More Than A Favor

Chapter 30

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By the time I finished, it was 3 AM and my eyes were burning. I tossed my phone aside and shut my eyes.

Just then, footsteps passed my door, followed by the sound of a door opening and closing. Ashton was back. Despite the late night, I woke up early to noise outside. My eyelids felt like lead, so I stayed in bed even though I was awake.

“Ashton, could you come home early tonight? I want to have dinner with the new tenant,” Chloe’s voice made me smile, even half–asleep.

Her enthusiasm about having me for dinner was sweet – it felt like being home again.

“Won’t be back. You two eat without me.” Ashton’s voice was as harsh as a judge’s.

How dull. Any woman who liked this guy had to be into punishment. I mentally criticized Ashton.

After two meetings, he hit every red flag. Not my type at all.

After he left, I got up. Still in my PJs, I lazily pushed open the door. Sunlight flooded the courtyard, filtering through leaves and scattering golden spots everywhere.

“Elaine, you’re up! Just made some sweet potatoes. Want some?” Chloe

held out a bowl.

I loved simple things like this. “Sure,” I said.

“Come sit and eat,” she invited, already at the table under the honey locust

tree.

It reminded me of my parents and childhood. Tears suddenly welled up.

“Mrs. Sutton, I was actually born in this courtyard,” I said, eating the sweet potato while sharing my family’s story. Chloe nodded eagerly, clearly touched. “You’re Ethan Hart’s daughter? That’s amazing! Why didn’t you

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mention it yesterday?”

think differently and

bought this place from your parents, it was all above board. Nothing to worry about,” she said, looking at me.

but I remembered

since you’re here alone, you must be single. How about I fix you up with Ashton?” Chloe’s

Ashton’s cold, expressionless face flashed

blunt refusal about the room swap, I felt mischieras “Yeah, why

wasn’t

borrowed Chloe’s bike and spent the day

town.

got back in the evening with an art

signed me up for everything–dance,

kept drawing. It was simple enough – just needed

parents always wanted to come back here, but never could. So I decided to

for them.

what took you so long?” Chloe

wink.

I started,

him,” she

Chatfer 36

and cracked up. “Mis, Sutton, 19 actually told him?

don’t kid about these things. Besides, it’s

say?” I asked casually,

talk to you himself.” Chloe nudged me, grinning hopefully, “Looks

laughed. “If it works out,

earnestly. “Now go freshen up. I’ll

We’ve met before.” After all, we’d seen each other at our

It’s official.” Her insistence made

admit, I was happy here. Free to wander, draw, speak my

and flopped on the bed without changing. My

avatar, disappointment hit me. I’d secretly hoped

Not expecting an apology or