Page 78 of Melt His Heart

The car finally arrives, and she pulls both of us in for a hug. Kelly sways us back and forth before letting go, all of us a giggly mess.

“Get in the car, Kelly.” Carson laughs at her drunk antics.

“Alright, alright, I’m going! Don’t forget my flowers, Julian, I’ll see you!”

“I won’t, I promise.” I grin.

“Text me when you get back, ok?” Carson says. She nods, and he closes the door.

He turns to me, and I close the distance between us for a warm hug. It’s so cold out, his body always feels like a furnace. Nice and toasty.

“We should probably get going too.” I snuggle further into him while he calls a car for us above my head.

“Yeah, do you..Do you wanna sleep over?” I stammer.

“Mmhm.” He hums, wrapping his arms around me while we wait.

Chapter 26

Sunlight peeks through the sheer curtains of my flat, casting a nice glow over Carson’s sleeping form. He spent the night on my couch because I knew I wouldn’t be able to control myself in bed with him, not this time. There would be a lot more going on than cuddling and light kisses.

My head is throbbing a bit as I work my way around the kitchen, cooking breakfast for us. I thought a soup would be good. I know he’s going to feel like hell when he wakes up. The smell of vegetables and garlic fills the space as the liquid comes to a simmer. I put the soup into bowls and plate the rest of the sides, carrying them over to the coffee table. I don’t want him to have to go too far.

Carson wakes with a groan, “Something smells delicious.”

“Mmm, haejang-guk.” He hums, his eyes heavy with sleep. He looks so cute right now.

“Yeah, you need to eat. Get up.” I laugh, watching him sit up, his hair sticking up in every direction.

This feels so domestic.

“Thanks, this looks amazing, so you’re a little chef too, huh?” He grins, pulling me into his lap and kissing my cheek.

“You’re so silly, come on, seriously, let’s eat.” I laugh and wiggle out of his lap to sit next to him.

“What should we watch?” He says, flicking through the channels, “Anything is fine.” I say and hand him utensils.

“Hockey it is.”

“Absolutely not, Carson,” I say straight-faced.

“Aww, you’re no fun.” I grab the remote from him and turn it to cartoons, I think we both can pay half attention to.

“Sooo I was thinking.” He starts.

“You do that?” I chuckle.

“Haha. So cute and funny.” Carson says, tickling me lightly into a fit of giggles.

“Stop it! I’m gonna drop my food!” I laugh.

“Well, stop getting smart. Anyway, I was thinking you should come over after I’m back from away games.”

I look over at him mid-chew. I’ve never been to Carson’s place, and I didn’t think I would be going anytime soon.

“Oh…” My cheeks burn hot.

“Don’t worry, as just friends, Julian.” Carson laughs.