Page 23 of Holding Her Heart

“Oh, well…do you want me to see if any of the girls are going the same way as you?”

Eden shook her head, thankful for Dom’s concern. “No, it’s okay. I don’t think anyone else is ready to leave yet. And that’s fine; I’m a lightweight now.”

“Will you text us when you’re inside with the door locked?”

“I will.” Eden smiled, and then her gaze fell to Aster. “Goodnight, Aster.”

“I could share a cab with you. I’m ready to leave.”

Eden scratched the back of her neck. “I mean…if you’re sure?”

“One hundred percent. I’ve been ready to go home since the club.”

“Thanks,” Dom said, scoffing. “You’d better look after her, Bennett. I’m watching.”

Aster rolled her eyes, the same reaction Eden often had around Dom and Blair. Their concern wasn’t necessary. “Settle down, Dom. You’ll see Eden again. I’m not going to kidnap her.”

Oh, I wish she would. Eden’s eyes suddenly widened at that thought. Curb it, right now! “Okay, well I’ll call a cab.”

“No, I’ll do that. You say goodbye to the girls.”

Eden offered a single nod, turning around to tackle the team in Blair’s living room. She said her goodbyes to everyone seated on the couches and floor, returning to the kitchen as Blair followed her.

“Did you call a cab?”

“Aster’s doing it…”

A smirk played on Blair’s lips. “Hmm. Interesting.”

“What is?”

“You’re going home with Aster.”

Eden straightened. “Actually, we’re sharing a cab, and I’ll drop her off first.”

“All done. Cab should be here in a few minutes. They said to wait outside because it wouldn’t be long.”

“Aster?” Blair stepped forward, linking one arm through Aster’s. Eden had no idea what was about to happen, but she cringed nonetheless. “You make sure she gets home, okay?”

“I will. I’ll walk her to her front door.”

“Hello? I’m still standing here,” Eden cut in, her jaw clenched. “And I’m perfectly capable of looking after myself.”

“Still,” Aster said, shrugging. “I’d like to walk you in for my own peace of mind.”

Eden noted the smirk on Blair’s mouth. “Such a gentleman. Now, leave. The cab will be outside before you know it.”

Eden and Aster headed for the door, waved away by Dom and Blair. Eden wouldn’t let it fester, but she was getting sick and tired of the snide remarks from Blair. Her best friend couldn’t possibly know how Eden was feeling, everything was hidden deep down, so why did she insist on making comments at every turn? Claims she sees how Aster looks at me. Don’t make me laugh!

They reached the gate, stepping out onto the pavement as it closed behind them. Neither spoke, and Eden just shifted from side to side as the cool air hit her bare legs. She shivered, releasing a shaky breath.

“Here.” Aster shrugged her blazer from her shoulders, wrapping it around Eden. “It’s not much, but it might take the chill off.”

Eden should have insisted Aster take her blazer back, but the warmth of the jacket followed by a subtle perfume had Eden melting. Her knees weakened so much that she had to lean back against Blair’s fencing. If she remained upright, she’d slide to the ground. “Thank you.”

Aster shrugged. “No reason to be cold.”

“Aren’t you?” Eden asked, her voice booming in her ears.

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