More Than A Favor

Chapter 66

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“Are you seriously using last night and our history to blackmail me?” I confronted Ashton directly.

“No,” he mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

Classic guilty behavior. I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to deck him.

“I’m just new here and could use some help. I’ve helped you before too,” he said meekly.

Great, now I’d feel like a jerk if I refused.

Debts were debts, whether money or favors.

I sighed. “Fine, Mr. Drake. Where to? What do you need?”

“House hunting,” he replied, throwing me off guard.

“Houses? Weren’t you heading back after this job?”

“Might stick around, so I’m looking early.” His words hit me weirdly.

I felt strange, couldn’t explain why.

“Your company isn’t even based here,” I reminded him.

“I can quit!”

I was speechless.

“Just renting, by the way. Too broke to buy.” He admitted his financial situation without shame.

That was rare these days, when guys maxed out credit cards for fancy watches just to look rich. But here was Ashton, openly admitting he was broke.

“And you still want to quit your job?” I muttered.

He ignored that, acting like he hadn’t heard.

Maybe it was pity over his broke status, but I ended up driving him downtown.

“Rent must be steep here,” he noted.

“Suburbs are cheaper but the commute’s brutal. As an engineer, you’ll probably work downtown. Living here saves time,” I explained.

He went quiet. Thinking about his empty wallet, I added, “I could loan you some money. Pay me back.

whenever.”

“Trying to be my sugar mama?” His comment made me choke.

I glared, remembering his hints about feelings for me and that marriage proposal.

Smirking, I shot back, “Dream on. I’m the one looking for a sugar daddy.”

slightly as I started the car.

the suburban real estate office, my phone rang before we

I hung up and turned to him. “Go ahead without

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20.63

< Chapter 66

didn’t move. “What happened?”

Need to

had called about water flooding the

fix it,” Ashton

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he added, “Every minute means more water damage.

I drove him to my place anyway.

flooded, neighbors gathered around pointing and chattering.

checking things out. “Where’s

there, but it’s rusted shut. Nobody’s been able to turn

was already lifting the cover. “Which unit is yours?”

floor, east side.”

laid flat on the wet ground, reaching for the

“It won’t turn!”

rust is years

too packed

while I watched

with effort, looking surprisingly powerful. His shirt clung to his back, revealing the

wouldn’t budge. His face was turning red

young man. Strong guys already tried,” an elderly lady advised kindly.

let’s just call someone,” I suggested,

suddenly relaxed,

got up, casually dusting himself off.

was still cascading down the stairs.

my shoes. “I’ll carry

wide. “No way!”

aware of the audience of

embarrassment, he said, “I’ll

His f

them, sending an electric shock through

that with

together. Holding hands or

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Logan, everything had been comfortable, expected – but never

what Logan told Caleb

stairs like some water–walking superhero, not even hesitating at the cascade of water. When he disappeared upstairs, I realized I

boyfriend, miss?” a neighbor asked.

hands dirty either,” another added. “That’s rare

like that anymore. You’re lucky, dear.”

as something fluttered in my chest. The water gradually subsided, and I made my way

pants and waded in, finding Ashton