Ivy snapped back to reality, her brows knitting in frustration.
This guy! His mother was standing just outside, and he still dared to act so shamelessly! Annoyed, Ivy shoved him away and glared, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and anger.
Jamison clicked his tongue, putting on a mock–offended face as he looked down at her, his tone teasing. “Well, that’s rich. Last night, I seem to recall someone begging me to try again–more than once, actually. Now you won’t even let me kiss you?”
He turned on his heel and strode out, the picture of nonchalance.
Adela Ludwig had already settled back into the living room. When she saw her son come out, she remembered something and called him over. “I heard Ivy’s going back to school?”
He nodded. “Yeah, she didn’t finish her degree before. She’s heading back for her senior year.”
“And after that? Planning on grad school too?”
Jamison glanced at his mother, a smile tugging at his lips. “You’re awfully interested in your daughter–in–law’s future, aren’t you?”
Adela shot him a look. “I just think you two aren’t getting any younger. Now that you’re married, it’s time to start thinking about kids. She’s nearly twenty–four–women are at their best for having children at twenty–five or twenty–six. Don’t let that window slip by.”
Jamison grinned, unfazed. “Then why did you wait until you were over forty to have me? And look how well I turned out.”
That caught Adela off guard, but she quickly preened, pride written all over her face. “That’s because I’m healthy–and lucky.”
He chuckled. “Alright, Mom, you don’t need to worry about us. I’ve got it all planned out.”
Her expression darkened a little. “Is it Ivy who doesn’t want to? Bring her out here. I’ll talk to her myself.”
“It’s me. I’m not ready to give up our time alone just yet.” Jamison was running out of patience and decided to be blunt. “We’ve only been married a few days. If she gets pregnant now, I’ll be living like a monk for more than a year.”
Adela’s cheeks turned bright red. She glanced away, then lowered her voice, remembering the marks she’d seen on her son’s back. “Well, just… take it easy, alright? Don’t overdo it and wreck your health.”
“Got it, Mom. You should head home now–otherwise, Ivy will be too embarrassed to come out.”
Knowing full well that his wife was mortified to face her mother–in–law, Jamison managed to ease and nudge his mom out the door.
Inside the bedroom, Ivy had been standing by the door, listening intently. Only when she was sure Adela was gone did she finally emerge.
“Come have breakfast,” Jamison called to her, waving her over. “I’ll drive you to campus after.”
Ivy sat down at the table, still irritated about earlier. Her tone was cool as she said, “I’ll go by myself. You don’t need to go out of your way.”
He gave her a crooked, mischievous smile. “What, afraid your classmates will find out you’re married?”
Ivy gave a short laugh, rolling her eyes. “Hardly. Do I seem like the type who cares what other people think?”
“Then why won’t you let me drive you?”
“I want to take my own car. It’s just more convenient if I need to go anywhere else.”
He shrugged. “That’s easy. I’ll drop you off and leave the car for you.”
She shook her head. “No thanks. Your car is way too flashy.”
She didn’t dare touch a car worth millions, and she certainly didn’t want all that attention. It would only bring unnecessary trouble. She was still young, but the bold, attention–seeking girl from three years ago was gone. Now, she wanted nothing more than to blend in, to keep her head down, live quietly, and do the things she enjoyed.
After breakfast, Jamison glanced at her left hand. “Where’s your ring?”
Ivy looked at her hand. “I’m not used to wearing it.”
“Put it on.”
She understood all too well what he meant and let out a small, resigned sigh. But she still got up, pulled her three–carat diamond ring from her bag, and slipped it onto her finger.
“Happy now?” she asked, returning to the table and wiggling her hand in front of him. “Or should I hang a sign around my neck that says ‘Married–Do Not Disturb’?”
Jamison laughed, eyes on her face. “Wouldn’t hurt to have it tattooed on your forehead.”
She stared at him, speechless.
Unbelievable! No man could possibly be this possessive. She was heading to class, not on a manhunt. Didn’t he trust her at all?
After breakfast, Jamison grabbed her suitcase and insisted on driving her.
To Ivy’s surprise, when they got downstairs, Boyd happened to pull up in a sleek black Mercedes.
“Uncle, car trouble?” Boyd tossed him the keys, curiosity in his voice.
“Nope,” Jamison replied, already loading the luggage in the trunk. “Just taking Ivy to campus. Trying to keep things low–key.”
He opened the passenger door and flicked his head for Ivy to get in.
There was no denying it–good looks made even the simplest gestures magnetic. She couldn’t help but feel a little flutter, touched by how he remembered everything she said and actually put it into action.
Boyd whistled, impressed. “Ivy, how do you do it? My uncle’s like putty in your hands!”
Ivy just shook her head, at a loss for words.
Jamison rolled down the window. “Boyd, if you’re itching for trouble, just say the word. I’ll be happy to oblige.”
Boyd raised his hands in surrender. “No, sir, not at all! Safe travels, you two!”
As the black Mercedes pulled away, Boyd muttered to himself, “Guess it’s true–good women really do bring out the best in men…”
Halfway there, Jamison’s phone rang.
He glanced at the screen, eyes narrowing for a moment before declining the call.
Almost immediately, it rang again.
Ivy glanced over, curious. “Who is it? Why won’t you answer?”
“Scam caller,” he replied.
She snorted. “Oh, please. Since when do scam callers keep calling back like that?”
He shrugged, clearly dodging the question. “Happens more than you’d think.”
Without another word, he turned the wheel and pulled into a nearby shopping center.
“What are you doing?” Ivy asked, puzzled.
“Need to pick something up.”
Once he’d parked, he led her straight to the biggest jewelry store on the ground floor.
Ivy frowned in confusion. “Are you going to buy…”