More Than A Favor

More Than A Favor

Chapter 60

Menu

The medicine worked like a charm. The burning in my mouth eased up almost instantly, replacing the sharp pain with a cool, minty sensation.

By lunch, I could finally drink water without wincing, though I still had to be careful not to gulp it down too fast.

Still, actual food was off the table. All those spices, seasonings, and even the natural salt would just set my ulcers on fire again. Just thinking about it made my mouth throb.

“How about some risotto, Elaine? With steamed broccoll on the side?” Maya suggested, flipping through the menu trying to find something gentle enough for me. Her thoughtfulness was touching.

Knowing she needed her meat fix – girl couldn’t go a meal without it – I said, “Just risotto’s fine for me- order whatever you want. Don’t hold back on my account.”

Maya started to protest when Ashton walked up, his tall frame casting a shadow over our table. “Mind if I crash your lunch?”

Weird hearing such a casual phrase from such a serious guy. I was about to decline – still feeling awkward about the whole medicine thing from earlier, no matter how normal he’d played it off. Something about the memory of his fingers on my chin made my stomach do a little flip.

But Maya, total fangirl that she was, jumped in with an enthusiastic, “Sure! What would you like to order?”

“I’ll…” he glanced my way, his dark eyes lingering for a moment. “I’ll have what Ms. Hart’s having.”

Maya’s eyes went wide. “Just risotto? Nothing else? That can’t be enough!”

“Need something mild,” he pointed to his mouth, the gesture somehow both casual and precise. “Haven’t been drinking much water either.”

True enough. I’d noticed he barely touched his water bottle all morning.

“So you’re dehydrated too,” Maya noted, then muttered under her breath, “I’m the only one feeling fine. Makes me look like I’m slacking off.”

a light salad, and some grilled fish. The waiter seemed surprised at our

enough? Please don’t be shy!” Maya pressed after ordering, clearly concerned about her idol’s nutrition.

Ashton – man of few words, delivering them with that deep, certain tone that somehow. managed

past few days, I’d noticed he was

take a phone call, Maya whispered urgently, “Should we get more? He doesn’t

was already uncomfortable, so I kept it brief. “He’s lean, not bulky. Probably watches

that tank top. Those lean

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Chapter 60

OGS!

Meng

and discipline. The memory was more vivid than I would’ve liked.

eyes gleaming like she was trying to x–ray through his clothes. Her crush was showing big

shirt off – you’ll get a great view.” I tried to keep my

a few seconds before leaning in conspiratorially.

water, some of

The way he looks at you when you’re not watching, how comfortable he is touching you,” Ma ya reached for my chin, mimicking Ashton’s earlier move. “He never gets that close to anyone else!”

to lose that bonus? Because

waving her hands

totally go for it with Mr. Drake. It’s the perfect way to get back at Mr. Mercer.” Maya and her wild ideas always thinking in terms of

hoping to hide my discomfort. “Thought you liked

doesn’t like me!” Maya said with surprising practicality. “Besides, except for not being CEO, he beats Mr. Mercer in every way. The looks, the skills, that mysterious vibe…” She

had

ווין

Maya declared suddenly, sitting up straighter with determination in her eyes, “I’m really good at