Page 3 of Melt His Heart

“Do you guys think you’re the only ones training for something?”

“Actually, what are you training for?” he tilts his head to the side.

“Figure skating.”

“Well, obviously.” The captain’s laugh comes out soft and breathy, “What’s your name, by the way?” He leans on his hockey stick, and it’s definitely not attractive. Not at all.

“Julian,” I blurt out without thinking, distracted by him, his gaze feeling warm on my skin.

“Julian, huh? Is that like your English name?”

“What’s that even supposed to mean?” My eyes narrow at him, brows furrowing.

“I just mean, I was asking for your birth name. I heard you’re from Korea, I’m Korean too, American, but you know.” He grins.

“Who told you that? Are you watching me or something?”

“A little. Kinda hard not to.” I feel a flush coming up my neck at the thought of him secretly watching me skate, everything suddenly feels hotter. Is he flirting with me? Does it matter? This is a moment of assertion, Julian! You need to focus on the situation at hand, don’t get distracted by this big idiot.

“Oh, well, I don’t know you, and I don’t talk to strangers, so.”

“Strangers? We’ve been talking for the past ten minutes.” He laughs, everything is funny to this man.

“Yeah, ten long, irritating minutes, and still a stranger, by the way, what will ten minutes change?” I pause and cross my arms.

“Actually, can you and your team just get off the ice, please?”

Why am I even having this conversation with him? I’m getting annoyed, and I don’t know if it’s with myself for entertaining him for this long or if it’s just him.

“Sure thing. And don’t worry, my little team is coming off the ice soon.” He says, stepping aside and gesturing for me to skate out past the threshold.

“Thanks.” He nods with a smirk still on his face. I don’t think I like it when he does that.

“Still no name?” The captain teases as he follows me onto the ice, skating backwards but still keeping up with me.

“I told you. I don’t know you. So-”

“What if you got to know me?” He interrupts, skating small circles around me. I find myself flushing for the second time since confronting this man. I was hoping the ice would help with cooling my body down.

I go to tell the taller boy off when his teammate yells from across the ice, “Hey, Young! We gotta start heading out soon!”

“I guess I’ll see you around.” He smiles warmly, and I try to ignore the heat pooling in my stomach.

“Whatever, just make sure you and your team clean up after yourselves from here on out.” I roll my eyes.

“Aww, we’re not little anymore.” He quips, “But of course, I’ll see what I can do, love. My name’s Carson, by the way.”

He starts toward the bench area, the rest of his team already having disappeared into the locker room.

“Ok, well, I would hate to have to talk to you about this again, Carson.” I deadpan.

“Damn, that sucks. Cause I’d love to have to talk to you again, Julian.”

“What!?” I sputter, “You’re so ridiculous, just get off the ice, please!” He grins at me, and I’m standing here blushing like an idiot as he skates away.

* * *

Training was brutal today. The exhaustion is bone-deep by the time I reach my flat. I drop my skate bag on the bench by the door and kick my shoes off. I like my flat pretty simple, so when they showed me this loft style, it was perfect for the time I’ll be here. Everything is so clean and minimal. Just the way I like it, save for the little splashes of pink I enjoy sneaking in around my space. Everything can’t be black and gray, or I’ll lose what little sanity I have left.