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“And I’ve had many gorgeous meals cooked for me by Blair, but this is your first time. So, how was it?” Eden asked, her eyes landing on Aster. They were intense, alluring, and bloody gorgeous.

“It was probably the best meal I’ve had in a long time. Onto a winner, mate.” Aster winked in Dom’s direction, gaining a grin from her friend. “Do you watch and let Blair get on with it?”

“Oh, absolutely. I’d never ruin dinner.” Dom held up a hand. “I know when I’m not needed, and dinner is always one of those times. I’d touch it and burn it.”

“Aster likes to cook,” Eden spoke suddenly. “And she’s offered to make dinner for me sometime.”

“Oh.” The lift of Blair’s eyebrows didn’t go unnoticed by Aster, nor did the wink Dom threw in her direction. “That’ll be nice.”

Aster’s cheeks immediately heated. Did that sound weird to Blair? She’d confided in her, but it was something she was beginning to regret. Aster didn’t appreciate the look Blair was giving her. It wasn’t fair to her that Blair was effectively dangling Eden in front of her. Still, she quickly recovered. “It’s…I never have anyone over at my place. If I’m not working, I’m visiting my dad. I thought it would be nice to do something normal with a friend.”

Blair’s eyes shifted from Aster to Eden, a sad smile curling on her mouth as Aster explained her reasons for offering to cook for Eden. She shouldn’t have to explain herself, but Aster knew Blair would only question her motives later. And what does that look mean?

“You’re both more than welcome to come along, too.”

Blair continued to switch her gaze between Aster and Eden. Was that the wrong thing to say, too? God, she was bad at this. It was no wonder she had a very small circle of friends—if she could call them that—and nobody else in her life.

“I think I’ll let Eden judge your culinary skills first. If she approves, we’ll join you next time.”

Eden appeared to relax next to Aster—something was going on.

Blair got to her feet, followed by Dom. “Another beer, Aster?”

Aster tipped her bottle, shrugging. “Sure. Thank you.”

“And you, Ede’s? Another red?”

“One more and then I think I’ll call a cab. Busy day tomorrow.”

Aster sat quietly when Blair and Dom vanished from the patio. This night had been wonderful, every last second of it, but she felt as though something had shifted between everyone here. Eden more so than anyone else. One minute she seemed happy, but now she looked as though the wind had been knocked out of her.

The silence was deafening. Aster didn’t cope too well without noise. “Did you want to share a cab home?”

“You stay. Hang out with Dom. I think she likes having someone on her wavelength around.”

Aster frowned. “I don’t want you to leave on your own.”

“How do you think I used to get from A to B in the past, Aster?” Eden turned, focusing fully on her. “You’re very sweet, but I am capable of travelling alone.”

Aster felt like an arsehole. This infatuation was getting out of hand. Yes, she wanted to see Eden safely to her door, but Eden was right. She could take care of herself. “Sorry.” She winced. “You…do your thing. I’ll mind my own business.”

“I’ll give Blair a hand with the drinks.”

“Right, yeah.” Aster cleared her throat, shaking her head as Eden stood and left her alone.

This had to stop. It really had to stop. Eden was professional, a businesswoman. Aster spent her days walking around with a bloody camera in her hand. And if she wasn’t careful, she would upset Eden and lose her job.

It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

She got to her feet, fixing the lapels of her blazer. It was time to leave and go home to have a serious word with herself. Dom would understand, and with any luck, she could sneak out the side gate without anyone noticing.

“Beer, mate.” Dom tapped Aster on the shoulder, startling her. “Nice cold one.”

“O-oh.” Aster shoved her hands in her pockets, checking she had her wallet and her phone. “I’m sorry, but I need to get off home. I’m sure you can drink it for me.”

“You’re leaving?”

Aster nodded. “Yeah. I remembered I had some work to get done before tomorrow morning. Don’t want to piss the boss off.”