Chapter 509

Jamison lounged against the headboard, murmuring in his cheer. “Relax, I just wanted to help you unwind.”

“No need.” Embarrassed, Ivy pushed his hand away and turned her back to him, pulling on her clothes in a rush. Men first thing in the morning—dangerous territory. Who knew what might happen if she let him keep going?

Watching his wife slip out of bed without so much as a backward glance, Jamison let out a resigned sigh, burying his face in the pillow for a moment to savor what remained of her presence before forcing himself up.

In the bathroom, Ivy brushed her teeth as Jamison strode in. She kept her eyes fixed on the mirror, deliberately ignoring him. He sniffed and shot her a wounded look. “So that’s it? You get what you want and now you act like we’re strangers?”

Ivy didn’t answer, but there was a good reason for her chilly demeanor this morning. Last night, she’d let herself go—far more than she ever thought possible. She could hardly believe the woman who’d been so shamelessly bold was her. With the last of her inhibitions shattered, Jamison had lost all restraint, too. Usually so composed and dignified, even he had come utterly undone in the heat of the moment. Once wasn’t enough. He wanted her again.

The more Ivy thought about it, the more flustered she became. It struck her: no matter how proper, old-fashioned, or stoic people are, everyone ends up tangled with someone in the dark of night, losing themselves in passion. Suddenly, she felt as if she couldn’t look anyone in the eye. Especially not Jamison. Something had shifted between them, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on what. All she knew was that she wanted to avoid him, too embarrassed even to meet his gaze.

Jamison, noticing her stubborn silence, glanced at her reflection a few times before finally asking with concern, “Are you feeling okay? Still not well?”

“I’m fine.”

“Then why so quiet?”

“I’m in a hurry,” she said, rinsing her face and heading for the door. “Hurry up, or I’ll leave without you.”

After she left, Jamison paused for a moment, then smiled to himself. So she was embarrassed. She must be replaying last night’s “boldness” in her mind, feeling shy—or maybe even regretful—about how uninhibited she’d been. Smiling, he hurried through his own morning routine.

When it was nearly time to head out, Ivy slipped on her shoes and reached for the door, but Jamison was quicker. He caught her hand and gently pulled her back. “Hold on, Ivy. Wait a second.”

“What is it?” She glared at him.

Stepping closer, he wrapped his arms loosely around her and stole a kiss. Ivy rolled her eyes, dodging his lips. “Cut it out. I need to get back to campus.”

His expression shifted, suddenly serious. “Ivy, you’ve gone to college. You know that sex is one of the most basic, natural needs we have as humans. Not just us—every living creature in nature. There’s nothing shameful about it.”

Her cheeks burned, her voice barely a whisper. “Who says I’m ashamed?”

“You’re not?”

“No.”

“Then… is it because you made the first move last night? Feeling a little self-conscious?”

Ivy nearly lost it. Was their married life supposed to be analyzed like a stock portfolio after the market closed? “Are you coming or not? If not, I’ll just call a cab.” She huffed, flushed with frustration.

But Jamison refused to let go. He needed to clear this up now, before she overthought it and started pushing him away again.

“Ivy, I love it when you take charge. When you conquer me like a queen ruling her kingdom—I enjoy it, being swept up in you.”

She froze, staring at him, stunned.

“Really, don’t ever think you’re being too forward or reckless, or that you’re not dignified enough. We’re married. We should do whatever feels right for us—whatever makes us happy. Don’t let anything hold you back.”

His words were clear and earnest, his gaze shining with sincerity. Ivy didn’t say a word, but the tension in her shoulders eased and a new tenderness flickered in her eyes. She hadn’t expected him to understand. He saw right through her, even the subtlest of her worries. It was as if they shared the same heart. She felt a wave of relief, though she still couldn’t bring herself to admit her feelings out loud.

After a pause, she pressed her lips together and said quietly, “Let’s go. We have to pick up the car from the hospital, and I need to get back to campus before I’m late.”

“Alright, let’s go.” Jamison saw he’d gotten through to her. Smiling, he pulled her into a kiss, then laced his fingers through hers as they headed out the door.

They reached the hospital early. As Jamison parked, his phone rang a call from one of his colleagues. Knowing he was about to get busy, Ivy quickly said, “Go ahead. I’ll call Katrina to check on things, then head to campus.”

Jamison nodded, a little regretful he couldn’t drive her, but made sure to remind her, “Drive safely, okay? Text me when you get to school.”

“I will.”

She watched him hurry inside, then glanced down at her phone and dialed her best friend. After a few rings, Katrina picked up.

“Hey, Ivy…”

“Katrina, are you at the hospital? How did things go last night?”

Katrina replied, “I’m on my way, but there’s a bit of traffic. After you left, my advisor showed up—he knows the police chief—so it all went smoothly. The Lester family handed over fifteen grand as compensation.”

Ivy breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s good. Sometimes you just have to play hardball.”

“Yeah, but now my dad wants to set me up with someone. He says if the marriage goes through, he’ll cover all of Mom’s medical bills.”