Page 91 of Melt His Heart

“I missed you, too, baby. You look so beautiful.” He says, kissing my forehead.

“I thought, I thought you said you couldn’t make it?”

“I wanted to surprise you, surprise!” He laughs, and I smack his chest lightly with the bouquet before putting it down on the bench behind us.

“I hate you. That’s not funny, Carson.”

“I’m sorry. But I’m here now, and you got this, ok?” Carson holds my face gently in his hands.

My heart is beating rapidly, “What if I make another mistake? What if I could have worked harder?”

“It’s ok, love, just do your best. That’s enough. Remember, this isn’t all that you have to be. Remember why you started skating in the first place.”

Remember why I started skating in the first place.

It was my escape until I made it something else and let it consume me. But I can take it back. I hope I can.

“Just have fun. Live a little.” He chuckles, giving me a soft kiss.

“I love you.” I blurt out, flinching at my reveal.

Carson’s body freezes up, and I realize what I’ve said. I immediately retreat from his touch in shock, the words sinking in deep. I swallow before looking up into his eyes; they’re still a bit wide.

Maybe I made a mistake. Of course, I made a mistake. Why did I say that? Because that’s what I felt? I try to step back to get some space, but Carson suddenly pulls me back in by my arm.

“Where are you going?” He says, his voice dark.

“I don’t know why I said that,” I mutter.

“Did you mean it?”

“I said it, didn’t I?” I quip, avoiding his eyes that feel like they’re melting me into place. I’m still trying to pull away, but his grip on my waist is so tight, he won’t let even an inch exist between us.

“A smart mouth even when you’re telling me you love me for the first time?” He chuckles.

“Well, I mean, you didn’t say it back, so I take it back. Forget I even said it.”

“Song Juyeon, I think you know I more than love you.” I bite my lip, still avoiding his eyes.

I do know how he feels, and I know he may have been afraid to say it in case it scared me off. Which it probably would have before. But it’s been clear where his heart lies for a while now. Maybe I said it first because sometimes I felt I wasn’t giving him as much as he was giving me. So I wanted him to know I’m willing to give him the thing that matters to me most.

My heart.

Carson breaks my thoughts, pulling me into a long and slow kiss. His tongue slipping into my mouth, exploring every inch. I moan, grabbing the front of his shirt.

“I love you too, Juyeon.” He says when we break apart, “Go skate your heart out.” He grins.

I almost forgot where we were. Hearing Carson say that he loves me consumes me entirely, swallowing up every part of my mind.

“We’re up, Julian. You’ve got this. Remember what we’ve practiced and you’ll ace this!” Coach says, stepping into the room, his eyes growing wide at me and Carson’s little situation we have going on in this backroom, I’m sure.

“Oh, thank you. I..I’m coming out now.” I smile, pulling away from Carson, who is laughing.

“Of course! Sorry for interrupting. Nice to see you, Young.” He smiles back, shaking Carson’s hand.

“Hey, coach.” He beams.

I roll my eyes and head to the hall that leads to the main area of the arena. They both follow closely behind me. I turn around before stepping out of the hall completely, and my coach gives me a nod before walking out first.