Page 48 of Melt His Heart

“Come on, it’ll be fun.” He whines. Ugh, he’s hard to resist.

“I don’t know…All the..All the people.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be with you the entire time. I won’t take my eyes off you.” He says, skating back to me. He wraps his arms around my waist and looks down at me, his head tilted.

He won’t take his eyes off me.

“I suppose. It doesn’t sound too bad.”

Honestly, lately, I think nothing sounds too bad as long as I can spend another minute with him. Or have an excuse for him to touch me is more like it, and just thinking about dancing with him is sending a shudder through me. Maybe he’ll even kiss me again.

“I think you’ll love it. We’ll have so much fun.” He grins, nuzzling into my neck.

“Carson, please, it tickles!” I laugh and try to push him away again.

Chapter 16

I’ve finally found the time to attend one of Liam and Kevin’s floral arrangement classes. I’m heading there straight from the rink, hopefully I’m not running too late. Liam said it’s ok if I am, but I don’t want him to think I’m not taking this seriously.

I’m feeling super excited to try to make an arrangement myself. I hurriedly put all my skating gear away in the bag and slipped into my shoes.

“Where are you going in such a rush?” Carson says, tilting his head to the side as he watches me from the entryway. He takes a sip from his sports drink. I try not to notice the sweat on his neck.

How I want to lick it off.

God, ever since that kiss, I keep thinking about Carson. Like really thinking about him, all of him. But I don’t have time right now to go down that rabbit hole. I usually try to ignore it.

“I have a floral arrangement class. Sorry, but I think I’m running late.”

“I can give you a ride if you want.” He says.

“Yeah, that would be great. Thanks.” I smile.

We head out to the car after we both finish changing. I had to shower at the rink for the first time because I didn’t have time to run home and get ready. But I made sure I brought a change of clothes for the class. I refuse to look like I just spent hours throwing myself through the air, and I was even more sweaty because today was also paired with gym training.

“Ready to go? Got everything?” He asks, clipping his seat belt in.

“Yeah. Thanks again, Carson. You’re a lifesaver.”

“Of course.” He hums, “Besides, I think it’s great you’re exploring other interests outside of skating.” He says.

Carson has really been stressing to me lately that it’s healthy to have other interests. I’m still working on it, and I know he’s right, but it’s still really hard not to punish myself for not being fully devoted to skating. Separating my time between different things feels off.

“Trying, I suppose,” I mumble.

“You are, and that’s amazing. I can’t wait to see what you make.” He beams.

“I’m sure it won’t be that great.” I blush at the idea of showing Carson what I made. Should I make something for him? I wonder if he likes that sort of thing too. I noticed he usually takes well to food. So, I made bringing him snacks, that he refuses to share still, more of a frequent thing since the first time.

“It definitely will be great because it’s from you.” He says and gives me a small smile, “By the way, I was wondering…” he starts.

“Hmm?”

“I was wondering if you, uh, would like to be my plus one for this gala that’s coming up?” He stammers.

“And I mean it’s no pressure, just as friends. But I really wanted to ask you.” He continues when I don’t answer. Too busy admiring him.

“I’d love to go with you, Carson,” I mutter.