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.

"It's definitely such a beautiful spot.   And very romantic."  She laughed self-consciously.  "Too bad its kind of lost on us."

"Why would you say that?"  Ben asked, his gaze still lazer focused on her.  "Just because we're not......a couple, doesn't mean we can't appreciate the ambiance."

Her heart fluttered dangerously.  Sometimes..... she thought.  He always knew just what to say.  Somehow always made her feel.......things she shouldn't.  "True."  She answered speculatively.  "But for the couples here tonight, the setting almost guarantees that they're all probably getting lucky."  She wiggled her brows playfully, before breaking out in a soft laugh.  "After all, isn't that what vacations are for?  To reconnect in a relaxed and extremely romantic setting?  And roll around between the sheets every chance you get."

Ben's eyes darkened and he huffed out a quiet breath, his mind picturing them here as a couple – holding her hand across the table, softly kissing her knuckles; taking a walk on the beach after dinner and kissing her senseless before carrying her back to their room to make love to her until she was boneless.  Fuck.  Now he was getting hard again.  Stop this madness Solo, he told himself sternly.

Trying to reign in his thoughts and regain some semblance of control, he took a sip of water before raising an eyebrow at her.  "That's not how I would characterize my previous two tropical vacations with Kay.  You were actually witness to both of them."

Rey cocked her head at him.  "True.  Mine haven't been like that either.  But I think that's how they're supposed to be."

He was about to say something in return, when their server suddenly arrived, interrupting the moment.  Quickly scanning their menu cards, they both opted for fresh seafood dishes, as well as a bottle of wine.  A few minutes later they were sitting back, sipping cool glasses of white wine while they waited for their meal.

Looking around once again, Rey asked him.  "Do you think when others see us, they think we're together?"

"What exactly do you mean?"

Rey rolled her eyes.  "You know – together – like, as in, a couple."

"Probably."  He replied.  "We're here – just the two of us – at a tropical resort.  I don't know why they wouldn't think that."  He paused for a moment, frowning.  "Does that bother you?"

"No.  No, not at all.  I just...."  She looked around her again and sighed, giving her head a slight shake.  He caught the faint tinge of a blush on her cheeks in the dim candlelight.  "They must be thinking, 'what's she doing with him'?"

Now he really frowned, annoyance sharpening his tone.  "What the hell are you talking about?"

She squirmed uncomfortably in her seat, giving him a small shrug.  "Well, I'm me and you're you."

"And?"  He asked pointedly.

"Ben, you know that women see you differently than men see me.  We've been through this before."

He let out a frustrated growl, grabbing her hand from the table and squeezing for emphasis.  "Rey – I don't know why you don't see yourself the way I do.  Men watch you all the time.  It's like their eyes are inadvertently drawn to you.  You shine so brightly when you walk into a room.  You're....stunning."  His voice resonated deeply as he whispered vehemently.  "And I guarantee that that itty bitty little suit you were wearing earlier today made more than one man adjust themselves in their trunks this afternoon on the beach."

Rey blushed again and looked away, biting her lip to tamp down the sudden fire racing through her veins.  Could he be talking about himself?  Grabbing her glass with her free hand, she took a deep gulp of wine before hesitantly meeting his eyes again.  "Oh.  I.... um...."  She blew out a breath, letting out a startled chuckle.  "I never even thought of that."

"Rey, I know you think you're not very 'girly', and don't curl your hair or wear a lot of make-up, but trust me, you're naturally beautiful."  His gaze was unwavering.  "And honestly, I don't understand why you think women actively pursue me.  I just don't see it – and I don't know why anyone would.  I've always had a weird face – too long, with a big nose and big ears."  He shook his head.  "Trust me – I know my own limitations in that department."

She simply stared at him and laughed, mouth agape.  "Ben.  You still have no idea, do you?"

