Chapter 16
I’ve finally found the time to attend one of Liam and Kevin’s floral arrangement classes. I’m heading there straight from the rink, hopefully I’m not running too late. Liam said it’s ok if I am, but I don’t want him to think I’m not taking this seriously.
I’m feeling super excited to try to make an arrangement myself. I hurriedly put all my skating gear away in the bag and slipped into my shoes.
“Where are you going in such a rush?” Carson says, tilting his head to the side as he watches me from the entryway. He takes a sip from his sports drink. I try not to notice the sweat on his neck.
How I want to lick it off.
God, ever since that kiss, I keep thinking about Carson. Like really thinking about him, all of him. But I don’t have time right now to go down that rabbit hole. I usually try to ignore it.
“I have a floral arrangement class. Sorry, but I think I’m running late.”
“I can give you a ride if you want.” He says.
“Yeah, that would be great. Thanks.” I smile.
We head out to the car after we both finish changing.
I had to shower at the rink for the first time because I didn’t have time to run home and get ready.
But I made sure I brought a change of clothes for the class.
I refuse to look like I just spent hours throwing myself through the air, and I was even more sweaty because today was also paired with gym training.
“Ready to go? Got everything?” He asks, clipping his seat belt in.
“Yeah. Thanks again, Carson. You’re a lifesaver.”
“Of course.” He hums, “Besides, I think it’s great you’re exploring other interests outside of skating.” He says.
Carson has really been stressing to me lately that it’s healthy to have other interests. I’m still working on it, and I know he’s right, but it’s still really hard not to punish myself for not being fully devoted to skating. Separating my time between different things feels off.
“Trying, I suppose,” I mumble.
“You are, and that’s amazing. I can’t wait to see what you make.” He beams.
“I’m sure it won’t be that great.” I blush at the idea of showing Carson what I made.
Should I make something for him? I wonder if he likes that sort of thing too.
I noticed he usually takes well to food.
So, I made bringing him snacks, that he refuses to share still, more of a frequent thing since the first time.
“It definitely will be great because it’s from you.” He says and gives me a small smile, “By the way, I was wondering…” he starts.
“Hmm?”
“I was wondering if you, uh, would like to be my plus one for this gala that’s coming up?” He stammers.
“And I mean it’s no pressure, just as friends. But I really wanted to ask you.” He continues when I don’t answer. Too busy admiring him.
“I’d love to go with you, Carson,” I mutter.
“Oh great! I thought you’d say no, and then I’d have to third wheel with Sam and his wife.” He says, and we both laugh.
“I’m sure you, of all people, could get a date,” I mumble shyly as we’re arriving at the location I gave him.
“Yeah, but I want you to be my date.” He responds, stopping the car and gazing at me. Carson reaches over, wraps his hand around the back of my neck gently, and pulls me closer to him, kissing my cheek lightly.
“Have a good class, love. Let me know if you want me to pick you up later.” He whispers into my ear, and great now my body wants to stay exactly where we are.
I’ve forgotten all about the class as I nod up at him.
A tempting silence hangs in the air between us for a while before Carson breaks it, “You should probably get going.”
“Right.” I say softly, “I definitely should.”
Before I climb on top of him.
Get it together, Julian.
* * *
When I get to the class, Liam and Kevin have a few other students, and they’re well underway with making their arrangements. Now I feel like a complete idiot for arriving so late. Liam walks over to me and gives me a little hug.
“I’m so glad you came!” He says, thank god, he doesn’t seem upset.
“No. I’m so sorry for being late!”
“Oh gosh, Julian, you’re literally fine! I know how busy you are with practice. It’s amazing that you made it out. Means a lot to us.” He grins.
“I’m glad I made it too. Everyone’s work looks so beautiful.” I glance around the room, attendees fiddling with their arrangements, the lush scent of fresh flowers fill the small space.
“Yeah, let’s get you started, actually.” He smiles.
The class is being held at a recreational center where Liam and Kevin hold monthly, sometimes weekly, classes on floral arrangements for beginners, depending on their schedule, Liam says. I missed the first few, but I promised I would come to at least one this month.
They have tons of stalks set up in buckets around the room. I feel like I’m in heaven; there’s every flower I can think of right here at my fingertips. I walk up to the buckets and start to choose my stems for my arrangement. I think I want to use peonies; they’re my favorite flower.
