Page 37 of Holding Her Heart

“When she took a cab home with me from here last weekend, she handed me her jacket outside because she saw that I was cold. Nobody has ever done that for me before. And she told me I looked great.” Eden paused, aware that it all sounded a bit sad. “I’m not attracted to her because of those things, but it certainly makes it easier for me. She’s just…not like anyone else I’ve met before.”

“When did you know?”

Eden ran a hand through her hair. “The day she came to my office. The first time I met her.”

“Sometimes it just happens, love.”

“But does it? Really?” Eden wanted to believe that this thing happened all the time, but nothing made any sense.

Deep down, she knew it was the fear of rejection from Aster that had her questioning her feelings. Had it been anyone else, Eden would shrug it off and move forward, but Aster? No, she couldn’t stomach the idea of rejection.

Blair ran her thumbs beneath Eden’s eyes, focusing fully on her. “Answer me this. Have you ever felt that connection, that attraction, with anyone else? So intense to the point where you think about nothing else?”

“No. I haven’t.” Eden had never for one second considered that Aster could be the one for her; it didn’t seem feasible. But with each word Blair spoke, the support in her voice…perhaps it was possible.

“And what does that tell you?” Blair asked, taking her coffee from the table.

“That I need to get out more. That maybe I’m sexually frustrated.”

“No. It tells you that you may have found your person.”

Eden’s entire body thrummed. Was Blair right? She was gay…she must know. “I’m not sure I’d go that far yet. I barely know her; it could all fall apart.”

“It could, you’re right. But you won’t know that unless you try.”

“It’s too late.”

Blair shook her head and put a supportive hand on Eden’s forearm. “It’s never too late. You’ve had the realisation that you’re into Aster. She deserves to know.”

“Blair, she was on a date. I can’t just walk into her life, lacking in probably everything she wants, and expect her to take me in her arms.”

“Honey…”

“I’ve never felt this way about anyone, and when I saw her with her date, I didn’t know what to do.”

“I completely get that, but Fi?”

“You think I would have gone there with Fi? I was dancing, she got handsy, and before I knew it, you were dragging me away by my bra strap.”

“Sorry. I panicked.” Blair offered a lopsided grin. “Aster is trying so hard to not like you. When I saw her watching you with Fi, I had to step in. And you can tell me it’s not my business, but I couldn’t put Aster through it any longer.”

Eden exhaled a shaky breath. “You’re sure you’re right about this? She feels the same way?”

“She does. The poor girl doesn’t know what to do for the best.”

Eden wrung her hands. “I feel as though I’ve missed my chance.”

“Maybe give it some time. See how things are at work.” Blair rested her coffee cup against her chin.

“You’re right.” Blair always was. At times it was annoying, but today her best friend had been a godsend. “I need to be absolutely sure.”

“You do.”

Eden never wanted to hurt Aster. Not in a million years. “Do you think I can do this?”

Blair grinned. “I’ve never seen you like this. You’re terrified, but I can see the excitement in your eyes, too. And if Aster makes you feel that way, I’d say you can definitely do it.”

“This isn’t something meaningless for me. And I know you believe that, but do you think others will?”

---