Inevitable, A modern day Reylo AU

Chapter 21 - In the Deep

A/N - Hi everyone!  Well, life's been crazy busy of late, and unfortunately its really messed with my update schedule.  Its been a real struggle to keep up!  Sorry for those who've been left hangin' - I can relate and it makes me feel terrible when I can't get to this story.  There's still lots more to come, but I'd really, really like to finish it off at a quicker pace than I have been!  I'm hoping you like these next few parts.  I know that many of you want this to move a bit quicker, but I do have it all planned out - and I want our little couple to get a chance for a little unintentional romance before.....other things 😉.  Don't worry, it'll all be worth it in the end... Please, please, please continue to give me your feedback, and of course - vote if you like it!  Enjoy!!

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Their evening started out quietly, tinged with a bit of lingering awkwardness over the earlier encounter with Ben's towel – or lack thereof.  He'd blushed furiously when he came out of the bathroom, noting that Rey's cheeks also seemed to be a bit pinker than usual – but he thought that it could've just been from a bit too much sun.  By then she'd already changed into a simple, loose black dress that ended a few inches above her knees.  Too far above them for Ben's comfort.

Once again, her pink toenails caught his eye – and thoroughly captured his attention.  He'd never paid much attention to a women's toes, but suddenly he wanted to kiss those toes – to nibble on them – to see if she was ticklish or if it caused her to moan.  Fuck.  He was pitiful.  Mooning over her fucking toes!!

They were still quiet – both lost in thought - as they'd walked to the restaurant, having decided earlier on the outdoor patio overlooking the water, where they could enjoy the evening sea breeze.  Ben was still thinking about his stupid accident in the room, remembering how long it took him to calm himself down while standing in the bathroom, breathing deeply, willing his erection to go away, desperately hoping that she hadn't noticed.  Other than being a little quieter than usual, she didn't seem to be acting differently though, and so thankfully probably hadn't.

Rey's thoughts were also preoccupied with trying to get the image of Ben's naked form out of her head.  Unfortunately, it seemed to be burned into her retinas – her mind going back to how he looked again and again - keeping the heat that was flowing through her blood at a low simmer.  How on earth was she supposed to sleep next to him without attacking him during the night?  She took a deep, calming breath.  Focus Kenobi.  You can do this.

The sun had already set by the time they were seated at their table, with small but vibrant streaks of orange, pink and purple still visible near the horizon.  A few sea birds could still be seen in the distance, their silhouettes barely visible against the darkening sky.

Rey inhaled a deep, contented breath as she gazed out over the ocean, a mellow, happy feeling settling inside of her.  Looking across the table, she noted Ben watching her and gave him a small smile.  "I love this feeling.  The beach, the sound of the ocean, the last little bit of colour in the sky – it just seems so.....serene."

Ben's eyes lingered on her, watching the softness on her face and the sparkle in her eyes as she took in her surroundings.  "It's beautiful."  He said quietly, his stare locked onto hers.

She instinctively blushed, suddenly feeling self-conscious at his intent gaze, wondering whether he meant more than their surroundings.  It was probably just wishful thinking though – based on her self-revelations from earlier in the day - making her see things that weren't there.  Shifting her gaze to the area around them, she noted the tiny twinkling fairy lights that were strung up all around the patio, the small votive candles on each table, and the thrum of music softly playing in the background.  It all combined to form an intimately romantic setting that would make any red-blooded woman's heart melt.