"Alright. It’s getting late–I’m exhausted. I’m heading to bed."

Jamison was reluctant to say goodnight, but he cared more about his wife’s health. He finally sent a “good night” emoji and ended their long string of late-night texts.

Setting his phone aside, he couldn’t help but chuckle as he replayed the night’s conversation in his mind.

He really had married a woman who was almost too clever for her own good–there wasn’t a single slip-up she didn’t catch.

But that was exactly what made life with her so much fun; he never worried about things getting dull.

The next morning, Ivy was still fast asleep when noises drifted up from downstairs. She was completely oblivious.

The bedroom door hadn’t been locked, so Jamison slipped in effortlessly. The early morning light barely filtered through the curtains as he quietly approached the bed, moving with practiced stealth.

Without a sound, he climbed in beside her, slipping his arms around her waist.

Ivy was lost in a dream–a nightmare really, reliving the fear of being abducted as a child. Suddenly, she tensed, jolted awake by the sensation of being held.

Instinctively, she shoved with her arm.

Jamison reacted instantly, catching her hand and whispering, “Ivy, it’s me!”

Hearing his familiar voice in her ear, Ivy squinted at him, blinking until his face came into focus. Her body relaxed, but she was still startled.

“What are you doing here?”

Jamison let out a breath, smiling as he lifted the covers and snuggled closer, pulling her tightly against him. His hand wandered under her pajamas, unable to help himself.

“I stopped by after my morning rounds at the hospital,” he murmured, nuzzling her affectionately. “Didn’t expect to find you still fast asleep, you little sloth.”

Ivy shivered as his warm hand slid across her skin, her body betraying her despite her efforts to stop him. She quickly pressed his hand down through her pajamas.

“Quit it–someone else is home!” she hissed, gritting her teeth.

Jamison’s voice was full of amusement. “Katrina left earlier. Right now, it’s just the two of us.”

“She left?” Ivy twisted to look at him, surprised. “Where’d she go? We were supposed to go shopping today.”

She’d planned to buy a couple of outfits–something casual for campus–and pick up some textbooks for her classes. They’d made all the plans the night before.

“No idea,” Jamison replied. “She told me breakfast was ready in the kitchen, then she headed out. Said to eat whenever you woke up.”

Ivy frowned, annoyance flickering on her face. “Of course it’s because of you. The moment you show up, she finds an excuse to leave. Can’t blame her for wanting to dodge the awkwardness.”

“How is that my fault? If you hadn’t snuck back here to sleep, I wouldn’t have had to come after you.”

“That’s not the same. I have the right to go where I want.”

“Not when you’re with me, it isn’t,” he said, voice deep and affectionate, leaning in to steal a kiss.

Ivy meant to resist, even thought about complaining she hadn’t brushed her teeth yet, but reason flew out the window as her body responded first.

His kiss was like flinging open Pandora’s box–heat flooded through her, and a soft moan escaped before she could stop it.

Jamison grinned, pausing to gaze down at her, his eyes bright with mischief.

He didn’t need to say a word–his look said it all: See? Your body’s more honest than you are.

Flushed and flustered, Ivy glared at him. “What are you staring at? Move.”

“Not so fast. I need to make up for last night.”

Make up for last night?

Ivy blinked, confused. What did he mean–here, in broad daylight?

No way. Her period hadn’t even ended yet.

Thanks to her chronic endometriosis, her cycle always dragged on for at least a week.

“Jamison–no, stop it… we can’t…” she protested as he kissed her again, pushing against his shoulders.

Even if she didn’t have hang-ups about it, today was out of the question. He was a doctor; he knew that better than anyone.

Jamison did know. He pressed his face to her neck, voice low and rough. “Just like last time…”

Just like last time?

She blushed from head to toe, suddenly understanding.

“No way…”

Last time had been at his place–no one around, no need to worry.

But here, in her own apartment, with her best friend as her roommate? The idea made her feel scandalous.

The thought of Katrina deliberately leaving to give them privacy–like she’d guessed exactly what they’d be doing–made Ivy want to melt through the floor.

“Jamison, seriously, no…” she protested again, hands braced on his chest, her eyes resolute.

“Why not? Are you still mad at me?”

But Katrina had told him earlier that Ivy wasn’t holding a grudge anymore. That was the only reason he’d dared to push his luck and try for a little morning fun.

“It’s not about that. I have plans today. You need to go–I promised Katrina I’d go shopping with her. I’m not ditching her for you.”

Jamison knew she was shy, easily embarrassed by this sort of thing. He sighed, half disappointed, half amused.

“We’re all adults here–Katrina gets it. She wouldn’t have left so quickly if she didn’t. You’re wasting her good intentions,” he teased, flashing a wicked smile as he rolled over.

“Get lost,” Ivy shot back, swatting at him.

He just laughed and pulled her into his arms again.

She groaned in exasperation. “You’re impossible…”

“Just let me hold you for a bit. I promise, nothing else.”

His tone was sincere enough that Ivy relaxed, letting him wrap himself around her.

But with two adults in love, “just holding” never stayed innocent for long.

Dr. Ludwig’s hands, predictably, began to wander.

“Say what you will, you might be skinny, but you’re definitely not lacking where it counts.”