“Whoever hurt you–no matter who they are–I’ll make sure they answer for it. Ivy, my love isn’t just empty words.”

Ivy hadn’t expected such a sudden, heartfelt declaration from him. It was a little over the top, a bit cheesy, but… somehow, it moved her.

She thought back to Jamison’s complaints in the car earlier. The idea lingered in her mind, and without saying a word, she leaned in, tilting her chin up, her soft lips slowly drawing closer to him.

Jamison was caught off guard, surprised by just how quickly she was putting his earlier relationship advice into practice. She was already trying out what he’d suggested only minutes ago.

As Ivy’s beautiful face came nearer, Jamison felt a rush of heat, his breath coming quicker. She was right in front of him now. Her lashes fluttered, trembling as she glanced up, locking eyes with him.

Wait–weren’t you supposed to close your eyes when you kissed? Why was he staring at her like that?

“What are you looking at? Close your eyes!” she whispered, blushing furiously as she gave him a mock scolding.

Jamison’s lips curved in a suppressed smile. He held back a laugh, then finally closed his eyes.

Ivy leaned forward again, and after a moment’s hesitation, pressed her lips to his in a tentative kiss. But the angle was awkward–the distance between them too great. She had to crane her neck, making the kiss light and fleeting.

Jamison couldn’t take this kind of “torment.” Before she could pull away, he reached out and wrapped an arm around her waist.

“Mmph–Jamison, you-”

Startled, Ivy instinctively tried to push him away, but he didn’t give her the chance. Without a word, he pulled her into his lap. The driver’s seat slid back with a click, opening up enough space between his body and the steering wheel. With both arms around her waist and hips, Jamison practically lifted and folded her into his embrace, settling her on top of him.

Thankfully, Ivy’s dress was loose enough for her to straddle him without issue. But with the seat reclined and their bodies pressed close, it didn’t take long before Ivy felt the change in him.

Jamison didn’t give her any time to react. The moment she was settled, he captured her lips in a deep, urgent kiss.

“You learn quickly, don’t you… Consider this your reward,” he teased between kisses, his tone low and playful.

Ivy’s hands clung to his shoulders, fingers digging into the fabric of his shirt. It felt like she was holding a ball of fire, the heat between them threatening to consume her.

“Jamison…” Her voice was shaky, unease creeping in as she became acutely aware of his body’s response beneath her.

Suddenly, unwelcome memories surged in her mind–dark, suffocating moments she couldn’t control. She knew he wasn’t that person, that he’d never hurt her, but her body tensed anyway.

“Jamison, stop… I don’t feel right-” The words came out strained, her body growing rigid in his arms.

Only then did Jamison realize he’d scared her. He stopped immediately, cupping her face gently to search her expression.

“Ivy? Ivy?”

Her breath was ragged as she slowly opened her eyes.

“It’s me. I’m sorry… I got carried away,” Jamison murmured, his voice rough with concern.

Ivy shook her head. After a moment, once she’d steadied herself, she managed, “It’s okay… I just–get nervous. I can’t control it.”

Jamison nodded, understanding. “I get it. You’re still dealing with what happened.” He hesitated, recalling something Ivy had mentioned before. After a moment’s pause, he couldn’t help asking, “Ivy, I need to know. In those three years–were you… hurt? I remember you said the doctor told you… you’d never actually had that experience. So what really happened?”