Page 47 of Melt His Heart

“I don’t know, just like if I was your pairs partner.”

“And what do you know about pairs, hm?” I smile, rolling my eyes.

“I know a little bit.” He smirks.

“Alright, but I’ve never really done pairs, so it’s a bit different. Let’s start with something simple.”

I grab his hand to take us to the middle of the ice. His palms are rough, and it feels good against my skin. I center us and turn away from him.

“You’re going to hold me at my waist, I’m going to extend my leg, and then we’re going to go around in a full circle. Sounds good?”

“Sounds amazing.” He smirks, looking down at me.

“Alright.” I swallow, my nerves resurfacing.

Carson grabs my waist as we begin skating in a wide circle. His body solid and warm against my back. I extend my leg, and I can hear him exhale in awe. He grips my waist tighter.

“You’re quite flexible, aren’t you?” He whispers, his breath sending shivers raking through my body.

“Carson, behave,” I warn.

“Oh, I’m trying.” He smirks down at me.

We skate around again, practicing the same movements before we slow up to a halt. I turn to face him, and he’s looking down at me, his eyes half-lidded.

“That was great. You’re a natural.” He says.

“Well, I would hope I am.” I chuckle, my skin feeling flushed. Will I ever get used to the way he looks at me now? Has he always looked at me this way?

“I know you like praise so.”

“You’re so ridiculous.” I swat at him softly, and he pulls me into him. There’s something charged in the air as we sway on the ice a bit. Carson chuckles at me when I avoid his eyes, staring at his lips instead.

“Do you want to kiss?” He whispers, only a breath away from my lips.

“I..I don’t think I’m very good at it.”

“You were fine the first time, but I can teach you, if that’s what you’d like.” He smirks.

“Ok.” I nod.

Carson places his palm on my cheeks, holding it gently. He’s looking down at me with so much heat in his eyes, I could probably melt right here and now.

“Open up for me,” he says, gently swiping his thumb across my lower lip. I do as instructed. Carson closes the gap between us, his tongue playing with mine before exploring my mouth. I want to stop the sound, but I can’t; a whine escapes me in the middle of our kiss. He eases me into a steady rhythm, my hand coming up to grip his hoodie.

“That was good, baby. You’re so perfect.” He says softly when we break away for a bit. I gaze up at him and nod, “You look so out of it.”

“Shut up!” I swat at him, my eyes widening, as if I forgot he could see my expression. I yelp when he picks me up and spins us both around on the ice.

“Carson! Please!” I laugh into his chest.

He says, putting me back down, “We should go clubbing. Dance together off the ice.” And that might sound like the worst idea he’s ever had. I can only think about something bad happening and being trapped in those small, dark spaces with only one way out. But I’ve also never actually been to a club, let alone a night out with friends.

“What, I don’t know…” I mumble.

“I know exactly what you’re about to say.”

“Oh shut up!” I push him away, and we both laugh.