He simply raised an eyebrow at her and shook his head.  "Apparently neither do you."  Intending to say more, he was interrupted by their server appearing with two plates in his hands.  Once again, the moment was lost, and they both turned to focus on their dishes, eating their dinner in silence, casually remarking on how good the fish was, paired with a tasty and fresh salsa-type concoction.

Their conversation slowly picked up as the meal went on.  By dessert, the strange awkwardness had disappeared and they were both happily stealing bites of each other's sweets – Rey's a chocolate crème brulee and Ben's a mango cheesecake - between sips of coffee.

When they were finished their meal, Rey leaned back in her seat with a huge, contented grin on her face.  "Oh my God that was so good.  I'm stuffed."

Ben nodded.  "It was really good."  Glancing out across the darkened expanse of sand, an idea flitted through his mind.  "Do you want to go for a walk on the beach before we go back?"  He asked quietly.

"I think I'd like that.  I'm not ready for our first day to end just yet."  She smiled.

"Me neither."  He said rising from his seat and holding out his arm to her.  "Shall we?"

Cocking her head at him, she raised an eyebrow, surprised at his old-school, gallant action, but gently linked her arm through his.

They strolled slowly along the beach, carrying their shoes, enjoying the softness of the night and the beauty surrounding them, while quietly chatting.  Stumbling across a couple locked in a lover's embrace, they silently veered away so as not to disturb them.  Rey gave them a lingering look and took a deep breath, letting out a long sigh.  She was silent for a few minutes as they continued walking.

Ben noticed the change in her mood.  She'd seemed quietly relaxed a few minutes ago, but had released his elbow and now had her arms wrapped around herself as she walked.  "Cold?"  He asked.

"No – its nice."  She replied softly.  "The breeze, everything.  I can smell flowers on the air too."

He gazed over at her in concern as they continued to make their way along the beach.  "Is something wrong?"

She shook her head.  "No.  I'm really glad to be here – with you."  Inhaling deeply, she explained.  "I'm just feeling kind of.......weirdly maudlin all of sudden.....I guess....."  She sighed, looking up at the stars.  "That couple – the one we just passed?  They looked.....I don't know....quietly happy.  Does that make sense?"

"It does."  He answered carefully.

Glancing up at him, she cocked her head.  "I've always wanted that with someone.  That closeness – that connection with another person – where you just know that they're....everything..... the one for you..... and that you're the one for them.  Like Obi and Anna."  Sighing, she added quietly. "I've never had that.  Deep down, I....I think I always knew that Finn and I didn't share it."  She sighed once more.  "I'm not sure I ever will though."

Ben had to school his features and clench his hands to keep from reaching for her.  She sounded so sad.  He wanted so badly to touch her, comfort her, kiss her softly but deeply – just like that couple they'd passed - to let her know that that's exactly how he felt about her.  Stopping, he turned to face her.  "Rey, don't sell yourself short, nor doubt yourself that way.  You will have that.  You have so much to give.  Finn just wasn't the right person for you - but I think you know that now.  Don't let what he did to you cloud your judgement.  Eventually, you'll find that person, and when you do – you'll know."

She seemed a bit chagrined and sad when she replied.  "But what if it's me?  What if I can't connect to someone like that?  I was never able to find that connection with Finn – never -after all that time between us - years!  And the last time we were....intimate....well...it was a complete disaster.  I was trying so hard to find that – and.....and, we just couldn't!"  Taking a deep breath she looked up at him and swallowed.  "It never should've happened.  I knew it from the second he touched me.   But I started it – not him – and because of that I just didn't feel right stopping him.  I should have though.  It was awful.  I felt sick afterwards – disgusted, with myself – for allowing it."   She shuddered, wrapping her arms around herself.  "And now, of course, it all makes sense."   She was quiet for a few seconds before continuing.  "Somehow – deep down – I guess I knew that something wasn't right."

"I'm sorry, Rey."  He told her quietly, his gut twisting as she'd recounted the experience.  Thank God she didn't go into details – she was usually pretty blunt – but he didn't think he could handle it at this point.  He knew she'd obviously been intimate with Finn – a lot - they'd been together for years – but hearing about her talk about it now just seemed so.....different.  The thought of that – of her with Finn or anyone else for that matter – caused a sick, agonizing feeling inside him.

