Chapter 218

But this time, her mind wasn’t cluttered with random thoughts–every inch of her consciousness was consumed by the man’s kiss.

Scoundrel. Rogue. Shameless flirt. He was completely out of line!

Since both of them were starving, Jamison picked a decent restaurant nearby without much deliberation.

Dinner hour had already passed, so after they ordered, their food arrived in no time. Just as they were about to dig in, a group was leaving the restaurant when someone spotted Jamison and hurried over to greet him.

“Hey, Uncle, I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Jamison looked up to see a few young men, all from wealthy families and about the same age as Micah Shepherd.

Even though they weren’t much younger than Jamison, family tradition meant they still called him “Uncle” out of respect.

Ivy didn’t bother looking up, just kept eating, but when she heard the word “Uncle,” she couldn’t help but smother a laugh.

Jamison exchanged a few polite words, then quickly shooed them away.

When he sat back down, Ivy looked up with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. “So, following the time–honored tradition of respecting your elders, should I be calling you ‘Uncle‘ too? Just to be polite, of course.”

Jamison had just picked up his fork. Hearing that, he paused and met her gaze, his eyes full of sly amusement.

“You can try,” he said, smiling enigmatically.

Ivy pressed her lips together, abandoning the idea. After that surprise kiss in the car, she’d realized this man feared nothing and never played by the rules.

She knew better than to provoke him.

“Eat a little faster,” Jamison reminded her, “You probably know that they’re all close with Micah. Who knows, they might call him any minute.”

Ivy shot back, “If you’re so worried, why bother getting mixed up with me?”

“Worried?” Jamison laughed, arrogance and bravado in every word. “Have you ever seen me afraid of anyone? I just know you’re exhausted. I don’t want Micah showing up and making things worse for you. But if you’re not worried, then let’s take our time. No rush.”

Ivy said nothing, but deep down she was uneasy.

She really didn’t want to run into Micah, or get entangled in any more drama.

With that in mind, she sped up, determined to eat and get out as quickly as possible.

But Jamison, of course, decided to take his sweet time.

She’d already set down her fork, and yet he was still eating.

“You’re already full?” he asked, genuinely curious.

Ivy glared at him. “Weren’t you the one who told me to hurry up?”

“No rush. If Micah does come over, it’s the perfect chance to give him the big news.” Jamison changed tactics on the fly. He figured a quick, clean break was best–hit his nephew with the truth and get it over with.

“What big news?” Ivy frowned, not following.

Jamison smiled knowingly. “What do you think? After everything that happened between us, are you really going to pretend nothing’s changed?”

“You-” Ivy gritted her teeth, lips pressed tight, wanting to lash out but worried someone might overhear. She lowered her voice and hissed, “Don’t say things like that! If someone hears, they’ll get the wrong idea.”

“Kissing isn’t intimate enough for you? Then what is? Why don’t you enlighten me?” Jamison watched her, eyes sparkling with mischief.

Flushed with anger, Ivy shot to her feet and stormed off.

Jamison just watched her go, amusement written all over his face, not the least bit worried.

Sure enough, a few minutes later, Ivy marched back in.

“Give me the car keys!” she demanded, hand outstretched, her tone equal parts imperious and exasperated–not that it made her any less endearing.

She was so annoyed, she’d forgotten Jamison had been the one driving, and he had the keys.

Setting down his fork, Jamison picked up a napkin, wiped his mouth and hands with deliberate care, and finally replied, “I’m finished now. Let’s go.”

Chapter 219