Page 47 of Holding Her Heart

Aster smiled weakly, a tear gliding down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away, lifting her head to find Eden with a look of concern in her eyes. “Come in.” She stepped aside, clearing her throat. “I wasn’t expecting anyone. You’ll have to excuse the mess.” Aster glanced down her body; she looked like nobody owned her. “And please, excuse the state of me.”

Eden turned back around, smiling. “You look comfortable. And your flat looks lived in. I wish the same could be said for mine lately.”

“Maybe you need to work less and enjoy life more.” Aster instantly regretted saying that. It was none of her business what Eden did with her time. “Sorry, that was rude.”

“No, it was honest. And I have to agree with you.” Eden cocked her head, smiling weakly. “Are you okay? You seem upset.”

“I’m fine. I was on a call with my dad.”

Eden’s concern grew. The lines in her forehead deepening. “Oh, is everything okay?”

“Yeah. No changes.” Aster realised she was talking to her boss and not one of her friends. Eden had no idea about her dad’s condition. “He’s not very well. When he calls, he always sounds like he’s getting worse. It’s hard to hear.” Aster paused, watching Eden as her face morphed into one of sadness. “It’s just Dad and us. Mum died when I was seventeen.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I came to terms with the fact that I’ll lose him sooner than I’d like a long time ago. But we’re a strong family, and I know that he’s okay for now. He’s quite amazing, really.”

Eden shifted slightly. “May I sit?”

Aster nodded. “Sorry. I’m not very familiar with having guests over. It’s usually only me. Can I get you a cuppa or something?”

“If I’m not interrupting anything…”

“I was finishing for the day and then making dinner. But you’re welcome to stay for a bit if you want to.”

“You answered the door and let me in. I’m not leaving yet.” Eden stepped forward, handing the flowers over. “They’re my poor attempt at an apology. For last night. I’m sorry.”

Aster frowned. “Sorry?”

“For brushing off your concern about the cab. I never meant to make you feel as though you were being too overbearing. Not at all.”

“It’s okay. I forget that I should mind my own business. But I’ll try to remember in future.” Aster didn’t make eye contact with Eden. It was one thing that the object of her affection was about to sit on her couch. Getting caught up in those eyes wouldn’t be wise. “If I’ve ever made you feel uncomfortable, Eden…”

“Uncomfortable?” Eden shrugged her coat off, resting it over her lap as she sat down.

Good idea. Now I can’t glare at your legs.

“You know,” Aster said, lowering her eyes to the flowers. “I don’t want you to think I’m trying to flirt with you or anything. I’d never disrespect you or do anything to upset you. I thought that with us both living in the city…the cab thing…it—” Aster sighed. “Never mind.”

“Aster, that’s not what I thought.”

“Maybe not, but I wanted you to know that I haven’t been cabbing it with you hoping that you’ll invite me up to your place. I like to know that my friends get home safe. It’s something I’ve always done.”

“And I appreciate that.”

“But I won’t do it again.” And Aster really wouldn’t. Because even though Eden claimed she didn’t feel uncomfortable, she knew there was a fine line. And she was close to crossing it as each day passed. “Tea or coffee?”

“Coffee, please.”

Aster brought the flowers to her nose, smiling as she inhaled. “Thanks for these. They’re lovely. They’ll brighten the place up.”

“Again. I’m sorry.”

14

Aster pushed the door open to Eden’s office, grinning as she balanced coffees and donuts on one arm, her phone in the other hand. While she waited in the queue at the local coffee shop, she’d browsed the internet for some holiday attire. Today on the list…bikinis. Aster couldn’t say she was a bikini kinda girl, but she was willing to try one out. She had the figure—she thought—but she always felt as though people were staring at her. And not for good reasons.

“What time do you call this? I’m glad you’re not my assistant!” Eden grinned as she peeked over her computer monitor. “I’m famished.”

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