The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 16

A moment later, he hung up and texted her: [I'm going to the restroom.]

Riley waved at him through the window to let him know she saw it.

About fifteen minutes passed, and Riley had finished her dessert and hot drink, but Pierce still hadn't returned.

Why was he taking so long in the restroom?

Her legs were feeling a bit numb from sitting, so she stood up and stretched. After waiting another five minutes with no sign of him, she left the shop. She quickly spotted the restroom sign down the hall.

Supporting her heavy belly, she slowly made her way over. Stopping at the waiting area outside, unable to go into the men's room, she pulled out her phone and called him.

A few seconds later, she distinctly heard Pierce's ringtone echoing faintly from inside the men's restroom, but he didn't pick up.

As she stood there wondering why he wasn't answering, two men walked out.

“Can't believe a guy brought a baby in there.”

“Taking a baby into the men's room? Definitely a hands-on dad.”

As they walked past chatting, her call finally connected. “Riley, what's wrong?”

“What's taking so long? I already finished eating.”

“Oh, I'll be right out.”

Moments later, Pierce emerged. Seeing Riley standing in the waiting area, genuine surprise flashed in his eyes. “Riley? What are you doing here?”

Startled by his suddenly elevated volume, she blinked. “Why are you being so loud?”

Pierce quickly closed the distance between them. “I was just surprised to see you.” He then gently guided her away.

Riley thought she had caught a fleeting glimpse of a stroller canopy inside, but when she glanced back, there was nothing there.

“What is it?” Pierce asked.

They left the restroom area and went back to browsing baby stores, finally heading home around eleven with their hands completely full.

After lunch, Riley took a short nap, then got up to organize the baby items they had bought. She arranged the toys and dolls in the nursery and separated the clothes that needed to be washed and ironed.

The nanny offered to help, but Riley politely declined. Since she was off work now, she wanted to handle everything for the baby herself.

Pierce was working in his study. As they had agreed, he was working from home to keep her company until she gave birth.

During dinner, Pierce took a call. His face instantly drained of color, and he shot up from the table. Striding quickly toward the door, he said anxiously, “I'm on my way.”

“What happened?” Riley asked, deeply concerned.

He acted as if he hadn't heard her, rushing out the door without even giving her a second glance.

This was the first time Riley had ever seen Pierce so panicked.