Sitting In Traffic

Chapter 132- Unnecessary Statements

Riley's mood had been off the rest of the night. She didn't believe a single word the exited Arthur's mouth, him saying that Max didn't support her, how they weren't right for each-other. She kept repeating to herself, 'He doesn't know a thing' over and over to make her feel better. Riley almost believed that Arthur was finally going to let her go when he saw the ring on her hand, that it was a sign she had moved on.

That he needed to. But she was very clearly wrong.

Max was following Riley around a furniture store in France, looking at tables and couches for the house. He was following her loosely, thinking she had wanted a bit of space that morning after she had been fairly silent.

"This one's nice" Riley mumbled, putting her hand on the cushion of a white sectional sofa, watching as Max sat down on it. "I don't know if we should get white though"

"Well we need two" Max said while Riley checked the price tag and pursed her lips. "This and then one in another color"

"Okay" She said quietly, "This one in the downstairs living room maybe"

"That's fine"

"Can you give just a little more input" Riley asked him, "You keep saying 'whatever you want' and 'that's fine' but I need your opinion"

"You want my opinion?" He asked, leaning forwards in a manspread.

"Yes"

"Then I don't like this couch" He pushed off his knees and stood up, "I think we need a bigger one, and I like the white"

"Okay" She smiled, fixing her tote's strap on her shoulder.

"Okay" He nodded, gently picking up her totes strap, "Can I carry your bag for you?"

"Sure" She said, letting Max take the bag from her.

"Also," He started up again, putting the bag on his shoulder exactly how Riley was wearing it previously. "Stop checking the price tags, I've got it"

"I know you've got it" She said, looking across the warehouse.

"You know," Max kept his eyes locked on her even if she wasn't looking. "I've always wanted to be a husband" He whispered, meeting her eyes, seeing a soft smile that took place on her lips. "And a father"

"Yes, I know that" She replied quietly, picking a piece of lint from his shirt.

"And you're giving me the opportunity to be those both simultaneously" He mumbled, cupping her face gently, "Let me take care of you, please"

"Okay" She said softly, placing a hand on his abdomen, "Okay"

"Whether that be money or my head between your le-" Max was cut off with Riley's hand over his mouth, admiring the amused look on her face. It was one of the few things that made her smile throughout the stress filled morning.

"I'll stop checking the tags" She promised, dropping her hand and pecking his lips. "Save the dirty talk for later"

"I will" He said, feeling Riley's hand go into his when she started walking again slowly. "We might need a new bed frame by morning though"