Clearing his throat, he told her.  "Kay and I... well....it had been...I don't know, probably at least 4, maybe 5 months – probably even more – I'd completely stopped counting....by the time it ended."  He sighed deeply, seeing Rey's eyes widen in surprise .  "And honestly, in that last month.....I probably would've felt the same as you, had she suddenly come to me...."

She gave him a sad smile.  "Sometimes, I think back to 6 or 8 months ago.  I thought was happy – and thought Finn was happy too - but we clearly weren't.  How could I have been so wrong - so blind about our relationship?"  Shaking her head, she continued.  "I mean, it wasn't completely terrible or anything like that, but I feel like it was kind of a lie.  And now.....I just...I don't trust my own judgement anymore."  She looked up at him, disillusionment on her face.  "I don't want to end up alone."

Stepping towards her, he took her hands in his, noting the sheen of moisture in her eyes.  "Hey.  Where's this suddenly coming from?  I know you're clearly still hurting – disillusioned and disappointed – over Finn."  He squeezed her hands and gave them a small shake for emphasis.  "But in time, you will get over him, Rey.  You'll move on – open yourself up to someone new."  With a rueful smile, he told her.  "You are amazing.  Intelligent, caring, funny and beautiful.  One day you'll find yourself in love with someone – and you'll be happy.  Believe that Rey.  Some lucky bastard will worm his way into your heart and be smart enough to see you for all that you are, and never let go.  But know that whatever the future holds, you'll always have me.  I'll always be there for you – no matter what."  His own chest was tight, his throat threatening to close on a sudden swell of emotion.  Wanting to lighten their heavy mood, he grinned, telling her teasingly.  "A new boyfriend won't scare me off.  You won't get rid of me that easily."

Rey looked up into his eyes shakily, feeling like something inside of her was being ripped apart.  Shouldn't she feel comforted by his pledge?  So then why did it hurt so damn much?  It almost felt like he was encouraging her to find someone else.  Inexplicably, she suddenly felt like crying.

Huffing out a shaky breath, she stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his waist – needing the comfort of a hug.  "Thank you Ben.  I feel the same way.  Whatever happens in the future – whoever you fall in love with – they won't scare me away either.  I'll always be here for you too."

Wrapping his arms around her shoulders, he rested his chin on the top of her head, enjoying the feel of her in his arms.  They stayed like that for a minute or so before reluctantly letting go of each other.  "Better?"  He asked.

She nodded vigorously, looking away, her cheeks reddening.  "Yes.  Thanks."  Glancing back up she gave him a small smile.  "I think I just needed a hug."

He grinned down at her indulgently.  "Anytime."

The smile was still on her face as she continued gazing up at him, feeling happy and comforted by his warmth and willingness to always make her feel better.  Suddenly, a crazy idea popped into her head.  "You like me, right?"

His brows raised in confusion, unsure where she was going with the sudden shift.  "Um, yeah.  Duh."

"No, I mean, enough to like, live with me?  Tolerate me?"

Once again, his eyes widened.  "Yes?"  He replied with a question.  "Why?  Where are you going with this?"

She looked at him oddly, and held up a hand.  "I have a crazy proposal.  A proposition.  Just....hear me out."

He nodded silently, signalling for her to continue.

"Five years.  If neither of us have found our significant other – the one – in five years, we get married – you and me."  She told him, gesturing back and forth between them.

Ben's mouth fell open, hanging there for a few seconds, before wordlessly continuing to open and close like a fish.  It took about 30 seconds before he was able to even try to respond.  "You.....what?"  He whispered.

"I know its crazy!"  She added quickly, seeing his bewilderment.  "But, just think about it!  We both want families, and the two of us get along so well!  So, if we haven't found our other half in five years, we should just take the plunge."  Her eyes were imploring as she continued.  "I mean – I know its not romantic or anything like that – but....but...."  Her breath huffed out of her chest.  "I think we could make it work.  And be happy.  Together – instead of being alone."

