The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 304

"Okay."

Seeing the visible relief on Riley's face, Sebastian knew he had guessed right. Her answer was always going to be a rejection.

In truth, when Riley was discharged from the hospital and he called to ask where she was staying, she had changed the subject and asked what he wanted. He knew her answer right then.

Rather than waiting for her to say the words and irreparably damaging their relationship, it was better for him to take a step back. At least this way, they could remain exactly as they were.

He had never expected to succeed on the first try anyway.

He just needed her to know how he felt. At the very least, she would stop seeing him purely as a platonic older brother.

The first step was always the hardest. Now that it was taken, he could take his time with the rest.

"How did your research go?" Sebastian asked, shifting the topic to ease the stiff atmosphere.

"It went really well."

"Is your current project wrapping up soon?"

Riley nodded. "Yeah, in about two months."

"What are your plans after that?"

Riley shared her career goals with him.

Sebastian watched as she talked passionately about her work, his heart stirring. His gaze naturally drifted to her moving lips, and the memory of that stolen kiss on the plane came rushing back.

Soft.

Sweet.

Intoxicating.

His Adam's apple bobbed, and his eyes darkened.

Sebastian lowered his gaze, concealing every trace of emotion.

While Riley was speaking, her phone rang. She pulled it out and saw it was Lucille calling. Instantly feeling guilty, she glanced across the table at Sebastian.

When Riley emerged from the nursery, Sebastian had moved from the dining room to the living room. "Why aren't you eating?"

"If it's an emergency, you must be in a hurry. I'll drive you."

But she wasn't actually going to the hospital. If he drove her, her cover would be blown.

Riley immediately declined. "No, it's fine, I..."

"Let's go. Your patient is what matters." Without leaving room for argument, Sebastian turned toward the door.

Riley stared at his back, opening and closing her mouth. She really didn't need a ride. But if she refused again, wouldn't he get suspicious?

Whatever. Let him drive her.

Worst-case scenario, she would just go to the hospital, wait for him to leave, and then take a cab to the sanitarium.

Left with no other options, Riley followed him.

Just as they stepped out the door, Sebastian's phone rang. The caller ID read: Lucille.