Page 76 of Melt His Heart

“You guys gotta catch up,” Carson yells over the music.

“Obviously. You got poor Julie fucked up already.” Avery laughs and moves in closer to me.

Carson pins him with a bit of glare, “Don’t call him that.” He says, voice clipped. Kane chuckles across from us.

“Oh my bad,” Avery says, putting his hands up in defense.

Carson pulls me closer to him as the guys all start towards the bar and order their drinks. I look at him over the rim of my glass, “So only you can call me that stupid nickname?” I laugh.

“Is that a problem?” He whispers into my ear, making me roll my eyes.

“Didn’t know you were the possessive type,” I say.

“Sorry,” Carson says, thinning his lips.

“No, I like it.” I reach for his hand, playing with his fingers.

We all get another round of drinks, the guys trying to catch up to us before heading back to the dance floor. Some of them split off, the unmarried ones, definitely looking to get laid, probably. And I mean it’s not like I’m not wishing I was getting laid tonight too, but by a certain someone. Carson’s phone buzzes against my thigh.

“Oh, I think that’s your surprise.” He says.

“My what!?” I shout.

“Your surprise, come on!” He says, dragging me away from the dance floor.

Carson brings me back to the bar where there’s a woman waiting for us. She waves at him, and I realize it’s Kelly, his friend I mistakenly thought was his girlfriend. I hope he hasn’t told her about that. It’s kind of embarrassing.

“Hey, dumbass!” She yells, smacking his chest.

“Kelly, look who I dragged out tonight.” Carson grins.

“Hi,” I say, giving her a small wave. I don’t know why I feel so shy. I guess meeting one of Carson’s friends, his closest friend, is a bit nerve-racking. This feels different than even meeting his team.

Maybe it’s because I just want her to like me.

“Hi! Oh my god, you’re Julian! You really are pretty. What are you doing with this guy!?” She says, pulling me into a warm hug.

“Hey!” Carson laughs.

“Thank you. And I don’t know, he buys me stuffed animals and flowers so he’s ok for now.” I tease.

“I should’ve never introduced you guys. It’s just going to be bully Carson night.” He says, shaking his head.

“That sounds like fun, actually,” I say, and Kelly laughs.

“So tell me about yourself, Julian! Carson showed me some of your skating, you’re so talented!”

“Oh, thank you! Honestly, I pretty much just skate. It’s Carson that’s been dragging me off the ice lately.”

“Hey, that’s not true. Julian started floral arrangements recently. He’s good at everything he does. They were beautiful.” Carson says, wiggling his brows in my direction. My cheeks burn at his compliment.

“Oh really!? I love flowers, maybe you could show me a thing or two!” She says excitedly. This is the first time I think I’ve been praised for anything other than figure skating. I don’t know, it’s kind of heartwarming to me, though it’s a small thing.

“Of course. I could try to make you something next class if you like.” I smile nervously.

“Oh, that would be sweet. You’re such a cutie.” She says, nudging my shoulder a bit.

“Hey, hey! Don’t get too excited.” Carson laughs.