More Than A Favor (Elaine and Logan)

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"When nothing happens between a single man and woman alone together, usually means something's wrong with the guy," Nora texted. Could Ashton have... Issues?

An image of his lean physique flashed through my mind. No way - if anyone lacked appeal here, it was definitely me.

Considering I couldn't even compete with a widow for Logan's attention, what chance did I have with anyone? I ignored Nora's message. "Where'd you disappear to last night? I texted but got no response," Maya asked, finally up with her alarm.

Surprised she'd actually woken up-girl could sleep through a hurricane usually.

Avoiding eye contact, I mumbled, "Went for a run."

"Running? At midnight?" Maya's eyes bulged. "Are you torturing yourself? Or just hot and bothered thinking about some guy?"

Classic Maya logic.

"Shut up," I groaned, rolling my eyes.

"Who goes running in the middle of the night?" She wouldn't let it go.

I ignored her, changing clothes and reminding her we had work issues to handle downstairs.

"All that overtime just created more problems. Maybe ease up?" she suggested.

I had no response for that.

At the cafeteria, we spotted Ashton already eating breakfast.

"Morning, Mr. Drake!" Maya chirped.noveldrama

Ashton gave a slight nod. "Morning."

I tried dragging Maya toward the food line, but she grabbed my bag instead. "I'll have whatever you're having. You pick while I save seats here." Seriously?

Maya winked, clearly wanting to hang near her crush. I couldn't even argue.

But sitting with Ashton was the last thing I wanted.

Before I could move, Ashton spoke up. "Ms. Ellison, I can hold your spot, but handle your own business."

Talk about awkward.

I felt embarrassed for Maya.

She was too, but recovered quickly with a bright smile. "Right, thanks Mr. Drake."

Joining me in line, she whispered, "PMS acting up again? Someone's grumpy today."

14 09

2001

< Chapter 64

I stayed quiet. Maya heard the harsh tone, but I felt like... maybe he was trying to keep her from dumping work on me. Was he... looking out for me?

I shook off that thought. My ego was getting out of control.

"Let's sit somewhere else," I suggested after getting our food. After last night, facing Ashton seemed impossible.

"Why? We can discuss work plans together," Maya countered, leaving me no argument.

I saw right through her. "You just want to stare at your crush while eating."

"You know me too well!" She grinned mischievously.

Realizing I couldn't avoid this without raising suspicions - and Maya's imagination didn't need any help - I gave in.

Just as we sat down, a voice called out: "Maya?"

A pretty girl with a breakfast tray approached.

Maya jumped up excitedly. "Clara! What brings you here?"

"Business trip. It's been forever! Join me for breakfast?" Clara offered.

Maya

glanced between Ashton and me before agreeing, leaving with her old classmate.

Now it was just us two. Could this get more uncomfortable?

"No need to be awkward. You just slept in my bed - we didn't sleep together," Ashton said casually, nearly making me choke on my soup.

He handed me a napkin as I coughed.

I glared, snatching it from him. After cleaning up, I leaned in close. "Why didn't you wake me?"

"I tried. You were out cold," he said, continuing his breakfast.

"I don't buy it." I've always been a light sleeper.

"Can't help what you believe. I did try." His expression said 'take it or leave it."

The thought of him carrying me to bed was mortifying. "You could've taken me back to my room.

"Next time I will," he replied simply.

Next time? Not happening!

I angrily bit into my bagel. Then remembered: "Don't tell Maya about last night."

Ashton finished eating, wiping his mouth methodically.

"What are you worried about? That people might think something's going on? Worried about your reputation? Or scared your boyfriends will find out?" That caught me off guard. "Excuse me?"

"Ms. Hart, if anyone should worry, it's me," he said, folding his napkin perfectly.

i

"What could you possibly have to worry about?" I was confused and irritated. 14.09