The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 363

But he knew now wasn't the right time. He wanted a lifetime, not just a moment of pleasure.

Riley had endured abandonment by her adoptive parents and betrayal from her husband. She was incredibly sensitive and lacked a sense of security. Only by clearing away all the obstacles and openly marrying her could he truly earn her trust and reliance.

Sebastian pulled away, knowing that if he didn't stop now, he wouldn't be able to.

Like a fish out of water suddenly tossed back into the ocean, Riley gasped for air, letting out soft, breathy pants.

Sebastian rested his forehead against hers. After a long moment, once the burning desire in his body finally subsided, he spoke in a hoarse voice, "That was your goodnight kiss."

It wasn't until Riley returned to her apartment door that she finally snapped out of the haze of that kiss. She lightly patted her own cheeks.

Stay calm. Be cool.

She let out a long breath before pushing the door open.

Seeing Mrs. Gable playing with Alora in the living room, Riley pretended nothing had happened and walked over. "I'll take Alora. You go take a shower."

"Alright." Mrs. Gable handed the baby over. She noticed Riley's slightly swollen lips, paused for a split second, and then acted completely blind as she turned toward her room.

Watching her retreating back, Riley felt the sudden urge to say something. In her heart, Mrs. Gable was family, an elder who deserved an explanation. "Mrs. Gable."

Mrs. Gable turned around. "Yes?"

Riley's face flushed. "Sebastian and I... we're dating."

Mrs. Gable was momentarily stunned. She hadn't expected Riley to bring it up on her own. She was just the nanny; whoever Riley chose to date was her own business and entirely her freedom. She had absolutely no obligation to explain anything.

But the fact that she was volunteering this information meant that Riley saw her the same way she saw Riley—as family.

She was overjoyed. "Mr. St. John really does treat you well."

Riley had actually been embarrassed to say it, mostly terrified that Mrs. Gable would think she was being reckless. After all, she was Sebastian's former sister-in-law. Because she valued Mrs. Gable's opinion, she cared deeply about what she thought.

"You don't think I'm making a mistake?"

Mrs. Gable shook her head. "You're not the type to act recklessly. It's incredibly hard raising a child on your own, and you truly do need someone to lean on. It's just..."

She hesitated, looking at Riley with deep concern. "You and Mr. St. John will undoubtedly face a lot of obstacles and hardships. I just worry that you'll be the one to suffer."

There was no judgment or condescension in her words, only genuine, empathetic concern.

Riley's heart warmed, and tears pricked her eyes. She spoke her truest thoughts: "I don't have grand ambitions, and I'm not demanding a fairytale ending. I'm just following my heart for now. I genuinely like him. I'm already prepared for the storms ahead. If the day ever comes when I can't hold on anymore, I'll walk away with my dignity intact. I won't let myself—or anyone around me—be humiliated."

Hearing such a clear-headed yet restrained perspective made Mrs. Gable's heart ache. The girl was too wise, so wise that it hurt to watch. "As long as you've thought it through. Alora and I will always be here for you."

Tears shimmered in Riley's eyes, but she offered a bright, happy smile. "Thank you."

After her shower, Riley sat in bed reading when Sebastian requested a video call. She immediately put down her book, scrambled out of bed, and dashed into the bathroom. She checked herself in the mirror, smoothed her hair, ensured everything was perfect, and scurried back to bed before answering the call.

On the screen, Sebastian was sitting in his study, still wearing the dress shirt from earlier in the day. He was clearly still working.

"Leave it on. You read your book, and I'll handle my emails."

"...Alright."

The camera shifted, and soon the screen showed Sebastian sitting at his desk. His upper body was in clear view, along with his keyboard and a stack of files. He must have propped his phone up against something on the desk.

Riley looked around her room. It wasn't convenient to set the phone on her bed, so she placed it on the nightstand, using a tissue box to prop it up.

At first, Riley wasn't used to it. The feeling of being watched made it completely impossible to focus on her book. She stole glances at Sebastian, watching him with his lips slightly pursed, his expression intensely focused as his long fingers flew across the keyboard.

They said men were most attractive when they were focused on their work, and it was absolutely true.

Riley was thoroughly entranced when Sebastian suddenly looked up at her, his deep voice carrying a hint of amusement. "Done reading?"

Riley's face flushed instantly. She quickly looked away, burying her face in her book. It wasn't until she heard the sound of typing resume that she dared to let out a quiet breath. Getting caught staring was humiliating.

Truly, a handsome man was a dangerous distraction.

It was her own fault for not having a stronger will.

There was no reason he could concentrate fully while she couldn't.

Riley gathered her thoughts and forced her attention back to her book. Slowly but surely, she managed to immerse herself in her reading, not even noticing when the sound of typing stopped.