Chapter 779

[“You’re still up?“]

Ny’s surprise was genuine as she typed the message. No sooner had she hit send than her phone vibrated with an incoming video call.

Her heart felt like a kettle on full boil, bubbling over with excitement as she answered.

But both screens were pitch black–neither of them had bothered with the lights.

Jamison’s voice was thick with sleep. “Do you have any idea what time it is? You’re still awake? Are you trying to wear yourself out?”

Ivy’s reply was soft, barely above a whisper, as if she was afraid of disturbing the couple currently occupied elsewhere in the house. “I went to bed early, but I’m a light sleeper. The second Naylor came upstairs, I knew.”

Jamison chuckled. “What are you, part bloodhound?”

Ivy rolled her eyes–no point responding to that. Instead, she shot back, “Were you up already, or did they wake you?”

“Woke me up,” Jamison admitted.

“Well, there you go. Maybe you’re the bloodhound,” she teased.

They slipped effortlessly into their usual banter, trading childish jabs back and forth.

Jamison hadn’t forgotten her doctor’s orders–she wasn’t supposed to stay up late. Though he was reluctant to end the call, he urged her, “Get some sleep. Whatever you need to say, save it for tomorrow.”

“Alright,” Ivy agreed, but as she hovered over the end call button, something slipped out before she could stop herself. “Jamison, I miss you… I really, really do…”

Not just in her heart–her whole body ached for him, every inch longing for his presence.

Of course, she’d never say that last part out loud.

Silence fell. She could hear his breathing quicken on the other end, deep and rough even through the phone.

He understood exactly what she meant.

Clearly, the couple’s earlier antics had gotten to her.

After a moment, Jamison’s voice came, low and sincere. “Ivy, are you telling me this because you want me to catch the next flight home?”

Ivy’s eyes widened in panic. “No, no, you’ve got it all wrong! Don’t do anything crazy–go to sleep, okay?”

He sounded strained, like he was holding himself back. “But now you’ve got me so wound up I don’t think I’ll be able to.”

“Sorry, I got carried away. Don’t overthink it, Dr. Ludwig.” Her apology was laced with laughter, and she clearly wasn’t all that sorry.

She was probably a little too pleased with herself for being able to get under Dr. Ludwig’s skin so easily.

But it was late, and he had an important meeting in the morning. She couldn’t keep him up any longer. Ivy’s tone softened, sincere and coaxing. “Get some sleep, okay? When you’re back, I’ll be there to pick you up at the airport…”

That promise seemed to soothe him. His voice dropped to a low rumble. “Alright. You get some rest, too. Take care of yourself.”

She hung up the call, the screen still black. Ivy set her phone aside, letting memories of her time with Jamison fill her mind, hoping to lull herself to sleep.

And in the end, it worked.

Early the next morning.

Katrina was barely conscious when she felt movement beside her.

Naylor pulled her into his arms, his scratchy stubble grazing her cheek and neck. It felt like someone was dragging steel wool across her skin, and she scowled, half-awake and thoroughly annoyed. She swatted at him. “Seriously, are you done yet?”

Naylor had a habit of bothering her when she was half-asleep. He loved how soft and adorable she was at this hour, making little noises like a sleepy kitten.

Getting smacked didn’t bother him at all. He just leaned down and pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth. “If you’re tired, go ahead and sleep. Doesn’t bother me…”

Katrina frowned, refusing to dignify that with a response.

What kind of suggestion was that–she keeps sleeping while he… She wasn’t even going to say those words.

Meanwhile, in the master bedroom, Ivy’s alarm went off. She had work to get ready for, so she got up as soon as it rang.

After washing up, she was about to head downstairs when a mischievous thought struck her. She paused, hesitated, then crept toward her best friend’s room.

Lips pressed together to stifle a smile, she pressed her ear to the door.

Movement inside–clearly, they were both awake and, well, busy.

Ivy knocked sharply, raising her voice just enough. “Katrina, I’m heading to work! Make sure you take good care of Mr. Wilson for me. I’ll leave you two alone.”

The noise inside stopped dead.

Ivy clapped a hand over her mouth, picturing the pair frozen in panic. She nearly doubled over with silent laughter.