Page 145 of Begin Again, Part 1

"And what might you be famous for?" Isaac carried on with their banter as he hooked their arms and led her to the elevator.

"That's for me to know and you to find out," Eden blurted out, regretting her words as soon as they were out, and she caught the intrigued look in his eyes.

He tapped his chin as his gaze lingered on her face. "A woman of mystery. I like that!"

Eden blushed, wishing she could kick herself, well aware he was flirting with her, and it was her own damn fault for blurting things out without thinking. The handyman interview was not off to a good start. Thankfully, she was saved from thinking up a good comeback when the elevator dinged open. He pushed her inside the empty car. His hand resting lightly on the small of her back took her down memory lane. She remembered another hand and another elevator when Liam had whisked her off to the 36th floor on orientation day. The doors snapped in place, shutting off the bittersweet memories of her first day at Anderson Logistics.

Eden shrunk back when Isaac unexpectedly pulled her glasses off, scanned her face, and pushed them back in place.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean to startle you."

"I'm okay," she lied. She was far from okay. Since the attack, she'd become a little fearful of people coming close to her face or anywhere near her. Her first instinct was to shrink back or lash out.

She'd have to revisit the attack at some point and deal with the emotional fallout. But not today. She just wanted to enjoy her lunch with Isaac and pretend her life was okay and she was happy. So she feigned a huge smile, grateful he couldn't see the sadness safely hidden behind her sunglasses.

"Walked into the door?" Isaac asked, breaking their eye contact when his phone buzzed in his pocket.

"Catfight," Eden replied and watched with mild curiosity as his face hardened while he scanned the email or text. She figured it was bad news, but she didn't want to pry.

"Ouch." He touched his heart in mock pain and returned his phone to his pocket.

"You should see the other guy," Eden joked.

"I bet she's on crutches and wrapped in bandages," Isaac chuckled. "But you know, my services don't come cheap."

"You're a divorce lawyer," she reminded him. "I don't think you can help me with my assault charge."

Isaac's booming laughter was too infectious not to join in, so Eden found herself laughing along with him. Soon though, they had nothing to laugh about. They slipped into a comfortable silence, and she couldn't help but like him a little more then. After seeing Lucy's handiwork, he was the first person to not fuss and fume. Other than his light-hearted banter, he didn't ask too many questions or say anything about the bruise, and Eden was grateful.

"Thanks," she said.

"For what?" Isaac gave her a sidelong glance.

"For not asking."

The dimples on his cheeks earned him extra points when he smiled. "I'm sure you're tired of explaining, and even if I asked, you wouldn't tell me the truth anyway. You'll say you're okay when you're not."

"Right," Eden agreed and held his gaze longer than she should. He was supposed to be her handyman, and she wasn't looking to start something.

The doors slid open again, killing the strange moment between them, as lawyers in impressive dark suits stepped inside. They high-fived Isaac, and he made a point of introducing her to all the intelligent men and women whose names she forgot as soon as they returned to their conversations. All but one. Laura Stone. The woman who'd haunted her dreams from the moment she knew of her existence.

Eden thought she was having a heart attack or had already had one because she couldn't feel her pulse as she stared at her. Laura was even more dazzling in person with her sun-kissed skin and her glorious blonde locks floating around her like a halo. If she wasn't already successful as a lawyer, she could have easily become the face of numerous fashion campaigns.

Isaac waved at his colleague. "You must have seen Laura at Anderson Logistics."

Eden shook her head. "No, I haven't had the pleasure of running into her."

"I've heard so much about you, Eden, and I'm glad I bumped into you. I've been meaning to make time for a chat."

Eden could only gawk at her outstretched hand. What was she supposed to do with it? Shake it and play nice? Pretend she didn't almost sleep with Liam two nights ago, or that she hadn't crossed one too many lines with him? What exactly was their relationship? Sure, they weren't engaged. Liam had confirmed it. But were they still together, like Zara from HR seemed to think? In a sexless relationship?

Laura cleared her throat, her smile stretching wider the longer she held out her hand. But Eden noticed it didn't reach her eyes; they remained cold, like luminous jewels.

"It's good to meet you." She remembered her manners at last and grasped the other woman's hand. It was as cold as the look in her eyes, and she had to force herself not to flinch from her touch.

"We should do lunch sometime," Laura suggested. "I mean, if you are working closely with Liam, I think we should get to know each other, don't you think?"

No, Eden didn't think they should. She already knew enough about the other woman to last her many lifetimes.

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