Chapter 208

“Well, of course. No matter how old they are, men always go for someone young and pretty. Lucky for me, I’m kind of unparalleled in that department.”

Jamison’s smile deepened. “Honestly? What I like even more is your confidence – and that feisty streak.”

After dinner, Jamison insisted on driving Ivy home. Claiming her bag of medicine was too heavy, he walked her all the way to her front door, ever the considerate gentleman.

“You’re back!” Katrina called from the couch, where she’d been working on her laptop. She immediately stood to greet them. “Come in for a bit, Dr. Ludwig. Take a load off.”

Jamison had just started to take off his shoes when Ivy shot him a warning look over her shoulder. He quickly changed his tune. “Thanks, but I should get going. Maybe next time.”

With that, he set the heavy bag of medicine in the entryway. “Remember – keep these in the fridge. Warm them up in a water bath before drinking.”

“I know, I know. You can go now.” Ivy’s mind was a jumble and she was eager to nudge him out the door.

Jamison’s eyes dropped, his gaze lingering on her face, silent but intense. Under his scrutiny, Ivy grew self-conscious and snapped, half-playful, half-exasperated, “What are you waiting for? Go on, get going.”

Jamison clenched his jaw, clearly not ready to leave things there. He reached out, hand moving toward her face.

But Ivy was ready this time. She dodged and blocked him with her hand. “Keep your hands to yourself or I’ll get mad.”

Katrina, trying not to intrude on their little drama, let out a muffled laugh and quickly retreated to the kitchen.

Jamison grumbled, “You’re such a cheapskate. I spent half the day with you and I don’t even get a reward?”

“You volunteered,” Ivy shot back.

He gave a long-suffering sigh. “Fine, I won’t argue. But think about what I said at lunch, okay? Let me know when you’ve decided.”

“No need to think. The answer’s no,” Ivy replied, stubborn as ever.

Just then, Jamison’s phone rang. Ivy seized the chance to usher him out. “Go on, take your call. I’m beat – I need a nap. Bye.”

She didn’t wait for his reply, shutting the door with swift finality.

Katrina had been watching them. When the door closed and Ivy just stood there, silent and unmoving, Katrina padded over. “Ivy, what’s up? Did Dr. Ludwig say something you need to think about?”

Ivy snapped out of her thoughts and brushed her off. “It’s nothing. I don’t want to talk about him.”

She reached for the heavy bag of medicine, nearly losing her grip. Katrina hurried to help her carry it in.

“You don’t have to tell me – I’m guessing Dr. Ludwig confessed again, huh? I can see he’s really into you, Ivy. Don’t you feel anything? That’s Mr. Jamison we’re talking about!”

Ivy let out a long, silent sigh. That was exactly the problem – it was Mr. Jamison.

The Ludwig family was old money, practically aristocratic. Jamison was the golden boy, always in the spotlight. Her own family, the Windsors, was on the decline, and her relationship with them was… well, let’s just say oil and water got along better.

If she ever actually got together with Jamison, the Windsors would realize she was valuable again – they’d never leave her alone, maybe even try to cozy up to Jamison. Her head told her to stay far, far away.

But her heart? Her heart was running wild, completely out of control.

Honestly, who could resist a man that gorgeous, successful, rich – and tall, to top it off? Sure, he was a little bit blunt and sometimes had a sharp tongue, but really, there weren’t any deal-breakers.

And the clincher? He had actually said, without a hint of hesitation: “If we’re together, what’s mine is yours. Spend as much as you like.”

Not that Ivy needed the money – she was comfortably well-off herself. But that kind of openness, that sincerity… it was hard not to be moved.

And then there was the part she’d never, ever admit out loud.

Both Professor Penn and Professor Brown had suggested she try “balancing her energies” by getting a boyfriend. Professor Brown had even vouched for Jamison’s physical strength – going so far as to call him the perfect “catalyst” for her condition. Honestly, she could ignore all the other reasons, but that one… it was tempting.

What if it actually worked? What if it meant she wouldn’t have to suffer every month?

The more Ivy thought about it, the more her heart fluttered.

Katrina, noticing Ivy’s dazed look and the sudden flush creeping up her cheeks, asked, “Hey, are you okay? Is it hot in here? Your face is all red…”

“I’m fine, just tired. I’m going upstairs to rest. You get back to work…” Ivy mumbled, covering her cheeks as she made her escape.

Just as Jamison had warned, he called Ivy at every mealtime for days, reminding her to take her medicine. He never missed a call.

Ivy always complained he was being a nag, but on the one occasion when his call was late, she actually caught herself waiting for it.

It was past nine in the evening and she’d just finished getting ready for bed, settling in with a book when her phone buzzed.

Jamison.

She hesitated, phone in hand. Part of her wanted to answer, part of her resisted. But the ringtone just kept going, and she knew if she didn’t pick up, he’d probably call Katrina next. So she finally gave in.

“What is it?”

“Ready for bed?” Jamison’s voice sounded tired, but still gentle.

“Not yet. I was just about to go to sleep.” Her tone was cool, but she could hear the exhaustion in his voice and, despite herself, felt a pang of sympathy.

He’d probably just finished another marathon surgery – she could picture him still in his scrubs, calling her as soon as he had a second to breathe.

With his background, he could have chosen an easy life. He didn’t have to work this hard.

Thinking of a man born with every advantage, but still devoted to saving lives, her feelings for him deepened even more.

“Did you take your medicine tonight?”

“I did.”

“Good girl.”

She heard voices in the background. Someone called out, “Your food’s here!” and, before she could stop herself, Ivy asked, “You haven’t had dinner yet? It’s so late.”