More Than A Favor

Chapter 65

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–

“Ms. Hart, I’ve never dated anyone. My reputation’s spotless, unlike yours – with an ex–fiancé, that guy who pets your head, and this ‘brother of yours,” Ashton said deliberately, his eyes fixed on me.

Before I could snap back, he lowered his gaze. “So really, I should be worried. If people hear we spent the night together, they’ll think I’m not pure anymore.”

“Are you saying I corrupted your virtue?” I sputtered, fuming.

“Not at all. You were perfectly behaved – didn’t try anything inappropriate.” His tone made him sound like some Victorian maiden whose honor I’d threatened.

What a piece of work!

He was infuriating, but I couldn’t unleash my anger. I could only take it out on my bagel.

“Well, if Mr. Drake’s so concerned about his honor, maybe he should keep his distance,” I finally managed, finishing my breakfast.

“Can’t do that unless we quit working together.” He stood up, folding his napkin.

I was speechless.

When breakfast ended, Maya finished saying goodbye to her friend, promising to call next time she visited Hilcord.

The moment her friend’s car pulled away, Maya pounced. “What were you and Mr. Drake talking about? He was actually speaking in full sentences!”

Unbelievable. This girl had been supposedly catching up with her friend but was watching us the

whole time.

“Nothing important,” I said curtly, hoping to shut down her questions.

She didn’t buy it. I added, “Just work stuff. Might need longer hours soon.”

“What?” Maya’s smile vanished. “How heartless! Doesn’t he care about people at all?”

I stayed quiet as we headed to the park. Ashton hadn’t arrived yet.

When we parked, he pulled up on a bicycle.

“Elaine, does Mr. Drake rent a bike every day? Didn’t think guys still rode those anymore,” Maya said,

was

public transit. Never expected

Ride with us – Elaine’s car has plenty of room,” Maya offered, speaking for

Ashton looked at me.

I was floored.

all morning, I was beyond done.

on Maya. “Maybe ask

and safety here.

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< Chapter 65

something happens, we’ll never finish

I

I had no

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time, promise!” Maya hugged

tapping her head. “Fine. You’re running all errands

problem! I’ve got the energy for it,” Maya chirped,

with Mr. Drake today – I’ll handle things with Mr.

I barely got to Mr. Gray’s area when Maya called. “Elaine,

“What?”

the day

going on? Why are we

to Ashton, demanding answers.

per week is law. With our schedule, one day shouldn’t be an

I said, “True, but we’re on deadline. Can’t we postpone breaks until after?

met mine. “It’s not about money. We’re not machines – we need regular rest. It Improves performance.”

had a point, but our situation

a deep breath. “Is

I turned to leave, he added,

it. I spun around. “Mr. Drake, you rest. Don’t worry about

laugh while Ashton stayed maddeningly calm. “Ms. Hart, without proper rest

cut him off, palms sweating.

jerk was really pushing it after I’d

steady gaze, I finally caved.

let’s go!” I

Hart,” Ashton stopped me, “I need your help

gritted teeth, I asked, “What now?

that. Just need help shopping,” he