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

hair behind my ear. “Have you

reminding me of Chloe’s story about Ashton throwing

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

business, right?” I shot

glared at both of

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Chapter 34

self–respect. Embarrassing for all women,”

me help, Mrs. Sutton.”

I hadn’t noticed before, but Ashton’s green vest was among

mind flashed to him wearing it, muscles flexing as he washed his hair. My cheeks got hot for no

reason.

and left again.

why should

into valley life. The afternoon street markets were my

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

I bought one. But heading home, I suddenly slipped

started to fall. Then

I

waist.

Like something out of a movie, he’d not only caught me but also saved the watermelon

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

my ankle, already red and swelling.

heat. His deep voice had this way of

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

smooth motion.

me sent my heart racing, and I felt that

In a small town like this, a man carrying a woman was quite

walked straight into the courtyard, cool as

her home now? You two are moving fast,”

setting me down carefully on a courtyard bench. Then he knelt, slipped off

shivers up my spine, and my