Ivy had always assumed Jamison was just toying with her, treating his insistent offer with disinterest.

But to her surprise, he meant every word. As she met his deep, magnetic gaze, the warmth she’d just managed to tamp down surged right back, flooding her chest.

She didn’t trust men, didn’t believe in family, and certainly didn’t buy into love. Yet, seeing Jamison–usually so cold and sharp-tongued–treat her so differently from everyone else, Ivy couldn’t help but waver, if only a little. Especially when she considered the list of benefits he’d rattled off earlier. Her resolve was starting to feel less solid.

From the back seat, Katrina’s gaze darted between the two of them. Watching her friend stay silent for so long, Katrina grew anxious, straightening up to prod her. “Come on, Ivy, just say yes to Dr. Ludwig already! I mean, if only for Dr. Ludwig–”

“Let’s get out, grab something to eat.” Ivy suddenly snapped back to the present, dodging the topic once again.

And dodging, for her, was as good as saying no.

Katrina’s face fell. “Ivy, you… Ugh, honestly!”

Before she could finish, Ivy had already swung open the car door and stepped out; Katrina had no choice but to follow.

Jamison, on the other hand, seemed completely unfazed–no trace of awkwardness or irritation at being rejected. He got out as well, his handsome features relaxed, a faint, charming smile playing at his lips as he fixed his gaze on Ivy.

That look–calm, confident, intent–reminded Ivy of a hunter trailing his prey, certain of the outcome and in no rush.

“Since our last dinner never actually happened, this one’s on me. Order whatever you’d like.” Once they were seated, Ivy slid the menu across the table to him, her tone generous and breezy.

Jamison picked up the heavy menu, his eyes flicking up as he bowed his head, a faint, charming smile appearing. “Is this your way of making up for turning me down again?”

He remembered perfectly well that she’d claimed to have already treated him, that everything between them was settled.

Ivy shot him a look, her lips curving into an unapologetic smile. “Do you really need compensation, Mr. Jamison? I’m just helping you broaden your life experience. After all, I doubt you’ve ever tasted the sting of rejection from a woman. You should be thanking me.”

“Ridiculous,” Jamison chided, indulgence coloring his words. This girl–her logic was as sharp as her tongue.

Just then, Jamison’s phone buzzed again. He glanced at the screen, let out something like a cold laugh, then muted it and set it aside.

Ivy caught on immediately. “Let me guess–Micah again?” No doubt Micah had gone to the “private kitchen,” found them missing, and was now calling to demand an explanation.

“Ignore him,” Jamison replied.

Ivy pressed her lips together, at a loss for words. Poor Micah. With an uncle like Jamison, no wonder he was always exasperated.

Dinner itself was pleasant enough.

Still, Jamison noticed how little Ivy actually ate, and he frowned. “Are you part cat or something? You’ll never get your strength back on that much food.” He put on a stern face, then carefully sliced off a few pieces of foie gras and placed them in front of her with surprising gentleness.

Katrina, sitting off to the side, stared at her lap, feeling increasingly like a third wheel. “Um… Should I maybe go to the restroom and give you two a moment?”

Ivy shot her a glare. “Try sneaking out again and we’re done. For real this time.” Last time they’d come to a restaurant together, Katrina had bolted the second Jamison arrived–leaving Ivy to fend for herself.

Katrina bit her lip and offered Jamison an apologetic smile. “Dr. Ludwig, just pretend I’m not here.”

Jamison smiled graciously. “Ms. Lester, you’re Ivy’s closest friend. No need to stand on ceremony.” Then his gentle, amused gaze swung back to Ivy, half coaxing, half commanding: “Finish these.”

“I’m full. I couldn’t eat another bite.”

“Do I need to feed you myself?”

The way his brow arched made it sound less like a joke and more like a real threat. Ivy scowled, annoyed. “What is wrong with you? What I eat is none of your business, is it?” Sensing another squabble brewing, Katrina timidly raised her hand. “Dr. Ludwig, Ivy’s stomach’s been a bit fragile lately. She needs to eat small portions, more often.”

Understanding dawned on Jamison’s face.