Page 8 of Holding Her Heart

If I don’t answer the phone, he’ll keep calling.

She sighed, spying an exit to the left of her.

Aster was leaning against the wall close to the door, focused fully on her equipment as she changed lenses. She’s so good. Eden watched her for a moment, taken aback by Aster’s confident stance. But as she did so, she also recognised what Aster was saying on Thursday night when she explained to Eden how she didn’t put herself out there. She should. She’s amazing. When Aster was behind the camera, she was an entirely different person.

Eden paused in her thoughts. She’d spent most of the day watching Aster, getting to know her quirks and her mannerisms. At one point, she’d almost lost her footing as she followed Aster across the dancefloor, her eyes fixed on her long blonde hair and how it shone as the spotlights caught it. Why are you staring at your photographer? Okay, it was weird. At least, Aster would think so if she looked up to find Eden glaring.

And then Aster did exactly that.

Her brown eyes narrowed as she focused on Eden, a warm smile playing on her lips.

But then Eden was interrupted by the buzz of her phone again. For the love of God! She rushed towards Aster, holding up her ringing phone. “I need to take this call, okay?”

“Sure.”

Eden pushed through the door, hitting accept as soon as the music inside the venue died down a little. “Liam, I’m working. You know I am.”

“I know, babe. I was wondering how much longer you’re going to be. I’ve told a few friends we’d meet them this evening.”

Eden frowned. “Why the hell would you? You know I can’t.”

“You can. You must be nearly finished now.” Liam laughed, sending Eden’s anger through the roof. “Come on, Eden. You’re always working. Live a little.”

“I’m always working because I have a business to run. You may live off mummy and daddy’s money, but I don’t.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. Eden would usually apologise for saying something like that, but it was all truth. Liam drove around in his sports car, meeting friends and playing golf, barely a day worked in his life. But Eden, if she wanted to be successful, had to work for it. She wasn’t jealous—far from it, actually—but it did infuriate her when Liam said the things he did. “I’m working. And then I’m going home.”

“Well, should I call over once I’ve been out to dinner with them?”

“No. Don’t bother.” Eden ended the call, leaning back against the brick wall outside the hotel. Liam was fun to a point, but he didn’t fulfil her in any way at all. “You need to cut him loose. He’s doing nothing for you whatsoever.” She wedged her phone into the back of her skirt, tugging on the door handle.

Aster moved around the room with ease, stopping to chat with the bridal party between shots. The bride had already complimented Eden on her choice of photographer. Aster knew how to give off an air of ease and comfort; it was important when she was spending an entire wedding day with the happy couple. Eden didn’t want someone to share their private moments if they couldn’t be inconspicuous and discreet. No, she wanted someone exactly like Aster.

Aster threw her head back laughing as the bride leaned in to speak to her. Eden’s belly swirled as the light caught her exposed jawline, sending a wave of something unfamiliar through her. “Wow. What was that?” She backed up, resting against the wall and giving herself a moment. Was it…attraction? No, it couldn’t be.

As Eden placed her palms flat against the wall, she lowered her head, taking a deep breath. For some reason, one which was unknown, Eden found herself gravitating towards Aster at any given opportunity. Perhaps it was because she was so approachable. Or maybe Eden was looking for a friend. God knows she needed one lately. With Blair off living a blissful, engaged life, Eden felt as though she went home every night and sat alone. Yes, she continuously turned Liam down at every turn, but he wasn’t the man she needed. She just needed…something. Someone who could occupy her time. Someone she could be satisfied with instead of spending Sunday alone, week after week. Someone who made her think, made her laugh. Someone she enjoyed being at home with.

Love, in an ideal world.

“Earth to Eden…”

Eden frowned. Aster was waving a hand in front of her. “Sorry?”

“Is everything okay? You’ve been in a world of your own for the few minutes I’ve been standing here.”

“Yes, of course.” Eden smoothed the front of her blouse, shaking her head. “Tired. It’s been a long day.”

“Well, I’m just about finished. I’ve spoken with the bride, and I believe we have everything she wanted.”

Eden smiled and offered a single nod of the head. “You’re free to go then. I’ll look forward to seeing what you’ve got.”

Aster chewed her lip, lowering her camera. “I was wondering…what time do you finish?”

“Oh, I finished about an hour ago.” Yes, she hung around. Mainly because the idea of going home alone after such a beautiful day was a miserable thought. “I like to stick around.”

“You don’t want to get home to Liam?” Aster asked, toying with the camera strap on her wrist. “It’s Saturday night.”

“No. Liam is…busy.” And we do NOT live together. Ever!

Aster shrugged. “Well, I was planning to head up to the rooftop bar. You’re more than welcome to join me if you’d like to?”

---