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…”

froze, her look turning hostile. “Ms. Hart, let me be crystal clear. Ashton’s

behind my ear.

of Chloe’s story about

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

business, right?” I

both of

14:32

11.72%

Chapter 34

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

me help, Mrs.

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

mind flashed to him wearing it, muscles flexing as he washed his hair. My cheeks got hot

reason.

next. Chloe said he’d come back and left again. Felt like he was avoiding me. Had my rejection bruised

why should I

later, I’d settled into valley life.

needed anything or not, I’d always take a walk, sometimes picking up fruit or veggies.

I bought one.

fall. Then out of

I

waist.

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

I tried to put weight on my foot, pain shot

followed mine down to my ankle,

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

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

smooth motion.

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

a small town like

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

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

a courtyard bench. Then he knelt, slipped off

up my spine, and my