Page 55 of Holding Her Heart

“Mate, women are complex. We both know that.”

“But…Eden isn’t.” Aster had never felt so at ease around anyone else before. Okay, she felt a little tense when Eden was close by or when they were alone, but that wasn’t because Eden made her feel that way, it was how Aster chose to deal with her emotions. It was her way of holding everything back.

Their eyes finally met, and then Dom spoke. “So, why did you turn her down then?”

“Panic? Sheer surprise? I don’t know.”

“All perfectly fine in my book, mate.” Dom offered an understanding smile, but it didn’t quell Aster’s fears. “I mean, Blair is like a raging bull in the club, but I’ll deal with her later. She’ll be fine.”

“She hates me.”

“Who?” Dom asked. “Eden or Blair?”

Aster snorted, embarrassment rolling through her. “Both.”

“Blair is protective. And I love that about her. But Eden is old enough to deal with her own relationship problems. And so are you.”

“You should get back inside. Blair will hit the roof if she finds you out here with me. I don’t want to come between anyone.”

“Blair can do as she pleases. She’s seething, yes, but that’s her own fault for putting the idea in Eden’s head that you wouldn’t turn her down.”

Aster furrowed her brow. “What?”

“Eden confessed everything to her several weeks ago. How she felt about you.” Dom looked as though she shouldn’t have revealed that piece of information, but Aster appreciated it. It meant she had something to work with. Didn’t she? “I did try to tell you when you came over for dinner. Eden wanted to do it in her own time, which I completely understand, but you were upset.”

“How long ago was this?”

Dom blew out a deep breath, her eyes wide. “Maybe a month ago?”

“Before or after the dinner party?” Aster needed to get this all straight in her head. “That she told Blair how she felt?”

“Before. Definitely before.”

“So that’s why the team wasn’t invited but me and Eden were? We were Blair’s little experiment?”

“No, it wasn’t like that.” Dom held up a hand. “And I’d appreciate it if you didn’t insinuate that my fiancée is causing trouble. Blair wants the best for Eden. She thought that was you.”

Aster’s stomach lurched. Blair had been playing matchmaker without telling her that her straight boss was into her. She could have at least given Aster the heads up. After all, Blair knew exactly how Aster felt. “Where is she?”

“Who?”

“Blair.”

Dom stood, wiping the back of her jeans. “She’s inside, but I wouldn’t approach her. It won’t be pleasant.”

“Nope. That doesn’t work for me. I want to speak to her.”

And then Blair landed on the pavement outside the club, her eyes filled with anger. “Are you out of your mind? I mean, that was your chance. You…you turned her down. Are you fucking stupid?” Blair raged. “And don’t dare tell me you don’t want her. Anyone within a ten-mile radius can see it!”

“I didn’t say I didn’t want her.”

“You didn’t have to. I think she got that memo.”

“Did you not think that it would have been a good idea to tell me?” Aster’s entire body shook, the city around her slowing. Dulled. “What was I supposed to do? You told me she was straight!”

“I also told you not to hurt her! But here we are.”

Aster’s forehead creased. “Don’t dare stand there and yell at me. You’re the one who fucking caused this.”

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