His brain was slowly starting to work again, but his limbs were still frozen by the implications of her words.  She wasn't saying that he should consider this now, but the fact that she could see them together – if they didn't find what she considered to be the one in 5 years – made his heart pound wildly with joy.  He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she was 'the one' for him, so he wouldn't be looking any farther than right in front of him.  The problem was, she didn't see him as 'the one' for her just yet.

Hell, he'd marry her tomorrow – here in the Bahamas – if he could.  But he knew she wasn't ready – not yet.  For some maggoty reason she still didn't see him that way.  But eventually, she would be ready.  He knew she would.  She had to.  He thought fervently.  He just needed to give her a bit more time to see it.  To feel it.

The small kernel of hope he'd held inside of him these last 6 weeks – even longer than that if he truthfully admitted how long he'd been out of his head for her - suddenly burst into flame.

He stared down at her, thankful that it was dark so she couldn't see the intensity that burned in his gaze.  If she could, it would give his feelings away in an instant.  "Rey...."

"No!  Don't say anything yet!  I know – I know its crazy!  But - just, please, think about it?  Okay?"

He let out a shuddering breath, trying to keep his voice steady.  "Okay."

She smiled in relief, nodding and giving his hands a squeeze, thinking that his voice seemed deeper than usual, something in his tone making her want to wrap herself around him.  She swallowed the nerves that threatened to bubble over, trying to settle her suddenly uncertain emotions.  Giving in, she once again wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face in his chest.  "Thank you."

His arms tightened around her, wanting nothing more than to savour this moment, knowing that they were one step closer.  He closed his eyes and pressed a kiss to the top of her head, hoping she couldn't feel how hard his heart was pounding.

The sound of explosions in the sky interrupted their moment, both of them gazing up to see a series of fireworks continuing to explode, sparkling brightly above their heads.  They stayed that way for a few minutes, watching the glittering display and enjoying their surroundings, before reluctantly pulling apart when it ended.  Ben reached out to take her hand, not wanting to lose contact with her skin, as they began walking back along the beach.

He could hear her sigh quietly beside him as they walked.  "How perfect was this night?  An excellent dinner, a beautiful beach – the sound of the waves and the tang of the water – my best friend, and to top it all off – fireworks!  Its just....perfect, Ben."

"It was pretty great, wasn't it?"  He replied with a smile in his voice.  They were both quiet as they continued to leisurely stroll across the beach hand in hand.  His mind was still reeling with thoughts of her – what had she called it? – her proposal – and all the implications of it.  Should he act on it?  Do something?  He just wanted to kiss her so badly.  But he knew she'd been speaking of the future – not now – so even hinting at his feelings might not be a good idea just yet.  Or it could be the smartest thing he'd ever done......Fuck, he was confused.  And torn.  And uncertain.

Realizing belatedly that he hadn't actually answered her offer, his voice was quiet, almost reverent when he spoke, breaking the silence that had started to stretch between them.  "You have my word Rey."  She stopped to look up at him, her expression puzzled.  He chose his next words carefully, his phrasing intentionally obtuse.  "If in 5 years we're not already happily married - or close to it, then we'll get married."  He said simply with a grin on his face, his shoulder giving a slight shrug, trying to lighten the mood.  "There are definitely worse fates than being married to your best friend.  Personally, I think it should be a pre-requisite."

Rey's eyes were widely luminous as she gazed up at him, almost mesmerized.  Definitely worse fates indeed.  She thought, as her heart skipped a beat.  She held out her hand to seal the pact, determination in her voice.  "Deal."

Ben looked down at her hand, inspiration suddenly striking, causing his heart to pound frantically.  His eyes slowly travelled back up to her face, shaking his head.  "Uh uh.  This is not the type of deal you seal with a simple handshake."  He told her seriously.

