… like your makeup, it’s cute,” Carson says.

“Oh, thanks,” I say, biting my lip.

He noticed. My ears burn at the thought.

“Of course.” He says, and when he swallows, I definitely catch it.

Is Carson…nervous too? Maybe he’s just thirsty, that’s what I’m going to tell myself. Because I can’t fathom anything otherwise.

“You’re probably cold. Let’s get inside.” He says, opening the door for me to get in.

“Thanks,” I mutter.

After I get comfortable, Carson closes the door and rounds to the other side.

“I think I forgot to ask, I’m sorry, but I hope you like Italian.” He chuckles.

“Oh, it’s ok. I do.” I give him a small smile.

“So how’s practice been? Still focusing fine?”

I don’t know why his tone sounds a bit off when he’s asking this.

“Oh..well yeah, it’s been good. Excellent, honestly, I think the training is really worth it so far.” I say, Carson taking off from my building.

“That’s good, you’re going to kill it at the worlds, and all the boys and I can’t wait to watch you.” He hums.

“Ah, really?” I ask, my cheeks running hot.

It feels nice, them being excited for me or having friends to cheer me on?

“Yeah, we watched a few of your old skates in the locker room some games.” My blush deepens even more at this. Because the thought of Carson showing his team, his friends, my programs feels…oddly intimate? Like he’s showing me off.

“You sound kind of obsessed with me, you know.” I tease.

“Maybe I am,” Carson says rather shamelessly. I know he’s just joking, but it still feels really good to even think he could be obsessed with me.

“Glad you’re admitting it, but I didn’t know I was going out with a sasaeng.” I smirk at him, and he just pinches me; we both laugh.

* * *

We arrive at the restaurant, and it’s really beautiful. Once again, I feel like Carson just knows what I would like. Flowers and greenery hang from the ceiling. The decor is warm and inviting. It looks unreal. It must be a busy night for them; there are people at almost every table.

“Hello, Mr. Young, we have your private space ready for you.” One of the hostesses says and starts to lead us away from the rest of the dining hall to an area separated from the main floor. It’s quiet and secluded, there’s a bouquet lying on the table.