The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 191

"Sebastian," Riley greeted politely.

Sebastian lowered his newspaper. "Let's eat."

Riley took a seat at the table. "You really didn't need to buy a crib. She's only going to use it once. It's too expensive."

Sebastian arched an eyebrow. "Didn't you promise my grandmother you'd visit often?"

Riley choked on her words. It had just been polite small talk—why was he taking it so seriously?

Since she couldn't exactly argue with that, she managed an awkward smile. "Right."

They ate their breakfast in silence.

Suddenly remembering the refunded transfer notification from last night, Riley looked up at him. "Sebastian, why didn't you accept the rent money?"

Sebastian took a slow, deliberate bite of his food. "I forgot."

"I'll transfer it again later, then."

He met her gaze. Seeing the determined look in her eyes—a clear attempt to draw a boundary between them—he frowned imperceptibly. "Alright."

After finishing their meal, they left the dining room and headed back to the city.

Mr. Finch drove this time, while Riley sat in the backseat with the baby, right next to Sebastian.

Alora woke up shortly after they hit the road. After Riley gave her a bottle, the baby licked her lips and stared up with wide, dark eyes, brimming with innocent, absolute trust.

The little girl looked energetic. Her fever didn't seem likely to return.

He held out a finger. Alora immediately grabbed onto it, tossing her silicone toy aside. She played with his finger as if she had discovered a fascinating new prize. Her soft little hands squeezed his hand, shaking it gently while she giggled and cooed in an off-key rhythm.

To make it easier for her, Sebastian shifted closer to Riley. The usual icy severity of his features melted away, warming like a snow-capped mountain bathed in the morning sun.

After playing with his finger for a while, Alora suddenly pulled his hand toward Riley's chin.

The moment his skin brushed against Riley's, Sebastian went perfectly still.

Unaware of the tension, Alora just viewed his finger as an extension of her toys. She was pressing it against the mother she adored, seemingly trying to wake her up for playtime, or perhaps just wanting a reaction.

Half-asleep, Riley felt something tracing her jawline like a feather, tickling her slightly. In her daze, she unconsciously reached out, caught the "feather," and murmured, "Alora, stop fussing."

Sebastian stared at his hand trapped within hers, a jolt running through his chest. Her grip was incredibly light; he could easily pull away with minimal effort. Yet, he craved the touch too much to move.