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

behind my ear. “Have you two hooked

reminding me of Chloe’s story about Ashton throwing her

not married, haven’t even kissed. Then what happens between him and me isn’t

I shot back blunt/yy

stood there speechless, glared at both of us, and stormed

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Chapter 34

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

help, Mrs. Sutton.”

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

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

reason.

back and left again. Felt like he was avoiding me. Had

should

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

not, I’d always take a walk,

watermelons looked good, so I bought one. But

I started to fall. Then out of nowhere,

I

waist.

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

put weight on my foot, pain shot through my ankle. I grabbed his arm instinctively.

down to my

feel his body heat. His deep voice had this

he put the watermelon back in my hands and scooped me up

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 being

the neighbors whispering. In a small town like this, a man

seem to care. He walked straight into the courtyard, cool as could be. There was Synthia, clutching a spatula, giving me

are moving fast,”

Ashton said simply, setting me down carefully on a courtyard bench. Then he knelt, slipped off my shoe, and

my spine, and my toes