Page 70 of Melt His Heart

But I’m sure we’d be skipping a ton of steps.

Right? Ugh. How about we start backwards?

“Julian..I really am sorry for not telling you about me and Avery’s history.” He starts.

I can already hear the desperation in his voice, and it makes my stomach sink. Why is this so hard? We should definitely start backwards; that would be easier.

“I really was afraid you’d leave before we even got to try,” Carson says, biting his lip, his brows furrowed in worry.

Because I’ve iced him out before.

I know.

“I see. I’m sorry for not being the best at communicating. I don’t want you to be afraid to tell me things.” I look down at my shoes, feeling a bit embarrassed, “I’m really…just not very good at any of this, but I’m trying. Or I want to try. I do.” I whisper.

“No, baby, you don’t have to be perfect at anything. I should’ve still let you know. It’s ok, I know you’re trying. I’m sorry too.” I hate that he’s always sorry. Because it’s me who always forgets that there’s no competition because he’s only ever looking at me. I don’t have to worry about that here, with him.

“No, I’m sorry…And I don’t think I care anymore. I just really want us to stop fighting.” I confess because that’s how I feel in this moment. Of everything unknown to me, it’s the only thing I do know. I just want us to stop.

“Fuck…Good because I missed you so much.” He says before crossing the room, closing the distance between us and pulling me into his arms.

I melt into his body, still burning hot after an intense game. This is exactly where I want to be.

Maybe I won’t make it back to our hotel room.

“I never want to fight again,” I say, nuzzling into his chest and breathing in softly. He smells so serene, I could fall asleep just like this.

“I can’t promise we won’t, but let’s not yell at each other for sure.” He chuckles.

“I’m sorry, I think I started that,” I mutter. It was definitely me who yelled first, and I hate that.

“It doesn’t matter who started it, let’s not do it, ok?” He looks down at me, wrapping his arms around my waist tightly, “Yes.” I nod.

We hug for a bit longer, Carson’s face in my hair as we sway a bit, “You know one thing I can promise?” I hum into his chest.

“I’ll do better next time, and I’ll always be waiting for you, Julian,” He says.

Tears start to well up in my eyes, but I don’t want to cry right now, so I bite down on my lip, trying to keep them back.

“What if I say you shouldn’t?” I whisper.

I’m sure there’s someone out there more deserving of Carson with more experience on what to do and what not to do. I don’t know why he’s so attached to me. I want to ask, but I’m not even sure I’m ready for an answer to even that question.

“Please don’t.”

Chapter 24

“Are your friends waiting for you?” Carson asks as we make our way out into the empty hallway. The players have mostly dispersed and gone on their way.

“Yeah, I think we’re going to head back to the hotel,” I say.

“Oh.” I look over to him while we’re walking. He looks like he wants to ask me something, but he just swallows.

“Did you want to…” I start, taking a page from Carson’s book, trying to be the mind reader for once.

“I was thinking we could hang out in my room and watch a movie?” He nudges my shoulder a bit.

“I can tell them not to wait up. I’m sure they’re going to be even happier to get that message instead.” I chuckle.