She looked at him, her brow wrinkling in confusion.  "Should we spit in our palms first instead?"  She asked impishly, giving him a small laugh.

Chuckling, he reached out to grasp her hands.  "No.  This deserves something different."  His voice was once again deep and mesmerizing, making Rey's heart speed up and pound even harder.  When he slowly leaned down and a brushed a soft, brief kiss across her lips however, her legs turned to jelly and every thought in her head scattered to the cool, evening breeze.

She was left standing there, gaping up at him, dumbfounded, as he smiled at her once again, satisfaction glinting in his eyes.  "Deal."  He said softly, before releasing her hands and stepping away.

She was still standing there, frozen to the spot as he began walking away, heading back towards the hotel.  After grabbing his shoes, he'd only taken a couple of steps before turning back to her with a smug look on his face.  "Are you coming?"  He asked teasingly.

She shook her head to clear it, willing her legs to finally start moving as she stuttered out a response.  "Um.  Yeah.  Sorry."

What the fuck had just happened?

******

Rey's thoughts were still jumbled when they returned to their room.  Their room.  Fuck, how was she supposed to do this tonight?  Something had definitely been in the air....

Why had she wrested that promise from him?  What was she thinking?

She knew very well what she'd been thinking.... She'd seen that couple, embracing, softly kissing and she'd wanted that.  Wanted that closeness – like she'd told him – that connection – and her mind had automatically gone to Ben, wondering what it would feel like if his arms were around her like that – kissing her like that.  And then she couldn't get the thought out of her head.  The thought of his lips on hers and his body pressed close making her heart stutter, further ratcheting up the heat that she'd been feeling ever since she'd seen his naked body.

Stupid, dangerous, fucking thoughts Kenobi.  The voice in her head warned - again.  She was pretty sure he didn't think of her like that.  But he'd eventually agreed to her crazy proposal.  They were each other's fail safe now – a way to ensure that neither of them would ever end up alone should fate not place their soulmates in each other's path by then.  Five years.  A lot could happen in that time.

The thought of living with him caused a soft, fluttery feeling in her chest.  They were certainly compatible – and she enjoyed being around him, spending time with him - all the time.  Truth be told, those few days after she ended it with Finn were just so easy – so natural – that she knew they could easily live together.

If they were married, she could touch him.  Could wrap her arms around him whenever she wanted.  And kiss him.  She'd probably kiss him all the time.  His plush lips just seemed so kissable.  She'd found that out earlier when he'd softly brushed them across hers.  Shivering slightly at the memory, she'd recalled the sound of his voice, feeling like it had mesmerized her, enveloping her in some sort of spell.  'This deserves something different.'  He'd said, just before leaning in and giving her that kiss.  She'd been stunned into silence, and then couldn't think of a single thing.

It had been over so quickly.  She knew it was only a chaste symbol simply made to seal their deal, but oh – she'd felt that brief touch to the tips of her toes – her entire body tingling – for some reason surging with happiness.  When he'd stepped away, she'd almost bemoaned the loss out loud, wanting the softness to go on and on.  It was so fucking unintentionally romantic she'd almost swooned.  Swooned for fuck sake!

If they were married, they'd also.....her breath quietly whooshed out of her chest and the heat in her blood kicked up another notch.  She hadn't specifically mentioned sex, but they both wanted a family......she remembered her daydream from a couple of months ago – the vision of the two, dark haired children playing happily with their dark haired father – and her heart stuttered in her chest.  Fuck.  Why did that feel so right?

The thought of being intimate with him – imagining him being inside of her – did things to her.  Messed with her head.  Made her want things she shouldn't.  What the fuck was happening to her?  It was like, they were suddenly in this romantic paradise and she couldn't stop thinking of things like that.  As she watched him, her subconscious self asked Is it really so wrong to want those things with him?  She gasped softly at her internal question – and admission.  She wanted that with him.  More than she'd realized.

