Author's Notes…

I'm so glad I received such a positive response from the first chapter! I'm here with a second! I usually don't write chapters this long, but it sort of kept going… So I went with it.

For Carla

Chocolate

Chapter Two

Mishap at the Bookstore

"Are you ever gonna look up from Skyrim, or…?"

"It's on the VR, Rey!"

"Gah! Finn! You're about to hit me!"

"Oh, sorry. I didn't see you. Omigod, I'm really there! I'm really about to get my head chopped off! Can you see it on the screen? Soooo cool! Ah, I love this game so much! I can't believe I'm finally playing it on the VR!"

Rey sighed and threw herself onto Finn's recliner in his living room. "You've put over… what did you say it was? Five hundred hours into this game?"

"Probably six hundred since it came out. Oh, shit! There's the dragon!"

They were going to be here a while.

"You like Skyrim, too, Rey, what gives?" Finn asked.

"I like going and killing all the people in the cities. I want to break the record for how many septims I'm wanted for." She got comfortable in the chair and grabbed a throw blanket. Finn had a clean bachelor pad, and his things didn't stink. "I think I'm at 400k."

"How do you get any quests done…? Geeze… Oh, crap! I gotta run—how do you run?! What are the controls—"

"I don't get quests done," she muttered. "Finn, you called me over here. Are we going to talk or what?"

"I called you over here so you can see how awesome this is!"

Rey rolled her eyes. "Skyrim isn't exactly a game for two people—"

"Look at this menu, it's gonna take forever to set this up…"

"I'm leaving," she announced.

"Awh, Rey, c'mon! Here, you try it!" Finn pulled at the VR headset.

"No—really, I'm all right," she insisted. "I want to get to the bookstore."

"The bookstore?"

"Yeah."

Her friend finished with the headset and put it aside. He plopped down on the L-shaped couch next to the recliner. Finn worked in IT and had a decent income. He lived comfortably, and his flat reflected it. Rey spent a good deal of time here, especially since Poe had become engaged, so some of her things were here, as well, such as the throw blanket.

While the game idled, Finn rubbed a hand over the back of his head where the headset had been and exhaled. "Ho'kay. Well, I wanted to talk to you about…" He waved a hand at her—paused—bit his lip in thought. Then he shook his head and got straight to it. "It's been two months, and you haven't said a woooord about that one-night stand with Creepy McGee."

"Creepy Mc—? What?" Rey laughed uproariously, clutching her sides. "He was not creepy!"

"Rey," Finn protested around the start of his own laugh, "he came out of nowhere, got you drunk, was doing shots off you, slung you over his shoulder, and took you home!"

"Yeah, but he was really, really fit!" Rey argued. Then she sobered, her laughter dying into chuckles and then an awkward silence. "What's there to talk about? I had a one-night stand. I told you."

"Uh huh…" Finn wet his lips before scratching his eyebrow with his thumb. "Yeah, that's not really you… And it's not really you to not talk about it with me. It's making me think you're not okay."

"I am," Rey said, trying not to feel defensive. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Rey…" Finn coaxed.

She turned her head, setting her jaw. "Look… I feel embarrassed that it happened at all." She pushed a hand into her hair. "You're right. It isn't like me. But… it did happen. And all I can do is move on."

"Why do you feel embarrassed?" Finn questioned.

"What do you mean?" Rey replied, her mouth turning down.

"I mean what I mean. Why do you feel embarrassed? You didn't do anything wrong."

Rey wet her lips. "I—I know that…" She shrank back into her seat, uncomfortable.

"Do you?" Finn caught her eyes and held her gaze steadily. "Because you need to. I've known you a long time, Rey. I know it's not something you do lightly. That's why I'm concerned you haven't talked about it. But that doesn't mean you did anything bad."

"Finn…" Rey protested.

Finn took her hand. "C'mon. What's going on in that head of yours?" He tugged her onto the couch beside him, pulling a leg up beneath him. "Talk to me."

"It's really nothing." She played with the ends of her hair, twirling them back and forth. She shrugged. "I met a stranger at a bar, and I was so upset with Poe that I went home with him. I had revenge sex with someone I didn't even know."

"It didn't look all that revengeful to me…" Finn rested his temple on his fist, his elbow on the back of the sofa. "Revengeful? Vengeful?"

"I don't remember much," Rey admitted. She found threads on the blanket to tug at. She couldn't look at her friend anymore. It was just—so hard to go eye-to-eye with Finn. He saw straight through you. "But I'm fine." Gripping his shoulder and squeezing, she smiled. "Thank you for asking."

She wasn't lying. She was fine.

She just hadn't thought herself the type of girl to go home with someone… in a bar.

