#background roux

If Found, Please Return

Rating: E || Status: In Progress || Beta’d by @rebelrebelreylo

Summary: Rey knows what it's like to be abandoned, so when she returns a lost dog to his posh Manhattan address, she gives his owner an earful. The only problem is, the dog's owner isn't the arrogant, redhead she screamed at. It's Ben Solo, the world-renowned actor. And he's just offered her a job.

Chapter 2 Excerpt: “I like your moxie,” Phasma remarked, straightening up to her full height. Even without her heels, she towered over Rey. “I’ve never seen someone irritate Hux the way you did,” she said with a chuckle. “His face was as red as his hair.”

The corner of Rey’s mouth twitched. “He’s arrogant.”

“He is,” Phasma agreed. “But he’s a necessary evil. He keeps Ben’s career in check.”

“Just not his dog?” Rey surmised.

“Exactly,” Phasma replied, raising her hand to signal for a cab. “Hux only looks out for Hux. Right now, Ben’s career is on the rise, which means he’ll protect him at all costs. Ben is his meal ticket and he won’t do anything to jeopardize that.”

“But Mr. Solo loves Moose,” Rey argued. “Why wouldn’t he care about his pet?”

“Hux doesn’t understand attachments,” Phasma answered. “Not enough hugs as a child, daddy issues... take your pick. Ah! Here we go.” She walked up to the curb, opening the door of the cab. “Get in,” she ordered.

Read it now on A03

Chapter 11 Excerpt

Over the course of the last two weeks, Rey’s feelings had grown. A single word came to mind when she thought of him. Four letters. One life-altering meaning. She wasn’t quite ready to share the depth of her adoration for the Lone Wolf with anyone.

At least not yet.

Ben had proven himself to be the same kind-hearted, gentle giant she had known as a child. He was always there, anticipating her needs and ready to help her with everything from selecting the best cleaner for her cabin to educating her on how to survive the no-see-ums season.

The tiny black flies were pesky biters. Rey instantly developed a deep hatred for them. She’d never experienced insects in the desert like the annoying punkies, who could bite through clothing. She bought insect repellent in bulk.

“You’re too sweet,” Ben joked. “They like the taste of you.”

Rey flushed. He’d been making more and more comments like that — seemingly innocent remarks that had more than one meaning. It only made it harder for her to say goodbye each evening.

The tension between them crackled like a freshly split log on the fire. Each evening it intensified until the night before their summer break.

Something Wild - Excerpt

Anchorage hosted the largest Summer Solstice Festival in the state but Rey immediately preferred Crait’s rendition, even if she had never seen Anchorage’s version. In the short time she’d lived in the small town, Rey became part of the community.

She knew Ahsoka, who was running a concession stand which offered ice beverages and sweet treats. Snap waved at her from in front of the General Store where he had built a leapfrog game that the kids were going crazy over. Maz was selling jams and other canned goods, handing them out along with a helping of unsolicited advice to the buyer.

Rey laughed, overhearing far more than she intended as she passed by. Maz gave her a wink. Ben shook his head, muttering something about the woman having no shame. Rey looped her arms around his waist, giving him a side hug.

“It wasn’t that bad,” she said with a grin.

“She just told Lor San Tekka to try her cherry preserves for his virility problems.” Ben gave Rey a pointed look. “I don’t want to hear that. I don’t want to know that. How are your ears not bleeding?”

“There, there, big guy,” she told him, patting him on the back.

Chpt. 9 Excerpt

“Armitage is nice,” Rey offered.

“Hux!” Jessika shrieked before bowing in laughter.

She didn’t seem all too convinced, but Rey caught Rose looking away. Her shoulders went rigid and her hands twisted in her lap. Rey bit her lower lip, wondering if there was more to Rose’s friendship with the red-haired teacher than the girl had let on. And if she should ask.

“He helped me decorate today,” Rey insisted. “I only just met him the other day, but he gave up his entire morning to get my room situated.”

Jessika’s laughter died and she cleared her throat. “You’re serious?”

Rey nodded.

The first-grade teacher made a humming sound. Then she apologized. “I take it back. I’ve never known Hux to be a nice guy.”

“He’s nice to me.” Rose finally joined in.

Jessika shot Rey an ‘uh-huh, we know’ look, which Rose didn’t notice. Maybe Jessika wasn’t as clueless about Hux as Rey had initially believed. Maybe Rose was the clueless one.