Page 25 of Holding Her Heart

Aster sighed, lowering her phone for a moment. Could she go on a trip to a hot country where her boss would likely be lounging around in a bikini? You’re making a huge mistake…

A: Fine. I’ll look tonight.

G: Come over. I’ll help you. Mia is at her parents tonight.

A: I’ll come straight over from work. Love ya!

G: See you tonight. Love ya!

Well, that was that. Aster couldn’t back out now, Grace had already put the final nail in that coffin. But maybe it would be good. Aster sure could do with some sun on her skin, so what’s the worst that could possibly happen?

A gentle knock on the door caught her attention. She turned in her chair to find Eden staring back at her. “Hi. How’s the suite?”

“Um, amazing.”

“I’m sure you have all your own stuff at home, but this is here if you ever want a change of scenery, okay? I had it all fitted a year ago with the hopes of finding someone permanent…so here you are. It needed a few bits and pieces finishing before I could show you.”

“I didn’t think I’d be working in a room like this, so if it’s okay with you, I’m going to take full advantage of it.”

“It’ll be nice to see a friendly face around the office. You’re more than welcome to spend as much time as you like in here.”

Aster smiled, her eyes almost straying to Eden’s chest. She managed to keep them where they should be, but it was a struggle. “Thanks. You’ve set me up with everything.”

“Good.” Eden pushed off the doorframe. “Maxine is going out to lunch now. Can I have her bring you anything back?”

“Oh, don’t worry. I’m fine.”

“She’s only going to come in here and ask you herself anyway…”

“Okay, I’ll have a coffee please. Cappuccino.”

Eden quirked an eyebrow. “That’s it?”

Aster nodded. She’d been so excited to get into work this morning that she’d prepared a packed lunch last night. “I have lunch with me.”

“Okay, well I’ll be in my office if you need anything.”

“I think I may have some images for you to take a look at soon from last week’s wedding. Should I pop in to you?”

Eden’s eyes lit up, sending Aster’s entire body alight with nervous energy. “Yes. Absolutely. I’m looking forward to it.”

Aster glanced over Eden’s shoulder, wearing her best poker face as a smart, handsome man walked towards them. “I…think somebody is here to see you.”

Eden’s forehead creased, and then she glanced behind her. “Oh, for the love of God!”

“Everything okay?” She noted the disinterest in Eden’s eyes as she focused back on Aster. “Eden?”

“Yeah. It will be. Ex-boyfriend…Liam.”

Aster was taken aback. She didn’t know Eden had left Liam. “You split up?”

“Two weeks ago. I’m surprised it took him this long to show up here.” She backed out of the room. “Hopefully, this won’t take a minute. Come and find me when you have some things to show me. I’m more than happy to be interrupted.” Eden’s bright smile lit up the suite, but it quickly faded when Liam stepped up behind her, a controlling hand settling on Eden’s hip. “Have a good day, okay?”

Aster watched Liam intently. Did he have to be so…vile? “Sure. You too.”

* * *

“Don’t ever walk into my business again and take a hold of me like you own me!” Eden slammed her office door shut, the walls shaking as she marched across the floor. “Who the hell do you think you are?”

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