The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 147

Sebastian’s gaze lingered on her wrist, which was bright red from Pierce's grip. "Are you hurt?"

Following his line of sight, Riley rotated her wrist slightly. "No, it's just a little red. It'll fade in a minute."

With a curt nod, Sebastian stepped into the elevator.

Riley followed, trailed closely by Mr. Carter and Marcus Thorne.

The elevator car was packed, forcing Riley to shuffle backward. She ended up right in front of Sebastian, standing so close she was enveloped by his crisp, woody cologne. The unmistakably masculine scent made her spine stiffen, her pulse fluttering nervously.

Thankfully, the doors dinged open at the lobby. As everyone poured out, she exhaled a quiet sigh of relief.

Out front, Marcus Thorne offered his respectful farewells and departed.

While they were saying their goodbyes, Mr. Carter pulled the family car up to the curb.

Scott and Franklin maneuvered Pierce into the backseat. Scott then turned to Riley. "I'll leave him in your hands, Mrs. Landon."

She nodded. "You were drinking too. How are you getting home?"

"I ordered a car service."

Riley didn't press the matter. She looked back at Sebastian. "Thanks again, Sebastian. We'll head out now."

He tilted his chin toward the slumping figure in the backseat. "Can you handle him by yourself?"

Riley glanced at Pierce, who was already sliding sideways across the leather seats, and her brow furrowed. What choice did she have? Kick him out of the moving car?

"I'll ride back with you," Sebastian offered.

His deep, resonant voice caught her completely off guard. She immediately waved her hands in polite refusal. "No, please, don't trouble yourself. I can manage."

"We're family. Don't be a stranger." Dismissing her protests, Sebastian ducked smoothly into the vehicle.

They were inches apart, their breaths mingling in the confined space.

Meeting his bottomless, dark eyes, Riley’s brain completely short-circuited. A furious blush erupted across her face as she babbled incoherently. "I... You... I'll sit over there."

Desperate to retreat, she completely forgot she was in a car and bolted upright. Her head slammed hard into the ceiling, and the violent recoil sent her tumbling backward, crashing directly into Sebastian's chest.

They both went rigid upon impact.

Ignoring the sharp throb in her skull, Riley scrambled frantically to push herself off him. Her hands blindly searched for leverage, but as her palms pressed against a warm, rock-hard surface, she realized she was bracing her entire weight against his chest.

A fresh wave of crimson flooded her cheeks, burning so hot it felt like she might burst into flames.

Bouncing off him like a coiled spring, she nearly bashed her head against the ceiling a second time. But Sebastian’s hand shot out, cupping the top of her head to absorb the blow. A fleeting glint of amusement pierced his normally unfathomable gaze.

Why is she so adorable?