Page 22 of Holding Her Heart

“I’ll speak to Dom.”

“You’ll…speak to Dom?”

“Mmhmm. We discuss everything. It’s a good thing to do. Stops me from panicking all the time that I’m doing something wrong.”

“As if Dom would ever think you’d done anything wrong. She worships the ground you walk on.”

Eden caught Blair’s eyes as she focused on her fiancée standing in the kitchen. “She does.”

God, why doesn’t anybody look at me like that? Eden scanned the room, thankful when she found Aster standing with Dom. While they were together, she’d get away with staring. Really, this evening had been everything Eden could have hoped for. Long overdue time spent with her best friend, Aster in the same room as her, and a bout on karaoke. Yeah, it was definitely a night she’d needed.

Aster glanced in Eden’s direction, smiling when she caught her eyes. Eden’s stomach rolled, the intensity pinning her to the couch. Aster had beautiful dark eyes. When she looked at you, you felt safe. Comforted. Cared about. But that was Aster. A kind soul…

Eden snapped herself from her thoughts, sitting up on her elbow. “What time does this usually wrap up?”

“Whenever Dom kicks everyone out.” Blair yawned.

“Right, well I’m probably going to call a cab soon. Get out of the way. I could do with a decent night’s sleep.”

“You’re not staying here? The spare room is made up for you.”

“No, I’ll go home. I want to be in my own bed. I have an important day tomorrow…”

Blair’s forehead creased. “You do?”

“Yes. I’m calling Liam. I’ll ask him to come over so I can talk to him.”

“You mean…end things with him?”

Eden sat up fully, tugging her dress down her thighs. “Yes, so I can end things with him.”

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Blair, I’d rather be single. It’s easier for me. He’s…always there. Wanting to see me. Needing to see me.”

“Isn’t that what he’s supposed to want?”

“Maybe, but it’s not for me. He’s not for me.”

Blair nodded. She had a look in her eyes that acknowledged Eden not wanting to be pushed on this. “Fair enough.”

“I’m going to start saying goodbye to the girls. I’ll call a cab while I’m doing the rounds.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to stay? I hate the idea of you taking a cab home alone.”

“I’ll be fine.” Eden leaned in, kissing Blair’s cheek. This night had been perfect for them. She wouldn’t wait so long to do it again. “Hey, I’m so proud of you.”

“Huh?”

“Just…because of everything. I’m so happy you’re settled and you’re marrying the woman of your dreams.”

Blair eyed Dom again. “I’m so happy she found me.”

With tears in her eyes, Eden got to her feet and pushed her emotions aside. She’d had a million and one heart-to-hearts with Blair since she met Dom; it didn’t need to be repeated this evening. She approached the kitchen, placing a soft hand on Dom’s shoulder. “I’m ready to head home. Thank you for inviting us all back.”

“I thought you were staying?”

“According to you and Blair, yes. But I had no intentions of staying the night.”

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