“Ivy.” “Ivy.”

Jamison called out to his wife, his voice gentle as he instinctively reached for her hand.

“Hey, babe.”

Ivy stepped forward with a bright smile. Their fingers intertwined effortlessly, and as she lifted herself up on tiptoe, Jamison instinctively leaned down, meeting her halfway for a sweet kiss.

The entire exchange flowed so naturally, like a well-rehearsed dance, that anyone watching could see just how much these two adored each other.

With their striking good looks—Jamison standing close to six-foot-three—they drew the attention of several passing students, some of whom stifled surprised gasps behind their hands.

A few steps away, Lamont watched the whole scene unfold, taking it all in.

“Who’s that guy?” Jamison asked, his voice dropping into a low, icy register as he finished kissing Ivy and shot a cold glance toward the college-aged man.

Without even glancing at Lamont, Ivy squeezed Jamison’s hand and tugged him toward the car. “Ignore him. Let’s go.”

Jamison trusted his wife completely, so he didn’t press further. Still, as he turned, he shot Lamont a warning glare that left nothing to the imagination.

Lamont stood frozen, rooted in place.

It was the first time he’d seen Ivy’s husband, and suddenly everything made sense. He finally understood why his always-proud and accomplished sister had fallen for this man.

Everyone knew how grueling it was to be a doctor—no matter how young or handsome a med student might be, a couple of years working at a hospital would age anyone in no time. But this man? He’d already achieved so much and still managed to look as sharp as ever.

Even the faint shadows under his eyes did nothing to diminish his striking, composed presence.

Lamont, who’d always secretly prided himself on his own looks, couldn’t help but feel a pang of inadequacy.

He found himself sympathizing with his sister.

As Jamison’s sleek car rolled past, he didn’t miss the chance to shoot Lamont another hostile look.

From the rearview mirror, Jamison could see Lamont still staring after them. Dr. Ludwig’s jealousy finally boiled over. “Who exactly is that kid? How long’s he been hanging around you? You realize he was showing off on purpose just now, don’t you?”

Ivy’s tone was calm, almost amused. “Of course I know. After all the guys who’ve chased after me over the years, you think I haven’t seen every trick in the book? That was nothing.”

Jamison shot her a look, his mood growing even stormier.

“Eyes on the road, Dr. Ludwig!” Ivy sat up straight, reaching over to gently turn his face back forward.

He grumbled, “You seem to enjoy having all these guys chasing after you.”

She laughed. “Not at all. Honestly, it gets annoying. Imagine a swarm of flies buzzing around you—wouldn’t that drive you crazy?”

“Flies, huh?” Jamison snorted. “I was just thinking the same thing when I saw him trailing after you. He really does remind me of a fly.”

“So who is he, exactly? How long has he been pestering you? If he keeps bothering you, I’ll handle it myself.”

Jamison had never been thrilled about his wife going back to school. He worried she’d be surrounded by a bunch of young, energetic college guys who might catch her eye.

And now, seeing it with his own eyes, he was anything but reassured.

Ivy sighed and gave him a look of exasperated affection. “Hard to believe, Mr. Jamison, that you’d ever get insecure. I told your mother the same thing—there’s no one in this whole city more powerful, more charming, or more devoted… to you. Why would I ever trade my brilliant, gorgeous husband for some ordinary college kid?”

Lamont was, at best, a little younger and a bit more cheerful. Sure, he was good-looking, but Ivy had spent her whole life surrounded by exceptional men—plenty of whom looked like they belonged on magazine covers. Compared to them, Lamont barely registered.

Jamison couldn’t hide his grin; her words melted every last trace of his jealousy.

Just as they rolled out of the campus gates, he stomped on the brake and brought the car to a sudden stop. Ivy turned to ask what was wrong, but before she could get a word out, he’d unclipped his seatbelt, leaned over, and pulled her close—kissing her with an intensity that left no room for doubt.

After several days apart, that quick peck from earlier was nowhere near enough.