Page 49 of Holding Her Heart

Okay, that sounded terrible. She didn’t want Eden to arrive alone anywhere. And certainly not at a club. “I’ll pick you up. I…wasn’t sure if you wanted me to or not. It’s your first Saturday off in a long time; you could have a hot date planned before.”

“Get ready with me,” Eden said, glancing up over her screen and totally dismissing Aster’s comment about a date. “I’ll make us some cocktails while we get sorted and all that.”

Aster’s insides swirled. This was the feeling she’d been avoiding since she resigned herself to the fact that Eden wasn’t available weeks ago. It bubbled up now and then, more often than she’d like, but she was managing it. “Want me to bring anything over with me?”

“Just whatever you need.”

“Should I get there for around six? Is that too early for you?” Aster was trying to play it cool, but the idea of actually preparing for a night out with Eden wasn’t great in her mind. Well, it was, but it was the effect this woman would likely have that she was struggling with. Dressing, undressing…God, her head was spinning.

Eden appeared to be lost in her own thoughts.

“Eden? You there?”

Eden shook her head. “Sorry. Yes. Six is perfect.”

“Great.” Aster wore a wide grin, but one that had mixed feelings weaved through it. This wouldn’t be any different to them hanging out after work. It was the same as when they went shopping together. And it certainly couldn’t be any different to the night they sat around the dining table until after midnight while they sorted through images from an event they’d run. No. Nothing could be different…it’d all be fine.

* * *

“Right, I’m off.” Aster popped her head through the door, her hair now pulled up on her head. Eden could only admire her. Her soft skin, that dark blonde hair. All of her. This is painful. “Need anything before I go?”

“No. Nothing.” Eden powered down her computer, sitting back and crossing her legs. “I’m leaving in the next hour. Should I check in with Blair? See how they’re getting there?”

Aster shrugged, moving further into the doorway, her hip holding the door open. “Up to you. They could pick us up on the way. I assume they’re going, but I don’t know for sure.”

“I’ll call her. But I’m still up for a night out regardless.”

“Good. That’s what I like to hear.” Aster threw a wave over her shoulder as she left. “If anything changes, let me know. See ya, boss!”

Eden watched her leave, her hips swaying ever so slightly. Aster had a curvy figure, one that had been tempting Eden more and more as the months passed. When Eden had gone to apologise a few weeks ago, she hadn’t expected them to become such good friends. But in her mind, it was more than that. They were simply dancing around one another, waiting for the right moment. Eden felt it every time they were alone together. The fire she felt burning was becoming unbearable.

And Eden had decided that tonight would be the night she told Aster everything. She couldn’t wait much longer. Aster needed to know how she felt. Even if it turned to shit, Eden still had to say the words out loud to her. Because if she didn’t, she would lose her mind.

Every morning, she woke up thinking about the previous day they’d had together. Every night, she wondered what Aster would enchant her with the following day. All in all, Aster Bennett was all Eden thought about. But it was a nice place to be in her head. If Eden was being honest, she hadn’t ever thought so much about another person. She’d certainly never felt this was about any of the men she’d dated in the past. It was nothing more than going through the motions so people didn’t talk. But they talked anyway, regardless of what Eden chose to do. She was done with people and their opinions. This was her life and if she wanted Aster in it, she would make sure that happened.

But first, she needed to speak to her best friend. If Blair thought for one second that it was a bad idea for Eden to lay it all out, she needed to know now.

She picked up her phone and dialled Blair’s number.

“Hello, this is the happiest woman in the world, how may I help you?”

Eden snorted. “You’ve just had sex, haven’t you?”

“Maybe.” Blair sighed as Dom whispered beside her.

“You’re in bed, aren’t you? For God’s sake. I need your full attention for five minutes.” Eden didn’t need to hear how happy her best friend was right now, and she also didn’t need to hear the post sex bliss either. “I’m sorry to disturb you, but I need some advice.”

“Lesbian advice?”

Eden paused. Was that what she needed? Was that what she was? God, this was all so confusing. “Just…advice.”

“Okay, go!”

Eden released a slow steady breath, exhaling deeply through her nose. “I’m going to tell Aster how I feel tonight.”

The line silenced. Not a single breath could be heard.

“Blair?”

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