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 surprised too.

cabs or public transit. Never expected rental

bike. Ride with us – Elaine’s car has plenty of room,”

me. “That’s kind of you, Ms.

I was floored.

all morning, I was beyond done.

Maya. “Maybe ask me before volunteering my

tone. “I’m thinking efficiency and safety here. He’s new in–town –

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we’ll never finish on

I

I had no comeback.

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promise!” Maya hugged me, trying to smooth things

“Fine. You’re running all errands

got the energy for it,” Maya chirped, bouncy as

today – I’ll handle things with Mr. Gray.” I needed space from

got to Mr. Gray’s area when Maya

“What?”

day off.” My blood pressure

Why

to Ashton, demanding answers.

schedule, one day shouldn’t be an issue, right?” His calm response just irritated

I said, “True, but we’re on deadline. Can’t we postpone breaks until after? I’ll pay extra for overtime.”

mine. “It’s not about money. We’re not

had a point, but our situation was

breath. “Is today absolutely necessary?”

As I turned to leave, he added, “Everyone

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

Ashton stayed maddeningly calm. “Ms. Hart, without proper rest you can’t work effectively, like last night-”

I cut him off, palms

jerk was really pushing it after I’d just warned him about mentioning last

steady gaze, I finally caved. “Fine. We’ll all take a break.”

go!” I called.

stopped me, “I need

about to boil over. Through gritted teeth, I asked, “What now? Need a massage on your day off?”

Just need help