<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,
shocked. I was surprised too.
I’d assumed he took cabs or public transit. Never expected rental bikes.
“Mr. Drake, stop with the bike. Ride with us – Elaine’s car has plenty of room,” Maya offered, speaking for me again.
Before I could object, Ashton looked at me. “That’s kind of you, Ms. Hart.”
I was floored.
After his attitude all morning, I was beyond done.
I turned on Maya. “Maybe ask me before volunteering my car?”
Maya caught my tone. “I’m thinking efficiency and safety here. He’s new in–town – biking’s dangerous.
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If something happens, we’ll never finish on time!”
I
Again, I had no comeback.
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“I’ll ask first next time, promise!” Maya hugged me, trying to smooth things over.
I sighed, tapping her head. “Fine. You’re running all errands today.”
“No problem! I’ve got the energy for it,” Maya chirped, bouncy as ever.
“Then you work with Mr. Drake today – I’ll handle things with Mr. Gray.” I needed space from Ashton.
But I barely got to Mr. Gray’s area when Maya called. “Elaine, we’re done here.”
“What?”
“Mr. Drake said take the day off.” My blood pressure spiked.
“What’s going on? Why are we stopping?”
I stormed over to Ashton, demanding answers.
“Two days off per week is law. With our schedule, one day shouldn’t be an issue, right?” His calm response just irritated me more.
Fighting to stay professional, I said, “True, but we’re on deadline. Can’t we postpone breaks until after? I’ll pay extra for overtime.”
Ashton’s intense gaze met mine. “It’s not about money. We’re not machines – we need regular rest. It Improves performance.”
He had a point, but our situation was different.
I took a deep breath. “Is today absolutely necessary?”
“Yes,” he said firmly. As I turned to leave, he added, “Everyone needs to rest today.”
That did it. I spun around. “Mr. Drake, you rest. Don’t worry about us.”
Maya tried not to laugh while Ashton stayed maddeningly calm. “Ms. Hart, without proper rest you can’t work effectively, like last night-”
“Ashton!” I cut him off, palms sweating.
This jerk was really pushing it after I’d just warned him about mentioning last night.
Under his steady gaze, I finally caved. “Fine. We’ll all take a break.”
“Maya, let’s go!” I called.
“Ms. Hart,” Ashton stopped me, “I need your help today.”
My anger was about to boil over. Through gritted teeth, I asked, “What now? Need a massage on your day off?”
“Nothing like that. Just need help shopping,” he said casually.
I almost laughed. “Fine, have Maya take you-”
“I want Ms. Hart!” he interrupted.
Maya couldn’t hold back her laughter anymore.
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I had to laugh too. Where was the cool, detached Ashton now? He sounded like a demanding toddler.
“Mr. Drake, aren’t you too old for this?” I teased.
Completely unashamed, he said, “I don’t know the area. What’s wrong with asking for help? Besides, you previously-”
“Fine, I’ll go!” I cut him off, knowing he’d bring up Amaty if I refused.
“Can I come?” Maya perked up.
“Sure!” “No!”
We spoke simultaneously, me agreeing, him refusing.
Maya looked confused until Ashton said, “It wouldn’t be convenient for Ms. Ellison. Right, Ms. Hart?”
Putting me on the spot again.
His look said if I insisted on bringing Maya, he’d spill about our past.
One lie really did lead to a hundred more.
Finally, I turned to Maya. “It’s your day off – spend it with your boyfriend. He must miss you.”
Maya glared, mad I’d mentioned her boyfriend in front of Ashton.
I ignored her while Ashton’s stern look kept her at bay. She left reluctantly, looking back repeatedly.
I knew she was getting suspicious about Ashton and me. That was tomorrow’s problem.
Right now, I had to deal with the man in front of me.
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