More Than A Favor (Elaine and Logan)

Chapter 113

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I distinctly felt Ashton's body tremble. I supposed my kiss had caught him off guard. The next second, he tightened his grip on my waist, pulling me closer.

Before things could escalate, I gently pulled back and flashed him a soft smile. "That's your reward for taking the needle so well."

As I uttered those words, memories of Logan during his sick days flooded my mind.

Logan had always been terrified of needles. He would rather suffer in silence than go to the hospital. To him, getting a shot was practically a form of torture. He was one tantrum away from acting like a total brat every time he had to face it.

I'd had to comfort him endlessly, treating him like a child. I would cover his eyes during the injection and even let him bite my arm once when the needle went in. Every time Logan received an injection, it felt like I had completed an impossible mission. And, of course, Logan would demand rewards afterward-like me dancing, singing, or buying him gifts. In those moments, he transformed into "Little Logan," a version of him that was far from likable.

In contrast, Ashton had been the complete opposite. He had handled the IV drip with composure and without complaint. He didn't need me to comfort him or hold his hand. In fact, he had asked me to turn away so I wouldn't have to watch. He even suggested I take a stroll so I wouldn't be bored.

The difference was stark. Suddenly, I realized that with Logan, I had never truly been his partner-I had been his caretaker.

Ashton's voice brought me back to the present. His tone was low and raspy as he said, "I can't wait to be sick again."

I was speechless. I knew exactly what he meant, but I chose not to respond.

As we were getting ready to leave, Logan's voice rang out behind me.

"You got back at me. Now we're even, Elaine."

I paused and turned to look at him.

His face carried a faint trace of anger, but his tone remained calm. He repeated, "We're even, Elaine."

In that moment, Logan enlightened me on just how shameless a person could be.

"You're a nuthead, Logan!" I snapped before storming off.

Ashton's hand remained firmly on my waist until we exited the hospital and arrived at the parking lot.

I was about to open the car door when he unexpectedly grabbed my shoulders. He turned me around and pressed me gently but firmly against the car.

His gaze was intense, soulful, and sparkling. It was as if the twinkling stars in the night sky had fallen into his eyes.

He didn't say a word, but his stare alone made my heart race uncontrollably.

I knew the kiss earlier had ignited something in him. After all, I wasn't naive.

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That was why I needed to make things clear.

"Ashton," I began, my voice soft but firm. "I was just trying to get back at Logan. Don't misunderstand."

I watched as the light in Ashton's eyes dimmed, his expression shifting. He rubbed his eyes slightly before asking, "You mean it was just for show?"

"That's right. What else could it be? We're not in a real relationship, anyway," I said with a forced smile. It was so fake that even I could feel how hollow it sounded.

Ashton's hands tightened slightly on my shoulders. "Your acting was very convincing."

"Well, it had to be for Logan to believe it," I replied honestly.

The truth was, I had kissed Ashton because I wanted Logan to let go of me completely. But instead of achieving that, Logan had twisted it into some petty exchange of revenge. Not only had my efforts gone to waste, but I'd also managed to drag Ashton into this mess.

The most frustrating part? Ashton was taking the kiss seriously.

I couldn't let him get the wrong idea. Ashton was a good man-honest and dependable. He didn't deserve to be caught up in my tangled history with Logan.

Placing my palm on Ashton's chest, I nudged him gently. "Don't fall for this play."

His grim expression made it almost impossible for me to meet his eyes.

He didn't release me, nor did I push him away. I was trapped in an invisible cage, my breathing shallow

and uneven.

Just as I was about to slip out from under his arms, his low voice stopped me in my tracks.

"If it were your blind date or any other man, would you have kissed them too?"