40 24%
< More Than A Favor
Chapter 172
I immediately understood what she meant. “Ashton is a decent guy, okay?”
“Does being decent mean he has no emotions or desires? Does it mean he doesn’t want to start a family?” Nora shot back, her questions sharp and direct.
Then, as if to drive the point home, she added, “Logan was also very decent, wasn’t he?”
Her words hit a nerve, and I fell silent.
Sensing my unease, Nora softened her tone. “I’m not saying anything specific about Ashton or Logan. I just mean that in a romantic relationship, dopamine is released, which boosts adrenaline levels and stimulates sexual desire.”
She continued with her usual clinical precision. “Let’s put it this way: A man who truly loves you will have urges and will want to be intimate with you. If he doesn’t, or if he’s able to control himself too easily, it might mean his feelings aren’t as deep as you think.”
Her words made me think back to my relationship with Logan.
Although we had been publicly recognized as an engaged couple for years, the most intimate moments we shared were holding hands or brief hugs.
At the time, I thought it was his way of being respectful–a modern–day gentleman. But deep down, I had questioned whether it was something about me that didn’t stir those feelings in him.
Now, hearing Nora’s analysis, I realized that Logan’s lack of desire could have been a reflection of his lack of deep love for me.
He had once told me that he wasn’t interested in “those kinds of things” because we were too familiar with each other. But was that really the truth?
Nora’s voice pulled me back to the present. “Elaine, does Ashton show any interest in that aspect? Or does he cling to you and not want to let go?”
I thought back to the moments I had spent with Ashton–how he held me at the door tonight, neither of us wanting to pull away.
“There is interest, of course,” I said carefully. “But it’s all within the bounds of propriety.”
“Bullshit!” Nora exclaimed. “If a man really loves you deeply, he’ll want to be completely immersed in
you.”
Her bluntness made my throat dry, I walked to the kitchen, poured myself a glass of water, and took a
sip.
“Is that so? I don’t really understand these things. Dr. Bennett, you truly are an expert,” I said, teasing
her.
Nora’s tone grew serious again. “I’m just looking out for you. Ashton may be principled and reserved, but you can take the initiative.”
I nearly choked on my drink. “Take the initiative? Nora, why do you always push me into things like
this?”
15:01
40.47%
< Chapter 172
C4 Mew
“I’m just saying, a good man like Ashton is highly sought after. If you don’t act, someone else will.”
Her words struck a chord.
“Elaine,” she continued, “you’ve probably heard this before: A man who wants to sleep with you doesn’t necessarily love you, but a man who loves you will definitely want to sleep with you.”
I sighed, her words echoing in my mind.
Having been in a long–term relationship with Logan, I thought I understood love and relationships. But now, I wondered if I had misjudged everything.
“True love isn’t just about physical attraction,” I said quietly, almost to myself.
“Sex and attraction are basic human desires,” Nora shot back.
Her words made me think about the times Ashton and I had been alone together. While there had been moments of intimacy, nothing had ever gone further.
I was vibrant and attractive. He clearly cared for me. So why hadn’t he ever pushed for more?
Was it restraint, or was there something else?
I felt the need to test Ashton’s feelings. But I couldn’t be as bold as Nora suggested. Taking the initiative wasn’t my style. But maybe… maybe there was another way.
40.47%
