Chapter 280
The moment their lips met, Ivy couldn’t help but wrap her arms around his neck, melting into Jamison’s embrace with gentle surrender. She never imagined a kiss could be so intoxicating–like a warm spring breeze that swept away every last bit of her caution, dissolving her defenses until she was hopelessly lost in him.
Jamison felt her response, the way she pressed closer, the quiet eagerness in every touch. She hadn’t found the words to say how she felt, but her body spoke for her with perfect clarity. Desire flared between them, irrepressible and raw. Jamison tightened his hold, drawing her closer, unable to resist the urge to keep her in his arms.
Just as the kiss deepened and neither wanted to let go, footsteps sounded on the stairs. Then came Katrina’s flustered, awkward voice: “Oh–uh–sorry! Didn’t see a thing, you two carry on, don’t mind me!”
She spun around and hurried back up the stairs, but not before sneaking a peek over her shoulder, grinning with barely contained curiosity.
In the living room, Ivy and Jamison broke apart, exchanging an embarrassed glance. Jamison glanced toward the staircase, took a long breath to steady himself, then frowned. “When are you moving in with me? This place really isn’t convenient.”
Ivy’s cheeks were flushed a deep pink, as if she’d spent too long in the sun. “I… We already agreed you’d give me time to get used to this.”
Jamison couldn’t quite argue with that, so he just sighed in resignation. Ivy knew he was struggling. The way he’d held her so tightly, his breath hot and uneven–she felt herself melting into his heat, barely able to catch her own breath. Truth be told, she was dizzy with longing herself, but before she could pull away or protest, Katrina’s interruption had spared them both from crossing a line.
Knowing she wasn’t ready to face her own fears, and that lingering any longer would only make things harder for Jamison, Ivy gently urged, “It’s getting late. You should head home. You’ve got work tomorrow.”
“Yeah.” Jamison replied, but didn’t release her right away. Ivy didn’t push him off, letting him hold her for a little while longer.
“I’ve got a couple of surgeries scheduled tomorrow, probably won’t make it back until late. But the morning after, I’ll come pick you up–we’ll go register, make it official.”
“Okay.”
With that settled, Jamison finally loosened his hold, but caught her left hand in his. Before Ivy could ask what he was doing, she felt a sudden coolness slip over her finger. She looked down to find him silently sliding a diamond ring onto her left hand.
Her eyes grew wide, startled and touched. Jamison finished putting the ring in place, then said quietly, “I’ve been too busy to fly abroad and pick out the perfect ring for you. I hope this one will do for now.”
Ivy gazed at the sparkling diamond–at least three carats, brilliant even in the dim light–and her heart swelled with happiness and gratitude. “This is more than enough. We don’t need anything more extravagant.”
After everything she’d been through–the abduction, the brush with death–luxury had lost its luster. Just being alive, healthy, and free from pain was enough.
“Alright. If you ever see one you like better, we’ll get it then.”
“Okay.”
“I should go. Get some rest,” Jamison said softly, kissing her once more before finally letting go.
Ivy slipped from his arms and walked him to the door. Even after he’d stepped outside, Jamison turned back, reached for her, and pulled her close one last time, stealing another kiss. He was so tall, Ivy had to stand on tiptoe, face tilted up, her hands pressed to his chest–half to push him away, half to steady herself as she surrendered to him all over again.