And it wasn't that she had anything against anyone else who went home with someone from a bar—she didn't judge anyone's lifestyle. But herself, personally, she rarely had sex, owing to the fact that she had to really connect with someone before she could shag them. It truly was entirely out of character for her.

Yet what could she do about it? It was two months ago. Over and done with.

…really connect with someone before she…

"Rey? You're blushing," Finn observed unhelpfully.

"Shut up," Rey said. "All right. I'm going to the bookstore, like I said. Did you want to come with me?"

Finn stared longingly in the direction of Skyrim and the VR.

"You don't have to," she laughed.

"No, I'll go," he sighed. "Let me guess: new Ashley Hayden book?"

Rey fairly sparkled.

"Yeah, yeah," Finn groaned. "I guess we can go get your lovey-dovey piece of—"

"It's historical romance!" she huffed. "Specifically of the Victorian Era! And the author is a true genius! I love her work!"

"I know," he stressed. "I know. I've been your friend for how long?" He yanked on his Jordans. "Freakin' Ashley Hayden…"

The cab pulled up to the bookstore Rey occupied roughly every other day. Finn went sometimes to have a cup of joe with her. Both were coffee fiends. Both nearly worshipped the smell of books, albeit differently. Finn was more interested in graphic novels and comics than novels. They'd browse, perhaps purchase something, and go next door to the café.

Rey stretched as she stepped onto the curb, her messenger bag pulling tight across her chest. It was a leather fold-over Poe had gotten her for Christmas, after watching her pine for it for months. The thing had cost a pretty penny. Genuine leather, high-end brand, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.

Poe…

Resolving to put him from her mind, Rey yawned and placed the ball of her fist against Finn's bicep. "The usual?"

He nodded. "Yup."

The very moment they entered the store, they took off in different directions.

Rey had an e-reader, but she tended to only use it for books she didn't care too much about. Ashley Hayden was different. She'd been collecting those for years. The author was big enough that her new books came out in hardback. They weren't just Victorian romance—they usually had a central theme of action involved somehow. Like there had been a trilogy about highway banditry, and some magic…

Bzzzt.

Frustration rising, Rey ignored her phone. She knew who it was without looking. Poe. He'd been attempting to get a hold of her since the wedding, but… Rey… really didn't have anything to have to say to him. Not right now.

"You're better than that."

She felt bad for Finn. Finn was dying to pick her brain about the whole thing and had been keeping Poe off her back, too. He was essentially the middleman. But, wonder of wonders, he'd respected her space on this one matter.

He knew how much she was hurting over everything that had unfolded.

Rey found the best-selling display and fought not to wriggle with delight. She set aside the first few copies in front, wanting one that didn't have any sort of damage to it, no matter how slight. She was very picky that way.

Ah! This was so good. It would really distract her. Sure, she'd tear through it in a day, but—

"YOU!"

Rey jumped.

Turned.

Nearly dropped her book.

It was Ben Solo.

She did the only thing she could think of.

She ran.

"Hey!" he yelled indignantly.

Since when are you such a coward? she thought.

She neared the aisle Finn was at. He saw her dart past—blinked—set down what he was holding when he saw her pursuer.

"Crap!" he cried. "Hey! Hey, you! Leave her alone!"

Rey committed a crime, then, entirely unintentionally.

She rushed out of that damn store with that book still in her hand.

"Awh, Rey—!" Finn shouted. "Shit… Lemme pay for that! You owe me!"

Don't look back! You're committed now!

"Rey!" Ben called. "Stop running!"

"No!" she tossed over her shoulder.

No way!

She reached the end of the block and bent over, panting, a cramp in her lungs so fierce that she thought she might collapse on the spot. Oh, dear Lord. When had she gotten so out of shape? She was a scrap of a thing, but that didn't speak for anything if she didn't exercise.

Her limbs were practically made out of jelly. She had to get them going.

Ben's ridiculously long legs were gaining on her.

He cursed behind her, having run into something. It bought her some time—time enough for a burst of adrenaline to set in. She flung herself around the corner and ran blindly down 8th. She had no idea what was in this direction. She never went this way.

Newspaper stands—people jogging—dog sitters out—cabs caught in traffic—

Oh, shite, a couple of men carrying a table down the front stairs of a townhouse!

She leapt clear over it.

She stumbled and knocked into a feeble old lady. She mumbled something of an apology, not having the breath for more. She hoped the woman wasn't hurt. She didn't know. She didn't look back.

"Rey, for Christ's sake!" she heard.

Even she wasn't sure why she was so intent on escaping.

You've got this! You've almost lost him!

Yes! An open cab!

