Chapter 301

So, there was no need for melodrama. She wanted to conquer her fears and finally escape those recurring nightmares.

“These are your pajamas–brand new, washed and ready. There’s a whole wardrobe of new clothes in here too, all your size, from the basics to the outer layers. Take a look, see if you like anything.” Jamison Ludwig led her into the room, opened the walk-in closet, and pulled out a fresh towel and the pajamas. He gestured at a row of neatly arranged clothes. Ivy Windsor turned to look, eyes going wide in surprise.

“You…” She opened and closed her mouth, struggling for words before finally huffing, “You really planned ahead, didn’t you? This was all premeditated!”

Jamison just smiled, handing her the towel and pajamas. “I only got these together the last couple of days. Figured, just in case you dropped by, it’d be convenient.”

Ivy pursed her lips and glared at him, feeling as if she’d walked right into his trap.

Jamison, amused by her indignation, bent down to kiss her before steering her toward the bathroom. “All the toiletries are new, too. Skincare and whatnot–I had no idea what brands you liked, so I just got whatever the sales assistant recommended. Supposedly, these are the best.”

Ivy glanced at the bottles and jars lined up on the bathroom shelf. Even though he’d just picked them at random, the price tags on these luxury products definitely explained their reputation.

“You picked all these out yourself?” she asked, curiosity piqued.

“Yeah. After work.”

Ivy didn’t say anything, but whatever minor annoyance she’d felt earlier vanished in an instant.

A man who’s willing to spend both money and time for you–whether he loves you or not, at least his intentions and actions are beyond reproach.

“What is it? You don’t like them?” Jamison frowned, not knowing what she was thinking as she fell silent.

“No, they’re great.” She managed a small smile, gathered up the towel and pajamas, and nudged him out of the bathroom.

He lingered, reluctant to let her go. “Want me to help you?”

“I’m not an invalid, you know.”

His hopes dashed, Jamison could only walk out. Ivy closed the door and, after a moment’s hesitation, locked it.

Jamison was still just outside and chuckled when he heard the bolt slide home. “You think I’m some kind of creep?”

“Absolutely! If the shoe fits…” Her voice rang out, indignant but amused.

Dr. Ludwig couldn’t help but laugh again.

Well, maybe she had a point. What man wouldn’t want to lose his composure in front of the woman he liked? Still, with them sharing a bed later, all these precautions wouldn’t matter much anyway.

When Ivy stepped out after her shower, the bedroom was empty. She was relieved to see the pajamas were modest–everything decently covered, nothing revealing. Some men, she thought, would pick out something skimpy just for their own amusement. On that front, at least, he was a gentleman.

She opened the door and headed for the living room, just as Jamison came down the hall toward her.

“All done?” he asked. “Yeah. Your turn.” “Great.”

As they passed, Jamison couldn’t help but notice her flushed cheeks, still rosy from the steam. On impulse, he pulled her into a kiss.

Ivy swatted at him, trying to dodge and scold him at the same time. Just when she’d decided he was a gentleman, he went right back to being a total flirt.

“How does the same body wash smell so much better on you? Absolutely irresistible.” Jamison grinned, nuzzling her neck as if he were a bloodhound.

“That’s probably because I didn’t rinse it off properly,” she retorted, rolling her eyes.

Jamison burst out laughing. “Such a tomboy!” She blushed furiously, shooting him a glare.