Page 69 of Holding Her Heart

“Keep your voice down. The team don’t know, and Eden isn’t ready for them to know yet. The last thing I need is for them all to find out and then they take the piss for the next week or so.”

“Okay, I see your point.” Grace offered an apologetic smile. “So, it’s going well?”

“It’s just…going.” Aster shrugged. She’d met with Eden on Thursday when she got back from her business trip, and they’d both agreed to enjoy their holiday, no pressure involved. Aster had once again offered to take another room, but Eden didn’t like the idea of having a huge, five-star suite to herself. Aster wouldn’t protest too much. She loved the idea of a decent room…and throw Eden in with the bargain, and she couldn’t go wrong. “We’re not together, but I’m not planning on having my eye on anyone else either.”

“And Eden?”

“Is here for the sun. Nothing more.”

Grace frowned. “Not even you? If the chance presents itself…”

“I haven’t put it to her. I want her to enjoy her break and then when we get home, we can figure everything else out. She doesn’t know which way is up right now.”

“Aren’t you worried?”

Aster chomped on her Mars Bar. “About what?”

“I mean, I like Eden, I do. But she’s not even gay, Aster. Is she bi? Did she have a fling at university?”

“She’s…never been attracted to a woman before.”

Grace unlinked her arm from Aster’s. “I’m sorry, but I’m getting serious alarm bells here. I don’t want her to hurt you.”

Aster appreciated Grace’s concern, but she wasn’t worried. She was getting to know Eden. That was all. Why did people have to read too much into things when it wasn’t their business? “She’s not going to hurt me. I’m not stupid. If I suspect that she’s going to run, I’ll know to back off.”

“And what if you’re in too deep by then? What if you’ve fallen in love with her and the next thing you know, she’s marrying a bloke?”

“Can we not do this now?” Dread settled in Aster’s belly. She fully expected Grace to have her back, but she didn’t like the scenario her best friend had put to her. “I don’t want anyone to overhear you, and I don’t want you to put a downer on my holiday. I haven’t had one for two years.”

“Sorry. But I worry about the woman you’ve chosen. Like I said, she’s lovely, but I’m not convinced. As your friend, I’m entitled to that opinion.”

“Of course you are,” Aster said, smiling her best fake smile. “Hopefully, I’ll prove you wrong.”

“Where is she now?”

“Drinking Prosecco with Blair.” Aster chanced a glance in Eden’s direction, smiling when she found Eden watching her in return. “Isn’t she pretty…”

“She is. But that doesn’t mean you should expect all of this to fall in your lap. I want that for you, but you have to be realistic here, Aster.”

“I am being realistic.” Aster scoffed. “But you shitting all over my hopes is bringing my mood down. It’s not even midday. Please hold off a bit longer.”

Grace held up her hands. “Fine. Sorry. I’ll mind my own business.” Without another word, Grace walked away, heading towards Mia.

And then Aster felt a hand grip her backside, a laugh erupting from someone’s mouth. “You ready for me to chase you, Bennett?”

Aster turned to find Fi standing behind her. “Please, don’t waste your time, Fi.”

“Come on. Don’t you want a holiday romance with yours truly? A little fun between friends? It’s all the rage.” Fi held her arms open, grinning. “You know I love a one-night stand. But don’t expect more after it.”

“Yeah. I’m sure I’ll manage without a one-night stand.” Aster rolled her eyes, taking a step back. She bumped into another body, swiftly turning around again. “Eden.”

“Hey.” Eden smiled through gritted teeth. “Wondered if you wanted to join me and Blair?”

“I’d love to.”

And then Fi spoke. She was a pain in the arse. “So, Eden. What are you looking for during your holiday?”

“Uh, the sun.”

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