She thrust a group of teenagers lollygagging by a light pole aside. She waved a hand wildly at the cab and slid onto the seat hard enough that she hit the opposite door. So close to freedom, she reached over and slammed the door she'd entered shut.

"Go, go, go!" she instructed the driver.

He gave her an odd look but pulled away.

Ben skidded to a stop and threw up his arms, disbelief scrawled on his face. She ducked down from the window, covered in sweat, her heart pounding so hard she was sure she was a moment away from cardiac arrest.

"Do I wanna know what that was about?" the cabbie asked.

"No," Rey gasped out around the stitch in her side.

"So where we headed?"

Rey remembered Finn and grimaced.

"Downtown Coruscant. You can just drop me off at Mos Eisley." No, wait. She couldn't go there. That was where Ben had taken her home. "Er—sorry. Know any good bars in that area? I'm open to suggestions."

"Lady, that's a long list…"

"I'm all ears," Rey breathed.

Anything for a distraction.

"Rey, what the hell is wrong with you?" Finn fussed at her. He hopped onto a barstool and asked for a Coors Light. "By the way, you owe me, like, twenty bucks for that thing."

"I'll pay you back on the Cash App. Hold on, lemme get it," she slurred. She dug into her purse, producing her phone. Her third frozen margarita was perspiring on the tiny napkin beneath it. She hummed as she pulled up the app and Finn's name. "There you go. Cha-ching."

Finn grumbled. "You're lucky it's happy hour."

"You didn't have to join me," Rey pointed out. She took a long draw of iced tequila strawberry from her straw. Oh, tequila. Tequila, tequila, tequila… It wanted you to believe it was your friend, but it really, really wasn't.

"Yes, I did. As your best friend on duty—"

"Shut it, you wanker." Rey straightened up from the bar and wagged a finger at Finn. "Listen—I am fine."

"You ran out of a store without paying for a book," Finn retorted. "What did you think, that he had cooties?"

"Yes," Rey said. Because why not? She didn't have a good reason. That one suited her fine.

"Then you're really not going to want to hear this."

Rey's lips twitched into the beginnings of a frown. "Whatdoyoumean?" She pulled her margarita close. Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men came on the speakers, the latest in a string of throwbacks. It had been overplayed on the radio to death, but she was drunk enough that she swayed slightly to the rhythm on her stool, straw in hand.

"I gave him your number," Finn said.

"WHAT?" Song forgotten, Rey put her margarita on the bar. Suddenly, she was very unhappy that she wasn't sober. "You had no right to do that!"

"You're acting like a crazy person!" Finn shot back. "We're at a bar at three in the afternoon, and you're hammered! You're not like—"

"Myself?" Rey sneered. "Maybe this is the new me."

Finn pinched the bridge of his nose. "Rey… you're twenty-five, so… I'll say this as gently as I can manage. I know you're hurting over Poe… but—well: grow up."

Grow up.

Grow up.

The words echoed in her mind on an endless loop.

Finn braced a hand on her shoulder. "He really wanted to talk to you. I only gave him your number 'cause he said you left something at his apartment."

Rey gave her sassiest eyeroll, channeling her inner Rihanna. She pushed her margarita away, signaling that she wanted water. She didn't want to drink anymore. "He tricked you. I didn't leave anything there."

"Either way, you gotta confront your fears. Why the hell did you run away like that?"

"I don't know," Rey said honestly. She laughed, burying her face in her hands. "I… I'm not ready to face him."

"Why?" Finn pressed. "At least tell him that so he'll leave you alone, you know?"

"That's… you're right," Rey said. "You're right, of course, you're right. I should tell him I don't want to talk to him. I'm acting like a child. There's no reason for me to be so dodgy."

"Well… I didn't want to say it like that, but since you did…" Finn muttered.

Rey smacked him lightly on the arm.

"What are you gonna do after this?" Finn questioned.

"Dunno… curl up, watch some more Twin Peaks? I'm off 'til tomorrow."

Her friend's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "You're finally gonna watch more? Yaaaaas!" He hesitated. "You're not gonna read?"

She thought of the book in her purse. "It won't take me too long to mow through that. I kind of want to savor it a bit."

"Gotcha." Finn thanked the bartender for the beer and water that was placed before them. "Well, since we're here… let's make a good afternoon out of it."

Rey smiled.

"You're such a good friend, Finn," she said.

"I know," he sighed theatrically.

Rey put Netflix on her PS4 and then got ready to curl up on her bed.

Her hair still damp from her shower, she grabbed her candy bar. She had a stash of Galaxy chocolate from her father's last visit to England. Now seemed as good a time as any to partake. She pulled back the sheets and blanket, fluffed up her pillows, plugged her mobile into its charger.

