More Than A Favor

< More Than A Favor

Chapter 177

“Ashton!”

Get 5)

#Menu

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.

this… this overwhelming display of affection was almost

handle.

mouth to respond, a voice behind us broke

“Oh my goodness.”

away from Ashton’s embrace, but

continued, teasing, “I was wondering who was cuddling so early in the morning. Turns out it’s just you

It was Amy.

and I were a couple, but having her witness such a private moment still made me feel incredibly self–conscious.

and collected. He seemed completely at ease,

11:28

41.26%

< Chapter 177

you,” Amy replied with a knowing smile. I see you out running every morning Bur Elaine, it’s rare to see you

speechless, feeling as though she had

smoothly, clearly trying to defuse the awkwardness. Then, he turned to me and added gently, “You should go.”

I heard Amy approach Ashton and say in an envious tone, “Elaine is really lucky to have

a moment, but I kept walking, pretending not to hear

response.

lucky one to have Elaine as my girlfriend,” Ashton said,

“Ashton, I’m praising you. You’re really too good to be

didn’t stay to listen to what else they said, but I was

away and turned out of the neighborhood, I glanced in

gaze lingered, and for a fleeting moment, it felt like he was afraid I might not

eggs and toast for Nora, but before she could take a bite or bombard me with questions about last night, she was

reason to stay. But I also didn’t know where to go so early in the

my next move, my

a call from

his name appeared on the screen, I recalled the message he had sent me last night.

deliberately softening my voice. “Mr. Kramer, it’s

Jeremy’s tone

you need, Mr. Kramer?” I asked, purposely avoiding any mention of his

“I’m heading to see my dad, Ms. Hart. Since I promised you, I’ll make good on