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.”

salad, and some grilled fish. The waiter seemed surprised at our modest order, especially given

are you sure that’s enough? Please don’t be shy!” Maya pressed after ordering, clearly concerned about her idol’s

words, delivering them with that deep,

past few days, I’d noticed he was more about action than talk. Every movement had

Maya whispered urgently, “Should we get more? He doesn’t look

kept it brief. “He’s lean, not bulky. Probably

hair in that tank top. Those lean muscles weren’t

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Chapter 60

OGS!

Meng

actual work and discipline. The memory was more vivid than I

wish I could see for myself,” Maya said, eyes gleaming like she was trying to x–ray through his clothes. Her crush was showing big time.

that kind of thirst? “Well, there’s your chance. Go rip his shirt off – you’ll get a great view.” I tried to keep my

red, but couldn’t stay quiet for more than a few seconds before leaning

some of it going down the wrong pipe.

you when you’re not watching, how comfortable he is touching you,” Ma ya reached for my chin, mimicking Ashton’s

swatted her hand away, trying to keep my voice stern. “Looking to

on break!” she protested, waving her hands defensively. “Work rules don’t

Mr. Drake. It’s the perfect way to get back at Mr. Mercer.” Maya and her wild

hoping to hide my discomfort. “Thought

with surprising practicality. “Besides, except for not being CEO, he beats Mr. Mercer in every way. The looks,

had to give her that.

ווין

Maya declared suddenly, sitting up straighter with determination in her eyes, “I’m really good at it – ask anyone!”