As soon as the words left my mouth, a wave of embarrassment washed over me.

Had I been too blunt? Surely, Ashton must have felt awkward as well.

But instead of pulling away or reacting with discomfort, he paused for nearly half a minute before simply responding with, "Oh."

I blinked in surprise.

Oh? How could he be so calm about it?

I glanced up at him, and only then did he slowly straighten his posture. ...