More Than A Favor (Elaine and Logan) novel Chapter 174

< More Than A Favor 

Chapter 174 

If Ashton could still restrain himself like this, I had to admit–I was truly a failure. 

“Elaine,” Ashton called my name urgently, his voice strained, as he loosened his hold on me. He gripped my shoulders firmly, his head bowed, his breathing ragged. 

Men 

His Adam’s apple bobbed visibly, and I noticed his hands trembling slightly. It felt like he had just run a marathon, and honestly, I wasn’t in much better shape. Having crossed this line, I was caught in a whirlwind of embarrassment and boldness. 

“Elaine, it’s getting late,” Ashton said hoarsely. With that, he released me and moved toward the door. 

A chill ran through me as the warmth of his touch faded. Embarrassment and a deep sense of failure swirled in my chest, making my head spin. 

“Ashton,” I said, my voice trembling. “At a time like this, are you leaving because you can’t… or because you’re not interested in me?” 

Ashton froze, one foot already out the door. He stopped, standing still for a moment before turning ar ound. 

I didn’t need a mirror to know I looked a mess–my eyes were probably red, my face pale, and my emotions written all over my expression. 

Ashton’s gaze locked on me. His dark eyes were filled with so many emotions I couldn’t read them all. Then, he stepped back into the room, hooked his foot around the door, and closed it firmly behind him. 

The room darkened, and before I could process what was happening, I felt his hands at the back of my head, pulling me toward him. His lips crashed against mine, burning with intensity. 

In that moment, all I could feel was him–his overwhelming presence, his heat, his emotions. 

His kiss was wild and relentless, prying my lips open as his large hands gripped me tightly, holding me as though he never wanted to let go. I felt like I was being consumed by the rawness of his passion, and it left me breathless, my heart racing out of control. 

“Elaine,” Ashton whispered against my lips, his voice low and trembling. “Is this okay?” 

His words jolted me back to reality. My mind, clouded by the heat of the moment, suddenly cleared as his question echoed in my head. 

Is this okay? 

I remembered my parents speaking to me about love and relationships before they passed away. When I was 12, my mom had sat me down and explained some things about the bonds between men 

and women. 

She had told me, “Elaine, never let a man touch your body unless you’re sure he’s the one you want to spend your life with. And before you decide, make sure he’s worth that trust.” 

Her words came flooding back to me now. 

Was I ready to give myself to Ashton? 

Although I had told him tonight that I wanted to be with him, that I had accepted him, a lifetime was a 

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long time Too long Too uncertain. 

Doubt crept into my heart 

That moment of hesitation must have been enough for Ashton, because he suddenly pulled back. His cheek brushed against my hair as he spoke, his voice now softer, more composed. 

Let’s wait a bit longer,” he said. 

My mind was still a mess, and I couldn’t find the words to respond. 

“But you need to understand one thing,” he continued, his voice still low and husky. “It’s not that I can’t or that I’m not interested in you. I just want to wait until you’re sure–until you’re absolutely certain- before we take the next step.”