Page 81 of Melt His Heart

I’m only going to Carson’s house for the first time. My heart races just thinking about where I’ll be in not even a hour’s time. I check my hair and my sweater again for what feels like the thousandth time. The buzzer letting me know he’s downstairs to pick me up rings. I quickly grab his arrangement I made for him in class yesterday off the kitchen counter.

I was finally able to make him something, and I’m so excited to give it to him. A little nervous, but I hope he likes it. I used hydrangea and carnations; the bouquet is tied at the stems with a pretty green bow.

His favorite color.

I fix my hair just one more time and rush down to the lobby, Carson already at his car with the door open for me. He greets me with a smile.

“Hey. Uh, these are for you.” I hold them out to him.

“Oh, look at you now, what a sweetheart.” He says, leaning down and kissing me on the cheek.

“Stop it.” I bite my lip and turn away, a wave of heat rolling over my body.

“Thank you, love. They’re very beautiful.” He whispers into my ear, and I hum in response.

We both get into the car and start heading over to his place. I play with my sleeves the entire way through the ride. My legs bouncing a bit. I hope he doesn’t notice. But I know he does because he chuckles at a stoplight, as he watches me out of the corner of his eye.

I feel my throat go dry as Carson parks the car into his private garage. It feels weird going to a guy’s house, totally out of my comfort zone. It’s so much easier to have him in my environment than go to his. I feel like I might throw up, but that would not be sexy, I’m sure.

“Let’s head up.” He snaps me out of my thoughts, I nod.

He gets out and opens my door for me before we head to the private entryway, and he keys us in. Carson told me he decided on a penthouse, jokingly calling it his bachelor pad. I roll my eyes at the thought, cause I know at one point it really was. The elevator lets us up to his private floor of the building, and when we step into his home, it’s different than I expected. It’s…cozy.

There’s plants decorating shelves, side tables, and even some on his window sills. The windows, which are beautiful and floor-to-ceiling, the night sky beautifully on display. His living room is huge, there’s two sofas and a few other pretty standalone chairs. I wouldn’t expect a hockey player to have such good interior taste. But he surprises me every day.

Something furry peaks out behind one of the chairs. I don’t think it’s meant to be decor.

“You have a kitten!?” I gasp, kicking my shoes off and approaching the small tortoise cat slowly.

“Yeah, he reminds me of you.” Carson laughs, stepping out of his shoes, joining me to huddle around the little guy.

“What…Why?” I narrow my eyes. I mean, it’s cute, so I guess that’s a compliment.

“Cause he’s a little scared to get close to people,” Carson smirks.

“Haha…very funny, Carson,” I say, sarcasm coloring my tone.

“But I’m serious, he is. He seems to like you though, its cause you’re alike.” He laughs.

He does seem to like me as he nuzzles my hand softly. It’s the cutest thing ever. I never had time for pets, but I always said if I did ever get one, it would be a cat; they’re pretty low maintenance. But still, I travel so much, and I would feel so bad leaving them with my parents.

“What’s his name?”

“Jules.” He laughs.

“Seriously, Carson?” I roll my eyes, giving him more pets he seems to love. He’s so perfect and precious, it’s going to be hard to leave him here when it’s time to go. His owner just laughs and continues rummaging around in the kitchen.

“You want anything?” Carson stands up and walks over to the fridge. I follow him, standing by the counter. “Oh, I left those out for you.”

“What is it?” I look down at the box in front of me, and it’s my favorite snack bars. I have them at the rink or on my way when I’m in a rush all the time. I love the taste, and they don’t have them back in Korea.

“Stalker,” I mutter, my cheeks turning red.

“You’re welcome.” He laughs, pulling out something for us to drink.

“I got more on the coffee table. And we can always order in if there’s something specific you want for dinner.” Carson says before heading down the hall, “Be right back!” He yells.

“Ok.” I decide to wander around just like he did at my place.