The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 83

He didn't know what was wrong with him lately, but he couldn't shake the feeling that Riley was pulling further and further away.

He had been coming home right on time every single night, but she refused to sleep in the master bedroom. She stayed in Alora's nursery, claiming their daughter was still too young and needed her, and that they had plenty of time for themselves later.

Riley's heart skipped a beat. Was he really this perceptive?

"Why would I avoid you? You're my husband. You're Alora's father. I wouldn't avoid you even if I tried." Riley reached out and gently pressed the back of her hand against his forehead. "You don't have a fever. Why are you acting so paranoid?"

Looking into her clear, honest eyes, Pierce suddenly felt ridiculous. When had he become so painfully insecure?

She was right. He was her husband. He was the father of her child. She would never leave him.

Pierce gently pulled her hand down from his forehead and held it in his. "Then I'll wait for you to finish your paperwork and drop you off at the restaurant."

The man was dangerously sharp. Riley knew she couldn't risk pushing him away again. "Okay."

By the time Dr. Jenson returned, Riley had finished filling out the application.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Pierce and Riley left.

Pierce pulled up to the restaurant where Riley was meeting Quinn. "Should I come in and eat with you two?"

Riley shot him down immediately. "No. You're one of Quinn's biggest clients. If you're there, she won't be able to relax." Afraid he might overthink it, she quickly added, "We're going on our trip tomorrow. We'll be spending the next two whole days together."

Pierce realized she was right. "Alright, go on in."

Riley stepped out of the car.

Riley grimaced. "If I didn't know the truth, I wouldn't care. But now that I know he's dirty, the thought of sharing a bed with him makes my skin crawl. And it's not just about sex. I can't stomach him hugging or kissing me either. Every time he touches me, I want to throw up."

Quinn tapped her fork against her teeth in thought. "What if you fake an illness? If you're sick, he definitely won't be in the mood for romance on the trip."

That was actually a brilliant idea.

But she had just seen him. She was perfectly fine. If she suddenly collapsed out of nowhere, it wouldn't make sense.

He had already asked if she was avoiding him just because she skipped lunch with him.

If she pulled a stunt like that without any warning, he would instantly suspect something.

But Quinn's suggestion sparked a new plan in Riley's mind. "I'll get sick after we leave. Doesn't your firm work with the Suttons? Find an excuse to go to their office and make sure Seraphina finds out Pierce and I are going on a romantic getaway."