More Than A Favor (Elaine and Logan)

< More Than A Favor

"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.

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

handle.

As I opened my mouth to respond, a voice behind us broke the moment.

"Oh my goodness."

Startled, I quickly pulled away from Ashton's embrace, but it was already too late.

The voice continued, teasing, "I was wondering who was cuddling so early in the morning. Turns out it's just you two."

It was Amy.

Amy and the other neighbors already assumed Ashton and I were a couple, but having her witness such a private moment still made me feel incredibly self- conscious.

"Mrs. Bishop, you're early," Ashton greeted her warmly, his tone calm and collected. He seemed completely at ease, unlike me, who was still flustered.

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< Chapter 177

"Not earlier than you," Amy replied with a knowing smile. I see you out running every morning Bur Elaine, it's rare to see you up so early."

I was left speechless, feeling as though she had indirectly called me lazy

"She gets up early every day too," Ashton said smoothly, clearly trying to defuse the awkwardness. Then, he turned to me and added gently, "You should go."

I nodded quickly, eager to escape. As I walked away, I heard Amy approach Ashton and say in an envious tone, "Elaine is really lucky to have a boyfriend who's not only handsome and caring but also knows how to do everything."

Her words made me pause for a moment, but I kept walking, pretending not to hear Ashton's

response.

"Mrs. Bishop, you've got it wrong. I'm the lucky one to have Elaine as my girlfriend," Ashton said, his voice full of sincerity.

Amy chuckled. "Ashton, I'm praising you. You're really too good to be true."

I didn't stay to listen to what else they said, but I was certain it was full of praise for Ashton.

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

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

I brought scrambled 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 attention, and Nora's duty as a doctor took precedence.noveldrama

With Nora occupied, I had no reason to stay. But I also didn't know where to go so early in the moming Going back home didn't seem like an option-not after

everything that had happened with Ashton.

As I debated my next move, my phone rang.

It was a call from Jeremy.

The moment his name appeared on the screen, I recalled the message he had

sent me last night. He was likely heading to his father now.

I hesitated briefly before answering the call, deliberately softening my voice. "Mr. Kramer, it's early."

"Did I wake you?" Jeremy's tone was light, almost teasing.

“Is there something you need, Mr. Kramer?” I asked, purposely avoiding any

mention of his message from the night before.

Jeremy chuckled softly. "I'm heading to see my dad, Ms. Hart. Since I promised

you, I'll make good on it. Are you still coming?"

Of course, I was going. This was the opportunity I had been waiting for.

"Sure, Mr. Kramer. Where are you? I'll come to you," I replied, keeping my tone polite.

But Jeremy surprised me. "I'll pick you up, Ms. Hart."

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Chupke 177

O Mens

I immediately refused. "I wouldn't want to trouble you, Mr. Kramer. Just give me

the address, and I'll

head over now"

There was a brief pause, and then Jeremy's voice took on a teasing edge. "Are you trying to avoid me?"

I didn't reply. Sometimes silence was the best way to handle awkward situations. Sure enough, after a few seconds, Jeremy gave me the address: Sky Sanatorium.

I knew the place. I had been there before, though Fd never actually gone inside. "Alright. I'll be there in half an hour," I said.

Jeremy chuckled again. "It seems like you've been to the sanatorium before."

His comment caught me off guard, and I lightly smacked my forehead. I realized too late that I had accidentally revealed a detail I hadn't intended to. Thankfully, Jeremy didn't press the issue. Instead, he simply said, "Ms. Hart, see you later."

As I ended the call, a sinking feeling settled in my stomach. Something about this situation felt off.

Even though I knew the risks, I couldn't afford to back down. I needed answers, and this was my best chance to get them.

But I wasn't about to walk into trouble unprepared.

I quickly sent a message to Caleb: "Caleb, I'm going to meet Jeremy. Keep an eye

out for me."