Page 5

Eden breathed a sigh of relief, relaxing back into her seat as her crisis was averted.

E: Fab. I have the day off, but I’ll be home in the next few hours if you wanted to drop by and pick up the schedule. Or I can just email it over to you.

A: I can come by if you want me to. I’m not busy. Send over the address and I’ll be there.

E: Great. I’ll see you this evening.

With Aster saving the day for the second time this month, Eden slipped her phone into her bag and gave her full attention to Blair. “All sorted.” She picked up the menu. “Remind me to thank Dom for contacting Grace. It’s helped me out a lot.”

“You know Dom. She’d do anything for anyone.”

Eden lifted her gaze. “I know. It’s why she’s perfect for you.”

3

Aster blew out a deep breath, stepping off the lift and into a corridor. Eden had texted her the address over an hour ago, so here she was, ready to do whatever was needed. As she rounded the corner, it became apparent that Eden Kline was a woman who had a high-class style. Thank God I dressed up a bit. She wasn’t sure Eden would appreciate her showing up in her lounge clothes. Aster didn’t usually think too much about her appearance, she was a take it or leave it kinda girl, but Eden had a way of making her sit up straight. When she pinned her with her eyes, Aster was all ears, everything else falling away around her. Though Eden was wonderful, she commanded attention.

Uh-huh. She can have my attention. Aster stopped suddenly, her eyes wide as she took a second to think about the thought which had just floated through her mind. Yes, Eden was gorgeous, but she was also potentially Aster’s new boss. Throw in the fact she was also probably straight, and it would be a waste of time thinking about her. But Aster could admire her silently, couldn’t she? Or was that inappropriate? It is wholly inappropriate. “No. Don’t do that,” Aster spoke low in the corridor. “Be cool and do your job.”

She curled her hand, knocking gently on Eden’s front door. The click of heels on wood caught her attention, her heart rate slightly elevated as it often was lately.

When the door opened, Aster waited with her best smile. “Hey.”

“Come in. You may need to prevent me from downing the bottle of wine I picked up on the way home from meeting Blair.”

When Eden opened the door wider, Aster’s eyes took in the layout. Open plan, bright and airy, but cosy too. She’d expected to see something from a home interior magazine, but Eden’s place looked lived in. So, that was something.

“Doesn’t sound good.” Aster followed Eden into the open space, closing the door behind her. The scent of jasmine wafted through the air, and the curtains were pulled back, exposing the huge windows in the living room area. Wow. This place was pretty. “I’m assuming your photographer is a no show again…”

“I think it’s time I brought him into the office. I need someone reliable. And I know he has stuff going on, but I still have a business to run. I can’t contact you every time he cries off.”

“I don’t mind.” If it meant she got to spend time with Eden, Aster would always make herself available. “I need all the gigs I can get.”

“I suppose it doesn’t matter anyway,” Eden paused, kicking off her heels as she shrugged her jacket from her shoulders. Aster could only stare. “I love your work most.”

“Well, thanks.” Aster fought back a blush, her eyes wandering down Eden’s legs. She wore a pencil skirt again, a white blouse contrasting beautifully against her tanned skin. Damn. “What time do you need me Saturday?”

“The makeup artist is arriving at 9:30. I’ll be there from 8 onwards.”

“Perfect. And it’s the usual? Makeup, preparations, yada yada…”

Eden turned, smiling at Aster. “I’m glad you find these things as interesting as I do.”

Aster blanched. “Sorry, that sounded unprofessional.”

“When you spend your life dedicating time to brides, it’s hard to always be chirpy about it. I probably wouldn’t be so miserable if I knew I’d have my own happy ending. Now, sit down so I can have five minutes of normality and then we will sort out arrangements for Saturday.”

Eden’s phone buzzed on the expensive glass coffee table.

When Aster watched Eden hesitate to answer, she furrowed her brow.

“Sorry, just a minute.” Eden held up her hand. “Liam, hi.”

Liam? That had put a dampener on Aster’s ideas. Okay, she didn’t have any ideas per se, but knowing Eden was likely involved made her life easier.

“No, not really. I have a lot on. I’m working day and night Saturday, so it’ll be an early night for tomorrow.” Eden moved her phone from her ear, rolling her eyes as Liam spoke down the phone. “Mm. Yeah. No, I know.”

Aster looked around. Did she pass as someone who wasn’t eavesdropping?