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

Mine.

The ride home was bittersweet.

"You guys okay back there?" Jessup called.

"Yeah," Ben murmured, flicking his thumb over Eileen's pulse again.

"Thanks for suggesting me as your driver to Coach Hail," Jessup said, grinning at him in the rearview mirror.

Ben nodded, "Figured you'd want to see your girl too."

"You have no idea," Jessup groaned. "We can't stay super long, though. If we're not back in time..."

"I know," Ben sighed heavily. If they weren't back in time Jessup wouldn't be able to drive him anymore and Eileen wouldn't be able to check him out for a month. He'd still be able to stay with her in the meeting building, though; after all, it was illegal to keep bonded Bloodmates apart.

"Let's enjoy the time we have left," Eileen suggested. "Turn around."

Ben did, already anticipating the touch of her hands on his back. He was not disappointed.

"Cougar. You're doing it all wrong," Jessup teased. "If that was me and Louisa, I'd be the one doing the rubbing for sure." 

What? 

His eyes shot open, and he quickly turned to face her, "Turn around."

Her eyes danced, "Why?"

"I just realized I'm allowed to touch you too. Turn around," he demanded.

Up front Jessup laughed and turned on the radio, keeping a steady pace as they raced down the interstate.

Ben's hands trembled as they neared her. He paused. His hands were gigantic compared to her small frame. How could a body so small hold such strength, such spirit?

"I like my shoulders rubbed," she said helpfully.

Ben settled his hands on her shoulders, rubbing and kneading the flesh there.

"Mmm," she moaned quietly. "That's soooo good."

Acting on instinct, Ben leaned forward to whisper into her ear, "Is it? Good. I like it when you react to me, my good girl. "

A gasp escaped her, and her arousal hit the air. Ben blinked, body going rigid. 

Jessup rolled down all the windows with a growl.

"Cougar!" Jessup said, annoyance in his voice. "I'm not trying to be rude, but I am  still in the car with you. Can you not?"

"Sorry," Ben said, but his mind whirred. He wasn't sure why he'd said that, or why it had affected her the way it had, but he really liked her response.

Tucking that away for later, he continued massaging her shoulders and back, loving the chance to touch her. To his disappointment, she no longer made any noise.

Miles down the road, Jessup turned down the music, "This the turn?"

"Yeah," Eileen agreed, shifting to face forward again. "Take a right off this exit."

Jessup did, smoothly taking them from the interstate, down the highway, and turning on the appropriate side roads.

Soon they were driving down their street.

"I don't want this day to end," Ben said quietly.

"Me either," she admitted, holding his hand in hers.

"We can stay about two hours. Maybe a little longer if I drive fast on the way back," Jessup told him. "Which house is hers?"

"Second from the end," Ben said automatically. "Three down from mine."