More Than A Favor

Chapter 34

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Chloe glanced at me. “There’s nothing I can do about that. This is a small place. I’ll make sure to close the door next time to keep out unwanted guests.”

I laughed inwardly. “Thanks, Mrs. Sutton.”

I walked over to the sink and picked up my toothbrush and toothpaste. Next to mine was a military- green toothbrush holder–unmistakably Ashton’s. Mine was pink, and his was green. His was large, and mine was small. Together, they looked surprisingly harmonious.

I filled my toothbrush holder with water and started brushing, deliberately ignoring Synthia. But I could feel her eyes scanning me up and down like a laser.

“Elaine, meet Synthia Carter,” Chloe made the intro.

With a mouthful of toothpaste, I just nodded at her.

She had a round face but wasn’t heavy. Her floral dress and carefully done makeup showed she’d made an effort.

“Synthia, this is Elaine Hart. See what I mean about her perfect skin?” Chloe asked while hand–washing clothes.

When our eyes met, I caught Synthia’s insecurity, though she tried to hide it. “Well sure, she’s young. My skin was just as nice at her age.”

Chloe pursed her lips. Synthia rolled her eyes. Their little power play was like watching a sitcom.

As I finished brushing, Synthia probed, “Ms. Hart, visiting family? Or just here for vacation?”

“Vacation,” I said, rinsing my toothbrush holder.

“Come alone? No boyfriend?” Synthia’s question made me laugh.

“Single.” My answer visibly darkened her mood.

*Ashton’s taken a shine to her – asked me to play matchmaker. Don’t they make a cute pair, Synthia?” Chloe jumped in supportively.

Synthia’s lips twitched before she spat, “He’s just a toad. Even if a toad wants a swan, the swan has to want him back.”

Her jealousy made her accidentally compliment me as the swan.

Chloe glanced my way. “Elaine, didn’t you say you dreamed about marrying Ashton?”

“Yes…”

turning hostile. “Ms. Hart, let me be crystal clear. Ashton’s

ear. “Have you two hooked

reminding me of Chloe’s story about Ashton throwing

even kissed. Then what happens between

I

stood there speechless, glared at both

14:32

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Chapter 34

seen someone with so little self–respect. Embarrassing for all women,” Chloe

me help,

a thin steel wire in the yard. I hadn’t noticed before, but Ashton’s green vest was

him wearing it, muscles flexing as he washed his hair. My cheeks got hot for

reason.

and left again. Felt like he was avoiding me. Had my rejection bruised his

should I care?

dwell on it. Three days later, I’d settled into valley life. The afternoon street markets were

needed anything or not, I’d always take a walk,

good, so I bought one. But heading home, I suddenly slipped

Then

I

waist.

staring into Ashton’s chiseled face. Like something out of a movie, he’d

go. But the second I tried to put weight

mine down to my ankle, already red and swelling.

his body heat. His deep voice had this way of making my

word, he put the watermelon back in

smooth motion.

my heart racing, and I felt that familiar nervous

like this,

the courtyard, cool as could

You two are moving fast,” Chloe teased

carefully on a courtyard bench. Then he knelt, slipped

shivers up my spine, and my toes curled automatically.