More Than A Favor

< More Than A Favor

Chapter 177

“Ashton!”

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We spoke at the same time, his voice laced with curiosity while mine was filled with urgency.

“You said you were leaving today, didn’t you? Where are you going?” I asked, my breath heavy from running back to him.

Ashton’s brow furrowed slightly, concern flashing in his eyes as he took in my disheveled state. But when he understood my question, he relaxed, and a teasing smile spread across his face.

“Are you afraid I’m going to run away?”

His teasing tone made my cheeks flush, and I feigned annoyance to cover up my embarrassment. “Just answer the question! Where are you going?”

Ashton’s smile lingered as he replied, “I’m not leaving for now.”

I frowned in confusion. “Hmm?”

“I was originally going to leave because my work here was done, and there wasn’t anything keeping me. But things are different now,” Ashton explained. Then, he took a step closer, bending slightly so we were at eye level. “Because now I have a girlfriend.”

The way he said it, so matter–of–factly yet full of emotion, sent a jolt through my entire body.

I took a step back, unable to bear the intensity of his gaze. But before I could put any distance between us, Ashton reached for my wrist. His grip was firm yet gentle as he pulled me into his

embrace.

His chin rested lightly on the top of my head, and his voice turned husky as he said, “I wouldn’t just disappear. If I were to leave, I’d tell you first. You’d have to agree before I could go.”

My heart pounded so hard I was sure he could feel it. My whole body felt hot, and for the first time, I was rendered completely speechless.

early in the morning, and yet this… this overwhelming display of affection was almost too much

handle.

to respond, a voice

“Oh my goodness.”

pulled away from Ashton’s embrace, but it was already too

wondering who was cuddling so early in the morning.

It was Amy.

couple, but having her witness such a private

and collected. He seemed completely at ease,

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< Chapter 177

you out running every morning Bur Elaine, it’s rare to see you up so early.”

as though she

clearly trying to defuse the awkwardness. Then, he turned to me

approach Ashton and say in an envious tone, “Elaine is really

a moment, but I kept walking, pretending not

response.

one to have Elaine

You’re really too good

they said, but I was certain

I drove away and turned out of the neighborhood, I glanced in the rearview mirror. Ashton was still standing there, watching me leave.

for a fleeting moment, it felt like

eggs and toast for Nora, but before she could take a bite or bombard me with questions about last night, she was called into the operating room for an emergency. A pregnant woman needed immediate

go so early in the moming Going back home didn’t seem like an option–not after everything that had happened with

I debated my next move, my phone

was a call from Jeremy.

message he had sent me last night. He

answering the call, deliberately softening my voice. “Mr. Kramer,

wake you?” Jeremy’s tone was light,

you need, Mr. Kramer?” I asked, purposely avoiding

Hart. Since I promised you, I’ll make good on