It was only then that she pulled up her text messages she'd received throughout the day.

Five from Poe.

Pass, she thought.

Two from Ben. She programmed his name into her contacts list.

Ben Solo: It's Ben. I got your number from your friend.

Ben Solo: Mind telling me why you're avoiding me?

That was it, all sent hours ago.

Rey sank into her pillows and sighed.

Her fingers moved of their own volition.

Me: I'm really embarrassed about earlier.

An answer came back so immediately, her heart skipped a beat. Was he waiting by his phone?

Ben Solo: You should be.

Grrrrr!

This man!

Her fingers flew furiously over the vibrating keypad.

Me: Excuse me?

Ben Solo: What's so repellant about me that you felt the need to run two blocks away and commit theft in the process?

Me: You're not repellant.

Ben Solo: Then what the hell is it?

Me: I don't know!

She threw her mobile to the other side of the bed.

It buzzed.

Don't answer it, she told herself firmly. She picked up her PS4 controller. She needed to watch more of Twin Peaks. It was Finn's favorite show. He really wanted to talk about it, and he always went out of the way to look into things she enjoyed. She had to return the favor.

But, in the end, she couldn't ignore her phone.

Ben Solo: I think you're scared.

As she stared at the screen, another message zipped beneath the last.

Ben Solo: We had a good time.

Me: I don't remember anything.

Ben Solo: Bullshit. I don't believe that for a minute.

Me: I'm being serious!

Ben Solo: You forgot everything at the bar?

He had her there.

Ben Solo: Meet me tomorrow.

Me: I have work.

Ben Solo: When are you off again?

Me: None of your business.

Ben Solo: When are you off again?

Damn it… why was he so persistent…?

Me: Saturday.

Ben Solo: Meet me then. At Theed Park at four.

Rey exited out of his text window, her pulse flickering, making her swallow. Gathering strength, bravery, she tapped into Poe's.

Poe: Rey.

Poe: C'mon, this is weird.

Poe: Why are you ignoring me?

Poe: Let's at least get lunch or something!

Poe: Just… text me back, okay?

She set her alarm and put her phone back on her nightstand, plugging it back in. She eyed it for some time and then pressed play on Twin Peaks, breaking off a piece of chocolate.

Saturday, Approximately Four in the Afternoon

Rey shuffled to a stop in front of Ben. He was resting beneath a tree, his back against it, a notepad open on his lap. A briefcase was keeping the other notepads he had beside him safe from the wind. Pens littered the grass, and he had ink on his fingers.

She'd never responded to him, and he was still…

"I'm here," she said, stuffing her hands into her pockets. "Now what?"

"Two things." Ben began putting his things away. She tried not to notice the way his shirt outlined the muscles of his chest. She'd had her hands on it at some point… she'd seen it bare, and… "Still want to make that guy jealous?"

Rey wet her lips. "…Maybe."

He smiled to himself. When he looked up at her, it was gone.

"What's the other thing?" she asked.

"Do you really not remember anything that happened?" He was squinting a little in the sunlight, so she moved to where he didn't have to.

"I don't," she replied.

He pushed himself to his feet. She barely had time to process that before his fingers were in her hair—holy shite, he really was so tall—and then his lips descended on hers. They were as warm and soft as they had been at the bar two months ago. Her hands came up to shove him off, but somehow that wasn't happening. They rested against his chest and stayed there.

"How about now?" he murmured.

She was growing dizzy and flushed.

"No," she breathed.

"You want me to kiss you again?" His lips brushed hers with every word as he posed the question.

Her eyes slipped closed.

She was nodding.

Then she shook her head. "Wait—I don't know anything about you—"

"You want that to change?"

So many questions.

"I…"

He kissed her again. She heard herself groan. His lips left hers, brushed the length of her jaw, met her ear.

"I've never wanted anyone the way I want you. Let me."

"I—" She squeezed her eyes shut. It was so difficult to think when he was close like this. "I've never—I can't have casual sex, I'm not built for it—"

"It's more than sex," he murmured. "I'll do whatever you want. Just don't push me away."

"You barely know me…" she said weakly.

"You keep making arguments that we can remedy." He cupped her face in his palms. This time, when he kissed her, she didn't fight it. She rose onto her tiptoes to better meet him and put less of a strain on his neck, her fingers clenched in his shirt.

This was madness.

"I'll do whatever you want. Just don't push me away."

He just wanted to be in her life?

Ben drew away, his hands cupped under her jaws, and placed a kiss to her forehead.

"What do you say?" he murmured.

What did she say?

What did she say…?