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

my ear. “Have you two hooked

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

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

I shot back

at both of us,

14:32

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Chapter 34

little self–respect. Embarrassing for all women,” Chloe chuckled, wringing out

me help, Mrs.

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

he

reason.

come back and left again. Felt like he was

why should I care?

days later, I’d settled into valley life. The afternoon street

or not, I’d always take a walk, sometimes

good, so I bought one.

to fall. Then out of nowhere, strong arms caught

I

waist.

of a movie, he’d not

go. But the second I tried to put weight on my foot, pain shot

followed mine down to my

body heat. His deep voice had this way

the watermelon back in my hands and scooped me

smooth motion.

my heart racing, and I felt that

In a small town like this, a man

didn’t seem to care. He walked straight into the courtyard, cool as could be. There

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

setting me down carefully on a courtyard bench. Then he knelt, slipped off my shoe, and took my foot

touch sent shivers up my spine, and