He heard her soft gasp from across the room.  Glancing over at her, he saw that she was standing completely still, watching him with wide eyes as he moved around, rifling though his suitcase.  His gaze became concerned when he noticed the bewildered expression on her face.  "Are you all right?"  He asked quietly.

Immediately snapping out of her mental haze, she replied.  "Yes.  I think I'm just tired now.  Its been a long day."

Nodding, he motioned to the bathroom.  "I'm going to change.  Then you can go in, okay?"

She nodded back at him, her eyes still wide and overly bright as he closed the door behind him.  Letting out a deep sigh, she went about gathering her own sleep clothes, fervently hoping that she didn't end up invading his space – or even worse, throwing herself at him - during the night.

****

Ben smirked to himself in the mirror before beginning to unbutton his shirt.  Ever since he'd kissed her to seal their unexpected pact, Rey had seemed strangely discombobulated and lost in her own thoughts.  She didn't seem angry nor uncomfortable, which made him think that her strange mood might actually be a good sign.

Her 'proposal' had surprised the hell out of him, but it had also made his heart sing with unexpected joy.  Hopefully she was starting to realize that they could be – actually were – so much more than friends.  He knew she felt something for him, she wouldn't have made that offer if she didn't.  But he wasn't sure exactly what it was or how deep it went – yet.  He'd have to be very careful over the next little while to slowly show her without scaring her off.  While he wanted her physically – so badly that he ached with it sometimes – wanted to wrap her tightly in his arms and simply absorb her into himself - he wanted her heart more.  Wanted her to give it to him fully and completely, without ever looking back – just as he'd already done with her.

For whatever reason, however, she seemed to think that she was out of her league when it came to him.  The notion was so ludicrous he still couldn't believe it.  Why was she so fucking stubborn and hard-headed?!  She was simply stunning – a goddess in her own right – yet for some stupid, maggoty reason she appeared to believe that he was some.....some....movie star-like sex symbol that women chased after and drooled over, and that she was a drab little mouse that no one noticed.  The idea was so laughable to him that it didn't even bear thinking about – except that Rey actually seemed to believe it.  He shook his head, a quiet chuckle and a scoff rumbling through his chest as he gazed at his reflection in the mirror.  Imagine him – a 'chick magnet'.

He wasn't a complete idiot.  Rey had 'rescued' him from enough women many times over the past couple of years – so he was aware that women did notice him.  But he also knew that because of his size he almost always stood out in a crowd, and had simply chalked up women's seemingly exaggerated interest to that.  Well, that and - he sheepishly thought - their likely perception that because he was a rather large man that, well.....that he was large in all areas.  He blushed at his own thought.

Honestly, it had never even dawned on him that women would single him out because of that, until once when a particularly bold woman had very suggestively mentioned that he was such a big man, her eyes dropping to below his belt line.  It was then that he realized what she was getting at, and he'd immediately felt repulsed.  He'd remembered thinking...Is this what women feel like when men stare at their breasts?

The notion that women may be interested in him because of what might be in his trousers made him feel like a piece of meat.  Other than the fact that he'd been with Kay at the time, their advances had annoyed the shit out of him, and while he was always nice to them, he'd desperately tried to ignore their obvious attempts to get his attention.

He wondered what Rey thought about......that.  He'd all but told her of his proportions when he'd confided in her about his dilemma with Kay.  She'd even teased him about it a couple of times – today included – but didn't seem overly fascinated by the size of his penis.  That was hopefully a good thing.... wasn't it?  He sighed.  Maybe he was confusing things....maybe that just meant that she wasn't interested in him at all in that way.  But the way she'd been acting since he'd kissed her.... she didn't seem to be immune to him.....Fuck.  He was so confused – and terrified.  The forces of the cosmos clearly wanted them together – he was certain of it – he just needed to be patient.  Keep your head on straight Solo – it'll all work out in the end.

If he didn't fuck it up first.  Those cosmic forces would likely only give them so many chances, so ultimately it was up to them to figure it all out.