More Than A Favor

Chapter 34

Get 5

Menu

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…”

her look turning hostile. “Ms. Hart, let me

hair behind my ear. “Have you

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

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

business, right?” I shot

both of us, and stormed

14:32

11.72%

Chapter 34

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

help, Mrs. Sutton.”

the yard. I hadn’t noticed before, but Ashton’s green vest was among them.

flexing as he washed his hair. My cheeks

reason.

come back and left again. Felt like

should

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

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

good, so I bought one.

ankle twisted painfully as I started to fall. Then out of nowhere, strong arms caught me around the

I

waist.

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

go. But the second I tried to put weight on my foot, pain shot through my ankle. I grabbed his arm instinctively. “Ow…”

down to my ankle, already red and

could feel his body heat. His deep voice had this way of making my insides flutter.

nodded. Without a word, he put the watermelon back in my hands and

smooth motion.

around me sent my heart racing, and I felt that familiar nervous

In a small town like this, a man carrying a

Ashton didn’t seem to care. He walked straight into the courtyard, cool as could be. There was Synthia, clutching a spatula, giving me the death glare.

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

Ashton said simply, setting me down carefully on a courtyard bench. Then he knelt,

my spine, and my