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?”

“I worried you might think differently and not let me stay

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

of Mom had faded, but I remembered she was beautiful

here alone, you must be single. How about I fix you up

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

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

I agreed, I wasn’t serious

Chloe’s bike and spent the day

town.

evening with an art board–drawing

signed me up for everything–dance, painting, calligraphy, even

dropped everything after they died, I kept drawing. It was simple enough – just needed

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

for them.

you so long?” Chloe rushed over,

wink.

I started, “Mrs. Sutton…”

to him,” she nodded toward

Chatfer 36

and cracked up. “Mis, Sutton, 19 actually told him? I was kidding!”

these things. Besides, it’s

say?” I asked casually, parking

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

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

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

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

official.” Her insistence made me laugh.

to wander, draw, speak my mind. This must

my room and flopped on the bed without changing. My phone had been buzzing with Instagram notifications all day I

me. I’d secretly hoped

Not expecting an