Ivy watched him sink into thought, assuming he must have experience–he just didn’t want to admit it. But then he said he didn’t. She stared at him, surprised, studying the seriousness in his face. It wasn’t that she didn’t believe him; she was just genuinely curious. “At your age, with your career and all… how do you manage?”
Jamison pressed his lips together, giving a wry little smile. “When it gets too much–well, I do have my own hands, don’t I?”
Ivy’s lashes fluttered and her heart started racing for reasons she couldn’t name. She remembered the last time he’d gone with her to see Dr. Brown, and the old man had taken Jamison’s pulse and said he was practically radiating with pent-up energy. Could it really be that he’d kept himself so disciplined all these years, with only his own hands for company?
Jamison seemed to regret being so blunt; the awkwardness was thick between them. Seeing she was just as flustered, he shifted onto his back, turning to face her, and let out a sigh. “Aren’t these the kind of questions a man is supposed to ask to flirt with a woman? How did the tables turn? What are you getting at–are you worried I’m not… clean?”
Ivy felt suddenly hot all over, her eyes darting everywhere but his face. “No, it’s not that. I was just… curious. It sort of popped into my head and I blurted it out.” “Do you believe me?” “I do.” “Really?” Jamison sounded genuinely surprised. Ivy nodded. “Given your personality, and the way your work keeps you busy, I doubt you’d be interested in casual things like that. Besides, you used to have your own ‘one and only‘ on your mind.” From what Ivy knew of Jamison, he wasn’t the type to mess around. He was too restrained, too disciplined. Not to mention, his obsession with cleanliness meant he’d never risk a reckless encounter just to satisfy a fleeting urge. It wouldn’t surprise her at all if he’d never really been with anyone.
Chapter 904
Jamison seemed almost moved by her trust. He couldn’t help himself–he leaned in and pressed a firm kiss to her lips. “Funny, we haven’t known each other that long, but you see right through me.” He sighed, draping an arm around her waist, his hand gently tracing small circles as if lulling her to sleep. Then, with a softness she’d never heard before, he said, “When I fell for Davina, I was just a kid–barely a teenager. I didn’t even understand what it meant to love someone, not really. After she married my brother, I moved overseas for school. Those first few years, I was a loner. Everyone saw me as the odd one out, and it wasn’t easy to make friends.” He paused, the memory flickering in his eyes. “Over time, I made friends, got closer to people–some even confessed their feelings. But, like you said, I still carried a torch for someone else. No one else measured up. The longer it went on, the more stubborn I became. Then, medical school kept me busy, and I barely had time to think about anything else. And, well, most doctors are a bit obsessive about hygiene. I wasn’t about to risk my health for a few minutes of fun.” Ivy listened intently, surprised by how unguarded he sounded. The topic should have been risqué or even taboo, but coming from Jamison, it felt honest–almost noble. He caught her gaze, a hint of mischief creeping into his voice. “Of course, just because I’ve kept myself in check doesn’t mean I’m clueless. I am a man, after all. Some things you pick up naturally. And after years in medicine, let’s just say I’m very… well-versed. Professionally and otherwise.” The look he gave her then was wickedly suggestive, a promise of all the