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.

or public transit. Never expected

Ride with us – Elaine’s car

looked at me. “That’s kind of you, Ms.

I was floored.

all morning, I was

on Maya. “Maybe ask me before

“I’m thinking efficiency and safety here.

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I

had no

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first next time, promise!” Maya hugged me, trying to smooth things over.

tapping her head. “Fine. You’re

for it,” Maya chirped,

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

to Mr. Gray’s area when Maya called. “Elaine, we’re done

“What?”

the day off.” My blood pressure spiked.

Why are we

over to Ashton, demanding

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

said, “True, but we’re on deadline. Can’t we postpone

met mine. “It’s not about money. We’re not machines –

a point, but our

breath. “Is today

to leave, he added, “Everyone needs to rest today.”

did it. I spun around. “Mr. Drake, you rest.

maddeningly calm. “Ms. Hart, without proper rest you can’t work effectively, like last

him off, palms sweating.

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

finally caved. “Fine. We’ll all take a break.”

let’s go!”

me, “I need

to boil over. Through gritted teeth, I asked, “What now? Need

like that. Just need help shopping,” he said