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…”

hostile. “Ms. Hart, let me be crystal clear.

hair behind my ear. “Have you

reminding me of Chloe’s story about Ashton throwing her out.

dating, not married, haven’t even kissed. Then what

right?” I

speechless, glared at both of us, and

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Chapter 34

for all women,” Chloe

help, Mrs.

the yard. I hadn’t

as he washed his hair. My cheeks got hot for

reason.

day or the next. Chloe said he’d come back and left again. Felt like he was avoiding me. Had my rejection bruised his ego?

should

later, I’d settled into valley life. The

anything or not, I’d always take

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

Then out of nowhere, strong

I

waist.

chiseled face. Like something out of a movie, he’d not only caught me but also saved the watermelon from hitting

was steady, he let go. But the second I tried to put weight on my foot, pain shot through my

down to my ankle, already

stood so close I could feel his body heat. His deep voice

Without a word, he put the watermelon back in my hands and scooped me

smooth motion.

this. The feeling of Ashton’s strong arms around me sent my heart racing, and I felt that familiar nervous sweat on my nose – my tell–tale sign of

whispering. In a small town like

to care. He walked straight into the courtyard, cool as could be. There was Synthia, clutching

now? You two are moving fast,” Chloe teased with a knowing

Then he knelt, slipped off my shoe, and took my foot in his

cool touch sent shivers up my spine, and my toes curled