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?”

felt emotional. “I worried you might think differently

from your parents, it was all above board. Nothing to worry about,” she

had faded, but I

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

me off guard. Ashton’s cold, expressionless face flashed through

the room swap, I

wasn’t serious about

breakfast, I borrowed Chloe’s bike and

town.

with an

they’d signed me up for

kept drawing. It was simple enough –

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

for them.

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

wink.

I started, “Mrs. Sutton…”

talked to him,” she nodded toward his

Chatfer 36

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

don’t kid about these things.

he say?” I asked casually, parking

Chloe nudged me, grinning hopefully, “Looks

works out, you’ll get a wedding

“Now go freshen up. I’ll tell Ashton

After all, we’d seen each other

It’s official.” Her insistence made me

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

room and flopped on the bed without changing. My phone

hit me. I’d secretly hoped

from Logan. Not expecting an apology or reconciliation, but…