Liam comes over after I’m done picking all the stems I want to use; he catches me up to speed on what he’s already taught the class. Kevin is doing his rounds in the room when he finally gets to me as I’m starting on my bouquet.
“Oooo, you picked some good ones.” He says, “Glad you could make it too!”
“Yeah, me too. Thank you, guys, for having me. Sorry, I was late.” I smile.
“No, you’re good, Liam told me how busy you are with skating.
It’s like having a famous person in our class.
” He laughs, and I shake my head. Me? Famous?
No, I mean back home, I did a few endorsements and magazine features, but nothing too crazy.
I haven’t made it there yet, and I’m not sure that’s something I want to do. It was a nerve-wracking experience.
“You’re so crazy.” I laugh.
“Well, I’ll leave you to it.” I nod, and he walks over to another table of students.
The rest of the class goes by super fast, I mean, Liam did say it’s only about a little over an hour, and I was behind, so it felt even faster. But I was able to make a really beautiful arrangement, I think, and I can’t wait to show Carson.
After all the students are packed up and heading out, I start to help Liam clean up the room, “Aww, Julian, you don’t have to!” He says.
“No, I really want to. Besides, I didn’t really get to chat with you.”
I think I’m starting to become ok with admitting I was hoping we’d get to chat. The class was just so busy. I didn’t want to distract him from everyone else.
“That’s true! So how’s things been going with your guy?”
“My guy?” I repeat.
“The guy you had asked me about before.” He tilts his head.
Oh, right, I definitely did ask him for advice about Carson back at home. It felt like so long ago that I completely forgot I shared that, “right! Oh, we’re great. I mean, he sorta confessed.”
“He did? You have to tell me everything!” He exclaimed, clearly excited about the progression of my little dilemma.
“Ok, I will.” I laugh at his reaction.
I end up telling Liam all the things that have happened between me and Carson since returning while we’re cleaning up the classroom. He’s so engaged and interested in my story. By the time I’ve finally caught him up to date, we’re all done cleaning.
“Wow. So your guy seems really good for you.” He nods.
“You think so?” I ask, chewing on my bottom lip.
“Uh, yeah, he sounds like a total sweetheart. Really getting you out of your comfort zone.” Liam chuckles, “I think that’s what you need.” He adds, nudging me a bit.
I mean, I guess he’s right about that because Carson has definitely been getting me out and having me look at things from a different perspective. I’ve come to be so grateful for that.
“Ok, well, great cause this leads me into my next problem,” I mumble.
And I wasn’t sure if I was going to share this, but I feel like me and Liam are becoming rather close, right? He’s the only one besides Carson I even have to talk to about this.
I can’t talk to Carson because well…It’s about Carson!
“I mean, I’m on the edge of my seat here. Tell me.” He chuckles.
“I don’t know, it’s so embarrassing.” I laugh, blushing a little.
“Julian, I pooped my pants in the eighth grade. What’s more embarrassing than that?” He says, and we both laugh so hard I think my stomach is going to start hurting.
“That’s insane.” I say, wiping the tears from my eyes, “I know. So tell me.” He grins.
“Well…I don’t know, but I think since he kissed me, I’ve been feeling you know…
” I shrug a little, hoping he gets the hint without me saying it.
I never really talked about sex with anyone either, because once again, who would I be talking to about these things?
Certainly not my parents. So this feels a little awkward to even be asking about, but I need help, and I need it soon!
“Wait, what is it? Just spill it.” He urges.
“I want a little more than a kiss. And I notice everything he does now.” I say sheepishly.
“Ooohhhh.” Liam giggles and adds, “You mean sexy time? Well, why don’t you do it? It seems like he’s definitely interested.” He says, wiggling his brows at me.
“Liam, I’m a virgin. I’ve never done anything but kiss, and my first kiss before Carson was a peck from a girl in like middle school!” I exclaim, and he just looks at me, his face red from holding his laughter back.
“You’re no help!” I groan, and he lets it out, making me join him in his fit of giggles.
We’re both heading out of the classroom after finally locking up. Kevin is still loading the rest of the equipment into their car. I ended up telling Carson I didn’t need a ride because they’re going to take me home. So I guess he’ll have to see my arrangement another time.
“Jesus, is he big?” Liam says, suddenly.
“What do you mean?” I furrow my brows.
“His dick..Is it big?” He says, and I just gape at him because what?
“Liam, how would I know that!?”