More Than A Favor

Chapter 176

Ashton’s face wore a smile that was both helpless and affectionate as he said, “You’ve done this before. You have a history of it.”

I was left speechless, heat rising to my cheeks. Embarrassment and imitation mixed within me

Meme

He really was something. Instead of keeping his thoughts to himself, he had to spell it out so plainly. His emotional intelligence was surprisingly low for someone so perceptive.

“Elaine,” Ashton said softly, his tone teasing but gentle, ‘you were so bold when doing something wrong, but now you’re acting all timid. You haven’t changed a bit from when you were a child.”

I opened my mouth, ready to retort, but then his words sank in.

*Doing something wrong?”

I froze as realization hit me.

Last night. When I opened the door wearing the nightgown. He knew. He hadn’t thought it was an accident. He had seen through it–he knew it was deliberate.

Oh my god.

The car keys in my hand felt like they were about to snap under the pressure of my grip. My face burned as I stammered, “Who’s doing something wrong? It’s clearly you. You’re just…. mmm…”

Before I could finish, Ashton leaned in and kissed me.

It wasn’t the wild, passionate kiss from the night before. This one was soft, almost tender. His lips were cool from his moming run, but they carried a warmth that spread through me like fire.

I stood there frozen, unable to move. My eyes fluttered shut as I felt his lips against mine, the faint tickle of his breath, and the quickened pace of my heart.

Even as I was caught up in the daze of his kiss, I couldn’t help but notice him–his long lashes brushing his cheekbones, the sharp line of his nose, and how effortlessly handsome he looked so

close.

the air from my lungs. His hands still held mine, and his gaze was steady, filled with emotions I couldn’t

care of the bad things,” he said, his voice low but

much it felt like the redness had spread from my face all the way down to my ankles. I kept my

with Dr. Bennett?” Ashton asked again, though his tone was less

shook my head, still refusing to speak. I didn’t trust

was I acting like

being a couple. Logan would sometimes pinch my cheek, put his arm around my shoulder, or kiss my cheek in

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flustered back then.

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like an inexperienced, shy girl

and confident all this time. When we were at Amaty, I acted like this seasoned woman who knew how to handle relationships. But now? Now it felt like I was exposed, my real

to make you some spaghetti,” Ashton said, breaking the silence. “But it seems that’s not needed now. Be careful on the road.”

quiet, still too embarrassed

twinkling with mischief. “Elaine, do you know what

finally finding my

his soft lips grazed my earlobe. “I

murmured, his voice sending shivers down my spine. “Because the more I

you,

fire. I tapped his back twice in protest, but it only made him laugh. That laugh–deep, warm, and so very Ashton–made

exclaimed, covering his mouth with my hand.

a tickling sensation on my palm.

kissed my

recoiled slightly, startled, but he chuckled again, clearly