More Than A Favor (Elaine and Logan)

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It was the first time I'd ever said something so bold. Ashton froze for a moment, then responded in a calm, detached tone, "You're overthinking it."

His reply left me feeling awkward and unsure of what to say next.

He turned away and began cutting the watermelon, his movements precise and methodical, He arranged the slices neatly on the plate, almost like soldiers standing in perfect formation. Watching. him work so meticulously, I suddenly felt an urge to explore his room again.

"Why aren't you eating? Staring at it won't fill you up," Chloe teased, bringing me back to reality.

Chloe, I realized, was no ordinary woman. She could scold someone with her hands on her hips one. moment, then crack a joke the next, all while exuding warmth and care.

"I was waiting for you. You've worked so hard standing up for me," I said playfully, handing her the largest slice of watermelon,

Without hesitation, she took a big bite. "It's sweet," she said, smacking her lips. "But I can't eat too much-high blood sugar."

I grabbed a piece for myself and began eating as well. The watermelon was juicy and refreshing, the perfect relief for a hot day. Ashton, however, had already disappeared back into his room. By the time dinner rolled around, he was gone entirely. I wanted to ask if he wasn't coming to eat, but he walked so quickly that I didn't get the chance.

Chloe sat beside me, shaking her head with a small laugh. "Ashton is naturally aloof. But the fact that he's even paying attention to you says something."

"Treats me how?" I wanted to ask, but I swallowed the question. Still, I couldn't deny that his massage had worked wonders. By the time I woke up the next morning, my ankle felt almost completely healed

The next morning, the courtyard was unusually quiet, as though no one else was around.

I stepped outside in a slip dress, enjoying the early morning calm, only to lock eyes with two people sitting at the dining table. Ashton's gaze caught mine for a brief moment before he quickly looked away. His ears turned red again, a sight that made my breath catch for reasons I didn't want to admit.

It wasn't until I glanced down at what I was wearing that I realized why. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as I hurried back into my room.

"Elaine, why are you going back inside? Come and have some oatmeal," Chloe called out cheerfully.

By the time I returned, fully dressed, Ashton had already left. My eyes instinctively drifted toward his room. "Why doesn't he eat with us?" I asked.

"He got scared off by you," Chloe teased, her tone light yet laced with implication. She leaned closer to me, her eyes glinting with mischief. "You've got some pretty advanced tactics, young lady."

Her playful winks and tone made her meaning clear, but I hadn't done anything intentionally.

"Mrs. Sutton, having such thoughts at your age isn't exactly good for your health," I replied, teasing her right back.

She narrowed her eyes at me, feigning offense. "What did you just say? Have I been too nice to you, letting you insult me so openly these past few days?"

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I laughed, raising my hands in surrender. "No, no, I was complimenting you! At your age, you're still sharp-eyed and quick-witted. Nothing gets past you."

Her gaze turned sharper. "So, there is something going on between you and Ashton?"

I hesitated, my eyes drifting to my pale feet. A memory of another man who once massaged them crept into my mind. "Mrs. Sutton," I said softly, "I'm really not in the mood for romance right now. It hurts too much."

"It hurts, huh?" Chloe clicked her tongue. "The best way to heal those wounds is to find someone new

Her bluntness startled me, but it wasn't entirely unwelcome.

I shook my head. "Not now. I just need some time alone."

Chloe sighed, her tone softening. "Sometimes, if you let a chance slip by, you'll regret it for the rest of your life. But it's your choice."

With that, she stood and carried her bowl to the sink, leaving me alone to finish my oatmeal.

After breakfast, I decided to go for a ride on my bike. Ashton was nowhere to be seen-whether he had already left or was still in his room, I wasn't sure.

When I returned that evening, the courtyard was filled with the cheerful sound of Chloe humming a tune. She seemed unusually happy.

I'd been here a while, but hadn't seen any of Chloe's kids visit. I never asked about it, but it seemed like she'd kind of adopted Ashton and me as her surrogate children. One evening, Nora called. "When you coming home?"

"Haven't decided," I said honestly. I was genuinely happy here - happier than I'd been since losing my parents. Part of me wanted to just stay indefinitely, until I got tired of it. "Or maybe you just can't tear yourself away from Soldier Boy?" Nora teased.

Thinking of those butterflies-in-stomach moments with Ashton, I smiled. "It's not that. But I'll admit being around him makes my heart feel... alive again."

"Well, well," Nora laughed. "Look who's bouncing back stronger than ever."

I stayed quiet. After a pause, her tone changed. "Has that jerk Logan even tried to reach out? Not even a text?"

I wet my lips. "No."

Nora scoffed. "Figures. He probably thinks you'll never actually leave him."

Looking at the moonlight streaming in, I muttered, "Well, he's in for a surprise this time."

We kept talking until I dozed off. When I woke up later, the call had ended. Nora had left me a message: "Nobody's irreplaceable."

She was right. I didn't need Logan to live my life. These past few days proved it - I was eating well, sleeping great, and feeling more at peace than I had in years.

I was about to go back to sleep when my phone buzzed. Who'd be texting this late?

It was Logan: "Come home when you're done causing drama!"

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