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?”

worried you might think differently and not let me stay

all above board. Nothing to worry about,” she said, looking

of Mom had faded, but I

single. How about I fix you up with Ashton?” Chloe’s

Ashton’s cold, expressionless face flashed through my mind.

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

wasn’t serious about

breakfast, I borrowed Chloe’s bike and

town.

with an art board–drawing was

up

I kept drawing. It was simple enough – just needed a pen and

sketched the new Amaty. My parents always wanted to come back here, but never could. So I decided

for them.

what took you so long?” Chloe rushed over, giving me a knowing

wink.

I started, “Mrs. Sutton…”

to him,” she nodded

Chatfer 36

“Mis, Sutton, 19 actually told him? I was kidding!”

you don’t kid about these things. Besides,

asked casually,

you himself.” Chloe nudged

out, you’ll get a

“Now go freshen up. I’ll tell Ashton

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

is different. It’s official.” Her insistence made me

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

my room and flopped on the bed without changing. My phone had been buzzing with

avatar, disappointment hit me. I’d

from Logan. Not expecting an apology or reconciliation,