Chapter 354

“All right, go get some sleep,” she said, barely stifling a yawn. She was exhausted—last night had been restless, and today she’d spent most of her energy worrying about him, hardly resting at all.

“There’s enough room in the bed for both of us,” Jamison insisted, his tone half-inviting, half-threatening. “Or do I need to carry you over?”

“No!” Ivy’s eyes flew wide. “Are you crazy? You just had your wound cleaned up again today. Is it really so hard for you to behave?”

Jamison sighed, clearly reluctant to let her go. But seeing that she’d made up her mind, he had no choice but to bend down.

“What are you doing, Jamison? Don’t–mmph!” Ivy caught on to his intentions, but before she could protest, he silenced her with a kiss.

Usually, she’d have shoved him away without hesitation. But now, with his injuries, she couldn’t push him. All she could do was press her hands against his chest in a feeble attempt to resist him. In the end, he still managed to kiss her thoroughly, leaving her breathless and a little dazed.

“Good night,” he whispered.

Ivy just glared at him, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand and muttering, “Your stubble scratches!”

He rubbed his chin, feigning innocence. “I shaved this morning.”

Ivy huffed, unimpressed.

“What can I say? Too much testosterone—I grow it back fast.”

She couldn’t stand his relentless flirting. “Just go to sleep already!”

Jamison let out another dramatic sigh, straightened, and gave her one last lingering look before heading back to his hospital bed.

The next morning, the doctor came in on his rounds. Jamison was still running a mild fever. After disinfecting his wound and making sure there was no bleeding, the doctor signed off on his discharge papers. Derek had already arranged for a car to take their group to the airport. The Ludwig brothers had decided last night over the phone to charter a private jet for the return trip. By the time Jamison and the others arrived at the airport, the plane was ready and waiting.

Just as they were about to board, Mrs. Ludwig called.

“Jamison, Thad said you’re coming home today, is that right?” Mrs. Ludwig had spent the past few nights worrying about her youngest son, barely sleeping at all.

“Yes, we’re at the airport now,” Jamison replied.

“When does your flight land?”

“Around eleven, I think.”

Hearing that it would be noon, Mrs. Ludwig declared, “We’ll wait for you to come home for lunch.”

Jamison knew his parents still had no idea about his injury, and he’d rather keep it that way—partly to avoid their fussing, and partly to spare Ivy any added pressure.

“Mom, I’ll go straight to the hospital after I get back. There’s a lot to take care of, so I won’t make it home for lunch,” he lied, hoping to dodge the family meal.

Ivy, standing nearby, glanced at him.

But Mrs. Ludwig was having none of it. “What’s so important that you can’t even stop for lunch? If you don’t come home, I’ll wait for you at the airport.”

The older, the wiser.

Jamison knew better than to argue with his mother. Brow furrowed, he gave in. “Okay, I’ll come home for lunch.” He quickly added, “Ivy will be with me.”

After he hung up, Ivy turned to him. “Your mother doesn’t know about your injury yet, does she?”

“Probably not.” Jamison took her hand as they headed for the gate, his voice calm. “She’ll find out sooner or later, but don’t worry. When we land, we’ll have lunch at my parents‘ house. I’ll bring you with me.”

Ivy didn’t reply, but her nerves were already starting to fray. It wasn’t that she was afraid of meeting the Ludwigs. It was just—Jamison’s injury was, in part, her fault. If his parents blamed her, she’d have no excuse. She couldn’t very well act bold or self-righteous in this situation. That would make her seem rude, even ill-mannered. How should I handle this? Ivy worried silently, turning the possibilities over in her mind.

Chapter 355