Page 31 of Melt His Heart

“I’m not.” He laughs again, “I’m serious. But I still do it anyway.”

“Yeah, I guess you need a little humbling.” I chuckle.

“You’d love that, huh? Seeing me in pain?”

“Doesn’t sound too bad now that I think about it.” I put my finger to my chin in wonder.

“You’re so mean.” He nudges me before pointing to a pretty big roller coaster, the biggest one they have.

“Let’s start big then tough guy.” Carson grins.

“Sounds good to me, scaredy cat.” I stick my tongue out, and he shakes his head at me with a smile.

We just finished three coasters and bumper cars. Carson is currently holding his heart, trying to catch his breath off to the side after the ride we just finished.

“Alright, let’s make the next one chill. I’m gonna have a heart attack.”

“Aww, can’t keep up with me?” I tease.

“Seems I can’t.” He chuckles, grabbing my hand again. He’s really been making sure to hold on to me this entire time, and I could never tell him I’ve gotten used to the crowds because I don’t want it to stop.

“Let’s get on the lazy swan.” He points, it’s a ride on that goes through a tunnel on the water. It looks relaxing.

“Sure.” I nod.

We pay the attendant, and Carson gets inside first, he turns to me and holds his hand out for me to grasp onto as I step in and sit down next to him. We both get comfortable before the swan starts to move on its on but there’s also little pedals if we want to move it faster, I guess.

“Are you having fun?” Carson looks over at me as we enter the tunnel.

“Yeah, thank you for taking me here.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it. I love seeing you enjoy things.” He says softly.

“Oh…” A wave of heat washes over my body.

The swan sways a bit as I gaze up at him; his eyes are so intense, my breath catches. It feels like we’re frozen in time, the air around us shifts, and I realize something I might not be able to outrun.

What makes Carson different, how much attention he showers over me, and how he just lets me be. I rarely think about skating when I’m with him; my performance doesn’t matter, all that matters is that we’re together like this.

And right now he’s looking at me as if I hung the moon when I’m just enjoying silly rides and rather greasy food. He’s not expecting anything from me. I’m being truly seen for the first time.

There’s no scores with Carson Young.

“Carson…” I start softly.

I….I want to kiss him.

I want to kiss him.

“Yeah?” He replies, his face inching a bit closer. Too close. I feel exposed, it’s suffocating; I need to get out, but I can’t.

Our fingers brush, and I jolt back, shocking us both.

“Julian! You ok?” He asks, worry etching his features.

“I…I don’t think I like this ride. Can we get out?” My hands are shaking.

“Oh…It’s a pretty slow ride, but I think I can pedal us to the exit faster.” He says, before he starts to do exactly that.