More Than A Favor (Elaine and Logan)

I couldn't help but wonder what Ashton had been doing during that half-hour. Maybe he had taken a cold shower, like the male leads in romance novels.

Thinking about how things had come to such an abrupt halt earlier made me too embarrassed to reply to his text. That night, I tossed and turned, unable to settle down.

The phrase "the gate of desire, an insurmountable chasm" now made perfect sense to me.

I slept poorly and woke up early, though no matter how early I got up, Ashton was always up earlier. He was already out for his morning run.

His energy and stamina were truly impressive. With such vitality, I couldn't help but think–he must be quite... vigorous in certain situations, too.

What am I even thinking?

It felt like I was under some kind of spell. I couldn't stop my thoughts from drifting to that aspect of our relationship.

This was all Nora's fault. Her terrible advice had put all these ideas in my head.

Frustrated, I grabbed my phone and sent Nora a message: "Are you hungry? Get up and join me for breakfast."noveldrama

I still had the oatmeal from last night, but after a restless night of overthinking, I was starving. Normally, I'd tell Ashton, and he'd prepare breakfast for me. But today, I thought it best to avoid him.

I felt petty, even childish, but I couldn't help it.

After more than 20 years of living, last night had been the closest I'd come to crossing that line. And even though nothing had actually happened, I almost wished it had. That thought alone made me feel

even more embarrassed.

I wondered if other couples felt the same way after taking that final step-waking up the next morning feeling awkward and unsure.

With a sigh, I sent the message to Nora. Before I could even put my phone down, her video call co through.

"Well, looks like last night didn't go as planned," Nora teased the moment I answered.

"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be starving this early," I shot back, shifting the blame onto her.

Nora, lounging in her white lab coat, looked amused. "What happened last night? Spill the beans. I

need some entertainment."

I rolled my eyes. "Dr. Bennett, do you have no medical ethics?"

"Feel free to insult my personality, but leave my sacred profession out of it," Nora replied, laughing.

"Treat me to a meal, and I'll tell you everything," I said, standing up. "You're at the hospital, right? I'll come find you."

Nora yawned. "Sure. Bring me some scrambled eggs and toast while you're at it."

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"Got it, Dr. Bennett." With that, I ended the call.

@Meny

I sighed as I walked to the bathroom. Catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I was surprised. Despite my restless night, my complexion looked surprisingly radiant.

My face was pale but flushed, and my eyes had a strange glimmer.

Shouldn't I be sporting dark circles? Is this what they mean by being refreshed by love?

I quickly washed up and changed, then carefully opened the door. I planned to slip out quietly without disturbing Ashton. My plan was perfect-until it wasn't. Just as I approached my car, Ashton's voice cut through the quiet morning.

"Where are you going so early?"

I froze, tightening my grip on the car keys. Without turning around, I quickly said, "I'm going to see Nora."

Before I could take another step, I heard Ashton's steady, purposeful footsteps behind me.

I instinctively quickened my pace, but it was no use. His long strides easily caught

up to me, and he stepped in front of me, blocking my path.

"Are you not feeling well? Is something wrong?" he asked, his voice tense with concern.

I couldn't meet his gaze and simply shook my head. "No, no. It's just that Dr. Bennett's on duty and hungry. I'm taking her some food."

Ashton narrowed his eyes slightly. He wasn't a fool, and we both knew food delivery services existed

for a reason.

Quietly, he said, "I knew you'd try to avoid me."

His words startled me, and I looked up at him.

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