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 clear. Ashton’s mine. Back off.”

my hair behind my ear. “Have you two hooked up?”

reminding me of Chloe’s story about Ashton

kissed. Then what

I shot back blunt/yy

at both of us, and stormed off.

14:32

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Chapter 34

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

me help, Mrs.

I

flexing as he washed his hair. My

reason.

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

should

days later, I’d settled into

I’d always take a walk, sometimes picking

watermelons looked good, so I bought one. But heading home,

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

I

waist.

myself staring into Ashton’s chiseled face. Like something out of a movie, he’d not only caught me but also saved the

was steady, he let go. But the second I tried to put weight on my

eyes followed mine down to my

I could feel his body heat. His deep voice had this way of

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

smooth motion.

like this. The feeling of Ashton’s strong arms around me sent my heart racing, and I

town like this, a man carrying a woman was quite the

seem to care. He walked straight into the courtyard, cool as could be. There was

well, carrying her home now? You two are moving fast,” Chloe

courtyard bench. Then he knelt, slipped off my shoe, and took my foot

up my spine, and