More Than A Favor

Chapter 30

Get 10

Menu

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

09:31

10.34%

mention it yesterday?”

“I worried you might think

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

had faded, but I remembered she

I fix you up with Ashton?”

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

about the room swap, I

I agreed, I wasn’t serious about it.

I borrowed Chloe’s bike and spent the

town.

the evening with an art board–drawing was my

my parents passed, they’d signed me up for everything–dance,

died, I kept drawing. It was

come back here, but never could. So I decided

for them.

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

wink.

started,

talked to him,”

Chatfer 36

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

kid about these things. Besides, it’s done, she

say?” I asked casually, parking the

to talk to you himself.” Chloe

works out, you’ll get a

freshen up. I’ll tell Ashton to get ready”

we’d

Her insistence made me laugh.

I was happy here. Free to wander, draw, speak my mind. This must be what freedom

changing. My phone had been buzzing with Instagram notifications all day

Maya’s avatar, disappointment hit me. I’d

from Logan. Not expecting an apology or