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Chapter 4: crushed

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There you have it …..xoxo

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

It’s funny how the mind works. One minute Ben’s brain was admiring the adorable crease of Rey Doolittle’s freckled dimples, adorning either side of her perfectly pouting lips, the next minute, hewas struck dumb, frozen in place, because Rey’s small fists were pulling his tee shirt taut and pressing her perfect little mouth to his. The flash of lightning reflecting the goldenrod specs in her hazel green eyes made him smile, a goofy grin spreading across his face.

The slippery insistence of her tongue slowly traced the seam of his upper lip, tickling the fine hairs of his mustache. A low throaty hum of desire drifting from the back of Rey’s throat snapped Ben’s attention to the present, his body reacting wholly without thought.

Gently, he snaked his hands along Rey’s rib cage, tracing across the stitched writing of his name, emblazoned across the back of his jersey. Slowly lifting her off the ground, Ben returned her kiss with wild fervor. 

Rey, boldly wound her arms around the thick corded muscles of his neck, pulling herself closer with a delighted smile. Melting together, Ben’s lips tentatively pulled Rey’s, begging for entrance, the tip of his tongue on the verge of a wondrous revelation. 

“Oh my,” Rey softly sighed, acquiescing to Ben’s ardent wish. 

Tasting divine sweetness directly from the source, he softly growled, the rumbling of thunder roaring in his ears was not off in the distance, but drumming through his veins.

“Um, excuse me,” Finn muttered, sliding his phone into his pocket with one hand as the other stretched up to scratch the back of his neck, his head ducking away in deference of the intimate moment, “sorry to interrupt, but we really need to head out soon, my superior runs things like an admiral.”

Unwilling to part, Rey sighed, the pink blush of her cheeks, softer than orcanthus blooms, painted across her upturned nose. Meeting Ben’s darkened whiskey eyes, his tee shirt still fisted in her tight grip, Rey chuckled to the hapless youth minister, “Hmmm, I reckon this shouldn’t take too long to swap out.” 

Slowly pulling back, her feet firmly back on solid ground, Rey smoothed her hands down Ben’s broad chest, settling her fingertips over his heart. 

Ben couldn’t help staring down at Rey’s tiny palm lingering, his pulse still racing faster than a landspeeder.

Clearing his throat with a flustered cough, Solo ran his large hand through his slightly tousled hair, a flash of reddened ear poking out. Brushing his hair back to hide the offending appendage, Ben made to step away from the open hood of the van to allow Rey some room to change out the battery. 

His stubborn girl, his, Ben thought to himself unbelievably, refused to let him go, her soft fingers finding their way down to his own. Sliding his calloused palm around Rey’s dainty wrist, Ben felt like he just found the last piece of a puzzle, a perfect fit. 

Sensing the embarrassment rising from her companion, Rey twisted her soft palm into his and lightly squeezed. Sheepishly turning to Finn, flashing her megawatt smile, Rey grinned, “On it!”  

Still unwilling to release her grip though, Rey devilishly smiled up to her crush with a wink, whispering, “I’m not letting you go that easily, Solo, why don’t you fetch me those jumper cables you mentioned earlier.”

With a wink of his own, Ben recovered with a sexy smirk, “Sweetheart, I’d follow you to the ends of the galaxy.”

###

Inside Rogue One, the pulse of the music and frenzied chatter of conversation kicked up to ELEVEN, leaving an exasperated Rose reluctantly scurrying, with a few dance moves woven in, amongst her fellow congregants, “Settle up your tabs,” the perky brunette directed, “we should be leaving soon.” 

Passing the pool tables, Rose skirted the crowd of dancers lining up for the next song.

Strains of a popular ditty, blared from the jukebox and much to Zorii’s delight, Poe and Hux improvised a theatrical side step to the up tempoed bass. 

With a quick glance towards the door, she wondered how Rey was faring with Ben and Finn. Swiveling her curlied head towards the bar, trying to get Cassian’s attention, Zorii hoped to glean the pub owner’s reaction to what was happening in the parking lot since he had a much better vantage point to see out the front windows. 

But with the church visitors settling up their bills, clamoring the length of the crowded bar, Zorii could see that Cassian had his hands full.

Approaching the dancing guys, Zorii laughed out loud. Spotting Poe’s smile crinkling across his face and Hux’s attempts at air guitar, Zorii shouted, “Hey, wait for me!”

“Do try to keep up, Miss Bliss!” Dameron called, shimmying his shoulders, “Hux is aiming to grab the spotlight.”

Exaggerating the twist of her hips, and flinging her curly hair over her shoulders, Zorii grinned, “Always the show off, Armie!”

Grabbing her by the waist, Armie yelped, “Yee Haw” spinning his friend in a tight circle.

Separating from Hux, Zorii wiggled her bottom, the suede fringe of her denim skirt swung wide while twisting down and around to the beat of the music. A raucous round of applause erupted in appreciation from the patrons forming a wide circle around the trio, hands clapping to the beat of the music and boots stomping loudly across the sawdusted planks.

