Begin Again novel Chapter 108

Isaac was already waiting for her with a bouquet of white calla lilies when Eden walked into the lobby of Hayes & Jones.

She didn't know if it's because she hadn't seen him in over a month or if it was the tailored dark suit he wore that made him look all the more dashing.

"Traveling incognito, I see," he smiled and pointed at the massive shades covering her eyes before pulling her in a warm hug.

"Of course," she beamed at him when they drew apart. "We can't allow my deranged fans to mob me, you know."

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

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

"I see," he rubbed his chin thoughtfully 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 having to come up with a good come back when the elevator dinged open. He gently pushed her inside the empty car, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back took her down memory lane as 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 her bittersweet memories of her first day at Anderson Logistics.

Eden shrunk back a little 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 Lucy attacked her, she had become a little fearful of people coming close to her face, or anywhere near her really. Her first instinct was to shrink back or lash out.

She knew she would have to revisit the attack at some point and deal with the emotional fallout. But not today. Today she just wanted to enjoy her lunch with Isaac and pretend her life was okay and she's happy. So she faked a huge smile and gawked back at him, grateful he couldn't see the sadness safely hidden behind her shades.

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

"Catfight," Eden said and watched him with mild curiosity as his face hardened a little 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 in his pocket.

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

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

"You're a divorce lawyer," Eden reminded him. "I don't think you can help me with my felony charges."

Isaac's roaring laughter was too infectious not to join in, so she found herself laughing along with him. Soon though, they had nothing to laugh about, and they slipped into a comfortable silence.

Eden couldn't help but like Isaac a little more then. He was the first person not to fuss and fume after seeing Lucy's handiwork. Other than his lighthearted banter, he didn't ask too many questions or say anything about the bruise, and she was grateful.