The Reluctant Cougar (Rise of the Alpha King's Heir)

Sunlight Struggles

Eileen woke up when the sunlight hit her skin.

The breath hissed out of her as she scrambled out of the light, holding up the comforter as a shield.

"Of course I forgot to close the damn shades last night," she muttered angrily, walking towards the offensively opened window with the comforter still over her head and arms.

It was impossible to close the curtains with the comforter completely covering her, so with a deep breath she left the safety of the thick fabric and pulled the dark, heavy shade shut.

The relief was immediate.

Sighing she walked to the bathroom, eyeing her reflection.

Crap. She was already burned.

She looked left and right, tilting her face, her arms. Thankfully it wasn't bad, and it should fade shortly. 

Slapping cold water on her burned skin, she started contemplating her plans for the day. Unfortunately the glaring sunlight was going to greatly reduce what she was able to wear that day. She'd hoped for an overcast day or a rainy one--anything except clear and bright.

"Jeans, long sleeve, big floppy hat, and sunglasses it is," she murmured to herself unhappily, walking back into the room and rummaging in her duffle back. She reluctantly sat aside the cute sundress she'd wanted to wear. She couldn't wear the shorts and frilly tank top either.

Since she was already awake, she went ahead and got dressed for the day, staring at herself critically in the mirror. It had been a while since she'd cared how she looked in a sexual manner. This wasn't the flirtiest outfit, but it wasn't horrible. It showed off her figure, hugging her generous curves and accenting her hourglass frame.

"Could be worse," she acknowledged, pulling on her thin black gloves. She hoped the hat would be enough shield for her face; with Ben's sensitive nose, the sun block would probably be an overwhelming scent.

She looked at her gloved hand and sighed heavily, pulling the coverings off and putting them in her purse. She'd rather burn. Maybe they'd stay inside most of the day...

Eileen glanced at the clock, noting it was after seven. Would Ben be up yet? This was his one day to sleep in.

Should she check? Should she knock? Instead, she walked to the wall and put her ear against it.

No noise on the other side.

Unsure what she should do, she slowly made her way to her door and opened it.

Should she knock? Or should she wait? What if he was waiting for her to wake--

"Good morning."

Ben's husky voice right outside her door caused her to yelp, the door falling out of her grasp.

Ben's arm caught it, and he pushed it wide as he walked in, eyes dancing over her.

"You look nice. Did you sleep well?"

She nodded, automatically stepping back when he stepped forward, and that pattern lasted for several steps until eventually the door clicked shut behind him and the two of them were alone together in her room.

Eyes wide, she glanced around her. What was he seeing? The room was so messy!

"I-uh, I couldn't figure out what to wear," she said, indicating the strewn clothes.

"I like it," he murmured, his eyes still slowly tracing her. When his eyes met hers again, they lit up.

Eileen's brain stalled, and her heart melted. Nobody else had ever looked at her like that, like she was something desirable but precious, something to protect and treasure.