Ever the consummate performer, Hux took it upon himself to lead the line dance down the middle of the bar, grabbing an enthusiastic Rose as a partner. Thoughts of leaving put on hold as they snaked their way through the tables. Zorii and Poe laughed, dragging everyone to their feet to join in the fun.

###

“I reckon that should just about do it,” Rey dropped the hood of the van back in place, slapping it for good measure. Glancing over towards Finn, she nodded, “Let’s start her up.”

Following Finn to the driver’s side door, Rey stood next to Clyde as he hopped in and revved the engine.

“Thank you so much, Rey, you’re a lifesaver!” Finn grinned, his megawatt smile lighting up the parking lot.

“You can leave her running for a bit,” Ben suggested, motioning towards the church bus, “No one’s gonna steal her.”

“I reckon I better go wrangle my friends up.” Finn exclaimed, reaching to shake Rey’s hand.

“Anytime!” Rey smiled, clasping Finn’s offering. 

Glancing up through the window, Rey pointed her chin, a dimpled grin sliding across her face, “Good luck, wrangling! Looks like we are missing out on the party there.”

Ben made his way to the stairs, scruffing his construction boots as he mounted the two steps, reaching for the door, he leaned over to Finn with a proffered handshake of his own, “It was certainly nice to meet you Finn! Next time you and Rose are in these parts, stop by and say hello!”

“Looking forward to it.” Finn returned, “It was mighty nice meeting you folks.”

“Finn,” Ben scooted closer to the youth minister and threw a conspiratorial wink back at Rey, “Tell the owner, Cassian, he’s on his own for the rest of the night.” 

“Ok,” Finn agreed with a knowing smirk. 

Grinning over his shoulder, Ben ambled over to Rey.”

Rey let out a whoop of laughter and grabbed Ben by one of the belt loops on his low swung dungarees, “On his own, indeed.” 

Leading Rey by the hand towards the Falcon, Ben bowed low reaching for the door handle, “Your chariot awaits, my lady.”

###

After carefully closing the door for Rey, Ben raced around the front of the car and couldn’t help but leap into a slide across the hood of his Ferrari like some smooth operator.  

Keeping his eyes trained on the beautiful passenger in his front seat, Solo threw Rey a saucy wink and burst out laughing as he eased himself into the bucket seat. 

“Impressive, most impressive!” Rey grinned, reaching across the console to squeeze Ben’s knee, her hand lingering on her crush’s thigh. “Can’t wait to see what other tricks you have up your sleeve.”

Flashing a dimpled smile, Ben smirked, “I aim to please, you just make sure y’all buckled up.” Reaching across Rey’s lap, Ben jerked her seatbelt tight.

Hitting the ignition, he revved the engine and quickly peeled out of the parking lot, shooting down the road.

 One thing for certain, Ben kept well within the speed limit, Skywalker Curse or not, he refused to be pulled over by a Trooper tonight. 

He was officially in uncharted territory, this was the first time Ben ever had a girl in his car for other purposes than a ride to school. 

Feeling his cocky confidence, sparked on by Rey’s ardent declaration, waning, Ben tentatively whispered. “How about we head over to the 19th Hole? Over by Silver Sea Country Club.” Glancing to his right, he tried to gauge Rey’s reaction. 

“Sure, I’ve never been there.” Rey nodded nervously, running her hand along the collar of Ben’s well worn jersey still covering her pretty halter dress. 

Fanning herself, Rey declared, the pitch of her voice rising, “Wow, did it ever get so hot in here all of a sudden? I think I’m just gonna slip this off.” Looping the seatbelt back over her head, Rey twisted in her seat to awkwardly pull her arms out of his shirt.

Ben was momentarily transfixed, his eyes drifting off the road to the spot where the subtle curves of Rey’s bare breast peaked out from the side seam of the halter top. 

“Eyes on the road, Ben.” Rey urged, smirking, as the car suddenly swerved to the right.

“Sorry,” he apologized, the tips of his ears burning red. “It’s just down the road about half a mile.” The steady purr of the engine filled the awkward silence that settled between them. 

Internally, Ben berated himself, “Stop acting like a fool, boy.”

Sensing her companion’s hesitation, Rey warmly smiled, “Hey, I trust you.” 

Reaching for the radio, Rey turned it on and dialed to a local station, the faint strains of a popular song just finishing up, drifted through the speakers.

The mood in the car lightened up a bit as the pair settled into a comfortable reverie.

###

With the departure of the church group headed back to Ohio, Rogue One quieted down a bit. 

Cassian Andor busily wiped down the bar, filling drink orders as he made his way along the mahogany and brass. 

Walking over towards her friend, Zorii smiled sweetly at the usual suspects, including off duty trooper, Ezra Bridget, seated at the far end. 

Mug in hand, Ezra raised his glass to Zorii with a self deprecating smirk and a shy smile. Batting her eyelashes, Zorii blew a kiss at the smiling officer. 

The sudden bloom of color spreading across his ruddy complexion was unmistakable. Ezra mumbled to no one in particular and knocked back the rest of his drink.

The other regulars looked on in amusement, a few even laughing out loud at Zorii Bliss’ teasing.

