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?”

you might think

all above board. Nothing to worry about,” she said, looking at me. You look just like your mother. Such a

Mom had faded, but I

since you’re here alone, you must be single. How about I fix you

guard. Ashton’s cold, expressionless face flashed

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

I agreed, I wasn’t

Chloe’s bike and spent

town.

got back in the evening with an art board–drawing was

they’d signed me up for everything–dance, painting,

they died, I kept drawing. It was

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

for them.

Chloe rushed

wink.

I started,

I talked to him,” she nodded toward his room.

Chatfer 36

and cracked up. “Mis, Sutton, 19

these things. Besides, it’s

I asked

Chloe nudged me, grinning hopefully, “Looks promising.”

“If it works out, you’ll get a wedding invitation.”

said earnestly. “Now go freshen up. I’ll tell Ashton

all, we’d seen

different. It’s official.” Her insistence

Free to wander, draw, speak my mind. This must be

changing. My phone had been buzzing with Instagram notifications all day I was curious who’d

avatar, disappointment hit me. I’d

from Logan. Not expecting an