Ivy knew exactly what he was doing—trying to rile her up—but she refused to take the bait. Blushing furiously, she gave in with a huff. “Doesn’t matter if you’re up to it or not, I know I’m not.”

Jamison stared at her, caught off guard by her surrender. For a moment, he was genuinely frustrated.

This girl—she was impossible. She made him want to pull his hair out, and yet, he couldn’t help being drawn to her.

Seeing Jamison, usually so smooth and confident, get stonewalled, Professor Brown simply chuckled. Without a word, he took Jamison’s wrist to check his pulse.

“Listen, Ivy. If he’s in good shape, maybe you should consider him. You’re too frail, and it’s because your body is out of balance. Medically speaking, the world is built on balance—male and female, strength and softness. On their own, each side weakens. Together, they complement and nourish one another. That’s just nature.”

Professor Brown spoke calmly, sharing the wisdom of his years as he checked Jamison’s pulse.

At first, Jamison stood stiffly, but as the professor continued, something about his words must’ve struck a chord. He sat down, resting his arm on a cushion so Professor Brown could get a better read.

Ivy had flat-out refused earlier, but now, curiosity got the better of her. She leaned in, trying to see what Professor Brown was doing.

Catching her watching him so intently, Jamison scowled. “What are you staring at? Didn’t you say this has nothing to do with you?”

“It doesn’t,” Ivy shot back, “but I’m allowed to watch, aren’t I? It’s not every day I get to see you sweat.”

“Oh, you want to see me squirm?” Jamison snorted with laughter, exasperated. “You hoping I’m really not up to the challenge? How’s that supposed to benefit you?”

Ivy pressed her lips together, mortified. “Could you not talk about this so openly? Aren’t you even a little embarrassed?”

He just shrugged. “I’m a surgeon, Ivy. I see everything, every day. This is nothing. A little locker room talk never hurt anyone.”

But something about his nonchalance made Ivy uneasy. Did he see so much of the female body that he was numb to it? Could that really cause… problems for him?

The thought sent her straight to Professor Brown. “Dr. Brown, is he… uh, healthy in that way or not?” Why else was the professor taking so long?

“Ivy!” Jamison’s tone was sharp, a clear warning.

But Professor Brown just smiled, finally letting go of Jamison’s wrist. His weathered face was gentle, voice relaxed. “Don’t worry. His pulse is steady and strong, no blockages, no weakness. He’s in excellent shape.”

Jamison understood the medical jargon immediately, but Ivy just stared, confused.

Jamison turned to the professor with a grin. “Mind explaining that for her, in plain English?”

Professor Brown caught on and smiled. “A steady, strong pulse means his blood is flowing well, no clogs or sluggishness. When I press deeper and still feel a strong beat, it shows his organs are functioning perfectly—especially his kidneys.”

Jamison looked at Ivy, eyebrows raised in triumph. “Hear that? Not only am I fine, I’m in top form.”

All Ivy could think about was that bit about “strong kidneys,” and her face went up in flames again.

Professor Brown, ever the matchmaker, said in all seriousness, “You should think of him as a natural tonic, Ivy. Good for what ails you.”

Jamison shot the professor a scandalized look. So now he was medicine?

Seeing Jamison’s glare, Professor Brown just shrugged. “It’s true. Though honestly, you should probably let off some steam from time to time, or you’ll end up with a nosebleed.”

Jamison was speechless. He was single, after all—how exactly was he supposed to “let off steam”?

Ivy couldn’t take it anymore. Flustered and red as a tomato, she stammered, “I’ll go get the medicine,” and practically bolted from Professor Brown’s office, as if the place was on fire.