More Than A Favor

Chapter 58

But why would he ask about that?

I

I just replied with a “?”

No response. He’d already eaten breakfast and headed to the park before me…

5)

Since they’d fixed the wiring overnight, Ashton jumped right into debugging. I was basically just his second pair of eyes – he’d adjust the programming, and I’d check if anything looked off.

Now I got what he meant last night. He seriously didn’t want anything slowing down the work.

The guy worked like a machine. I had to keep up, barely getting time for water breaks. Sometimes I’d even hold off drinking to avoid bathroom runs – In the time it took me to go and come back, he’d finish debugging another light fixture. Without me there to check it, he’d have to wait, throwing off our rhythm.

By day three, my mouth was full of ulcers from dehydration. Ashton seemed fine though, even with barely drinking anything.

Guess some things just come easier to guys.

“Drink something, Elaine. You’re gonna shrivel up like a raisin,” Maya said, worried about me since we

were roommates.

I laughed. “If I shrivel, at least I’ll be a young, pretty raisin.”

Taking a sip, I accidentally caught Ashton’s eye and choked.

“Easy there! Why’re you gulping it down?” Maya patted my back.

Ashton came over, cracked open a water bottle, and took a long drink.

His Adam’s apple bobbing up and down as he drank… I couldn’t help staring.

I mean, it’s just how bodies work, right? But something about his Adam’s apple really got to me.

Wait – did I have some weird thing for Adam’s apples?

I nearly choked again at that thought. Maya kept patting my back. “What’s with all the choking? Is your throat that sore?”

Ashton looked over, and I quickly shook my head. “No, just drank too fast.”

“Are you dehydrated?” he asked, clearly checking out my lips.

them together, shaking

“Yeah

slowing down Mr. Drake’s work! Your mouth’s full of sores – you can barely eat!” Maya blurted out, running

front of

Maya’s eyes

thing I knew, he had his hand on my chin, making me open up. After a quick look, he let go. “Yep, full

turned to Maya, who stood there slack–jawed. “Get her some

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mouthwash.”

Maya stuttered, “O–okay!”

| Manu

an engineer? How do you know

checked, I muttered, “He was in the military.”

Ashton cut in, “Weren’t you going

my eye, seemed to remember something, and finally left.

at Ashton. “Next time, don’t-”

morning, Mr. Mercer!” Maya’s voice cut

froze. Logan

He glanced at me before asking Maya, “Where you headed?”

medicine for Elaine’s ulcers,” Maya said.

water again, huh?” He knew me too well. I

get nosebleeds or ulcers.

together, of course he knew these

stung. Made me think about how he told Caleb we

knew each other so well he got bored and let a widow

need, Mr. Mercer?” I kept my tone ice–cold and

to speak, noticed Ashton

was personal or business, we couldn’t discuss it in front of Ashton,

away.

a tight schedule. What is it?”

his boyish face twisted with annoyance. “You’re trying

came out

that you made a scene about not wanting to get married. But if you’re gonna try to make me jealous, fine – just

up. His last line gave

visit. Can’t believe he assumed

face burned with anger. “Logan, you think everyone’s like you?*