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.

he took cabs or public

the bike. Ride with us – Elaine’s car has plenty of

looked at me. “That’s kind

I was floored.

all morning,

Maya. “Maybe ask

caught my tone. “I’m thinking efficiency and safety here. He’s

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something happens, we’ll never

I

I had no

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promise!” Maya hugged me, trying to smooth

tapping her head. “Fine. You’re running

energy for it,” Maya chirped,

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

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

“What?”

day off.” My blood pressure

going on? Why

to Ashton, demanding answers.

is law. With our schedule, one day shouldn’t be an issue, right?” His calm response just

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

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

but our situation was different.

a deep breath.

firmly. As I turned to leave,

“Mr. Drake, you rest. Don’t

laugh while Ashton stayed maddeningly calm. “Ms. Hart, without proper rest you can’t work effectively, like

cut him off, palms sweating.

was really pushing it after I’d just warned him

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

let’s go!”

“I need your help

teeth, I asked, “What now? Need a massage on your day off?”

help shopping,”