Chapter 711

Ivy thought he was absolutely shameless–completely out of control. Those were students out there, and yet he could still crack jokes only married couples would make, as if no one else was around! If he weren’t so ridiculously good–looking, people would’ve already written him off as a creep. After being scolded by his wife, Jamison looked even more put out. “But I was just telling the truth. You asked me in front of everyone if I had any stamina left–don’t you care about my dignity at all…?” Ivy had no words for that. They exchanged a few glances, and in the end, she gave in with a sigh, turning away. “Forget it, let’s go home. You’re drenched in sweat–if you catch a chill, you’ll get sick.” She marched off, and Jamison hurried to catch up.

“It’s been ages since I worked out like that. That game tonight–man, I feel alive again!” He stretched his arms, a grin spreading across his face. Ivy knew this past month had been tough on him. Tonight’s basketball game was probably just what he needed, a chance to let off steam and shake off all the stress and exhaustion that had been piling up. Then she suddenly remembered something and tensed up. “Wait, you drank water from my cup earlier.” “I know. Didn’t we talk about this? It’s fine. Honestly, you’re worrying too much. Even kissing someone with HIV hardly ever transmits anything–besides, you’re not even infected. You’re making this way bigger than it is. You won’t even let me kiss after all this time.” Jamison wasn’t worried at all. As far as he was concerned, Ivy’s risk of infection was practically zero now. He just wanted their lives to go back to normal. But Ivy still had her reservations, and he could only respect them. She’d read up on all the science; she knew, rationally, that daily life posed no risk. Still, she couldn’t shake the nagging fear that something could go wrong.

So she insisted, “Just wait a little while longer. It’s only about a month more.” Jamison didn’t argue, but for him, another month felt like forever. They got back to the faculty apartment. The moment they stepped inside, Jamison headed straight for the bathroom to shower, not bothering to grab his pajamas or a towel. Almost done, he called out from the bathroom, calling for her- “Honey!”–over and over. Ivy knew exactly what he wanted. She went to the bedroom, grabbed his pajamas and a towel, and knocked on the bathroom door. The glass door slid open. As she handed him the clothes and towel, Jamison caught her by the wrist and pulled her–clothes and all–right into the bathroom. “Ah!” Ivy yelped, stumbling straight into his arms. She was about to scold him, but before she could, he looked down at her and asked, “Babe, was I handsome when I played basketball tonight?” Ivy looked up at him, torn between exasperation and amusement. He’d been holding this in all night, and he finally blurted it out. She couldn’t help but laugh and nodded. “You were definitely handsome.” “How was my game?” She remembered the two three–pointers he’d sunk, the crowd cheering for him, and had to admit, “Your skills were impressive! And you’re still in your prime.” She deliberately emphasized the last part. Jamison’s face darkened. “Take back what you just said.” She stifled a laugh. “So… do you love me a little more now?” Ivy gazed up at him. Was this what all those roundabout questions were for? She grinned, giving him what he wanted. “Yeah. Watching you on the court, I was totally smitten. And all those girls watching? They were absolutely taken with you.” “I don’t care about them. I only want you–are you absolutely taken with me?” Ivy’s cheeks flushed. She’d already confessed her feelings, but apparently that wasn’t enough–he had to hear that she was head over heels. She hesitated for a second or two, but finally gave in, meeting his eyes, “Yeah, I’m head over heels for you. Happy now?”