“Cassian,” Zorii called, waving her dainty hand to get his attention, “Where’d Ben go?”

Smiling smugly, the erstwhile bartender rounded on his friend, “Shooting his shot, I suppose.”

Shrieking, Zorii bounded over to Poe and Hux, the pair standing hip to hip at the jukebox.

“Guys,” she laughed excitedly, “Rey’s ditched us! Not sure when, but I’m pretty sure Solo whisked her away, without even letting on!”

Hux grinned, “It’s about time those two knuckleheads figured things out.”

“Yeah,” Poe agreed, smirking, “Pretty sure they weren’t the only ones who needed to figure things out.” 

Hux bashfully ducked his head, nudging Poe with his shoulder, “Dameron, you’re right, guess it’s pretty scary putting yourself out there.”

Meeting Hux’s gaze, Poe flashed a hopeful smile and grabbed Hux’s hand, pulling him towards the exit. 

Throwing an exaggerated wink over his shoulder to Zorii, Dameron called, “You’re on your own.”

###

“I love this song,” Ben chuckled as he expertly maneuvered the car over the dirt road leading up to what was essentially known at school as lover’s lane. “I could listen to this music all night.”

Rey looked over to Ben, thoughtfully, “I don’t know, some of this artist’s stuff gets pretty angsty.” 

Looking down at her hands, chastely folded on her lap, Rey complained, “Lots of “what if’s and she used me, but neither one cares” vibes…” her voice trailed off, turning to face Ben fully.

With as much tenderness he could convey with his deep, dark eyes, Ben reached across the console to brush his large palm over the apple of Rey’s blushing cheek, “Come here, sweetheart.” His voice low and husky, filled with adoration. 

Reaching between his muscular legs with one hand to ease the seat back, Ben gently pulled Rey into his lap with the other. 

With her back to the window, Rey squirmed to fit comfortably on Ben’s warm lap, his arousal plain, through his denim jeans.

Throwing her hands about his shoulders, Rey pulled him in closely and whispered into his ear, “Solo, are you working on your night moves?”

His breath stuttered, Ben knew that song well, and had dreamed of stealing away every chance he could with Rey and now the opportunity is presenting itself and all he could think of is that he wanted this to last forever.

“I would never use you, Rey,” Ben murmured, gently, “you are the most precious thing that has ever grabbed my heart.” 

Reverently, he continued, brushing the flyaways across Rey’s temple.

“The feeling I get when your name is just mentioned has me drowning in insecure doubt. How could somebody so beautiful feel any inclination towards me.” 

“Hush,” Rey’s fingertips brushed against the plumpness of Ben’s soft pink lips. “You could be scarred,” Rey dragged her fingers lightly across his right eye, down the length of his face. 

The utter bliss that Clyde felt at the first delicate contact had him closing his eyes in prayer, reveling in Rey’s ministrations. 

 Feeling along the corded muscles of his neck, Rey placed a shy kiss on the hollow of Ben’s throat. 

“Or you could be missing a limb,” her hands explored Ben’s bicep and further reached down and twined her fingers with his. “It wouldn’t matter, I see you.” 

Pulling his hand up to her mouth, Rey placed sweet kisses across each roughened knuckle. Ben’s eyes opened, feeling the intensity of heat from Rey’s loving gaze. Sighing, he in turn brushed her knuckles likewise following each kiss with a possessive caress. 

Delicately turning his hand to hers, Rey guided his palm under her yellow halter top, resting it against her heart. 

“I see you, Ben Solo, you’re not alone,” Rey declared again, with a smile against his lips, “You think I don’t know you, but I do. You are the most gentle, understanding and kind person I have ever met.”

Tracing his lips, Rey’s tongue once again begged for just a taste of the possibility of forever. 

Ben’s warm, wanting mouth responded with fervor, his electrified hand, frozen in place. Feeling the steady heartbeat thundering beneath Rey’s silken skin moved Ben to action.

Searching for a better position, he regretfully pulled his hand from Rey’s heart and encircled her shoulders to pull her close, “Darling, sweetheart,” Ben peppered kisses across her jaw, “my love.” 

The hazy humid air seeping into the car heightened the passion between the two lovers, awkward explorations turned into languid strokes of pleasure. 

“Touch me, Ben,” Rey begged, sweat clinging to her brow, “I want you to feel how much I want you.”

Growling, Ben warned, “Pretty girl, my self control is gone, but if we are to be each other’s firsts, I don’t want it to be in my damn car.”

Rey pulled her kiss stung lips between her teeth, running her fingers through Ben’s glorious hair, “At least second base?” she suggested, batting her eyes playfully, reaching behind the nape of her neck to untie her dress.

Ben’s hands flew to Rey’s shoulders in an instance, holding the yellow fabric in place. “Are you sure about this, sweetheart?” Ben asked, his husky voice ached with evident longing, as other parts ached with sweet anticipation. 

Meeting his impenetrable gaze, Rey steadfastly nodded, eyes glassy with emotion, “My heart’s in your hands, Ben Solo. You hold my fate.”

#####

Notes:

thanks for stopping by …. Happy Valentines Day 💙

Notes:

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