Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem

Chapter 197

Tarquin had sparked up a cigarette, his only solace against the chilly breeze that swept through the yard. But no sooner had he taken a drag than the wind changed course, sending the smoke billowing straight into Elysia’s face.

She coughed violently, her delicate features reddening with each sharp intake.

Tarquin’s brow furrowed in concern, but Elysia just waved him off. “Don’t mind me. If it helps you relax, go ahead.”

Still, Tarquin hesitated for a brief moment before crushing the cigarette under his heel.

Elysia couldn’t help but sneak another glance at him, noticing a softness in his demeanor that was uncharacteristic of the man she knew. Her pulse quickened as she recalled the words Keaton had said over the phone just before her arrival at the hospital, making her all the more anxious.

Breaking the silence, Tarquin spoke, “I owe you one for today, for helping Elijah.”

“It was nothing!”

“What do you want in return?”

“I don’t want anything.”

“Come on, you’ve earned a favor. I’ll see it done whatever you ask.”

Elysia blurted out, “That won’t be necessary!”

“Oh?”

his eyes, her expression serious. “You may not think much of me, and the feeling is mutual. So let’s forget about

coming to the hospital, Keaton had called her out of the blue. He had thanked her for saving Elijah and then hinted that someone was interested in a more… personal form of gratitude. But Elysia wouldn’t entertain the thought of being with that someone, not even for a second. She wanted to clear the air before

considered that angle at all. His eyes narrowed slightly as he asked, “Are you suggesting that I should offer myself to

denied, “No, not at all! Don’t

“Me? Never.”

anything. Doesn’t that

at a loss

or was there a hidden meaning behind her words?

of me being with another woman, so let’s

“That’s a relief!”

before adding, “But since you saved Elijah,

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Chacher 197

favor but that‘

for

she was in dire need of money,

to ask

had been her own choice,

then said, “Fine, consider it a debt I owe