Thanks to Joy for BETAing this story.
Day 2 of OQweek, Being Caught prompt
Thanks to DeshayForver for the amazing artwork!
Regina Mills was a successful clothing designer, she had come onto the scene nearly ten years ago out of nowhere. She had a glamours life, money, houses, cars. She was constantly on the jet scene of just up and flying off to a party in Spain or Italy. She should be happy, as she stirred her drink she wondered why she wasn't?
"You shouldn't drink alone." a voice said as Regina turned to see Ruby Lucas standing there beside her.
"I never asked for your advice." Regina said.
"So what has the famous Regina Mills drowning her sorrows in that drink?" Ruby asked as she took a seat next to her.
"It's none of your business." Regina answered.
"I have to admit, I was surprised to hear that you were back in this small town of ours again." Ruby said. Regina had grew up with Ruby, they had been best friends all through high school.
"Well it's not everyday that an old friend, sends you a wedding invitation for her wedding." Regina said. Regina had been surprised to see the invitation, only because of who the groom was. Victor Whale, he had been ahead of them in high school, and was the valedictorian of his class. What Ruby Lucas saw in him, Regina doesn't know. She was here at the country club to be there for her old friend.
"What can I say, when you're in love you're in love." Ruby said.
"Thing about love, in the beginning it feels real. But with time it fades, and all you are left with is nothing." Regina said.
"That's not the Regina Mills that I remember. You used to believe in true love, that is what you wanted wasn't it?" Ruby asked.
"For a time I did, but then I grew up." Regina said as she thought of the one man who had broken her heart, and made her harden it from ever happening again.
"I don't suppose that my cousin had anything to do with that now did he?" Ruby asked tentatively.
"I am well over your cousin." Regina said.
"He's back in town for my wedding." Ruby said as she saw Regina's head turn quickly to look at her.
"That's good for you." Regina said, as a familiar feeling starting stirring in her heart. A nervous feeling.
"I know you had a big crush on him, and think he did you at one time." Ruby said.
"That was a long time ago. I've grown out of silly crushes." Regina said.
"So are you seeing anyone then?" Ruby asked quietly.
"Here and there." Regina said as she took a sip of her drink. She was relieved that Ruby had changed the subject.
"I can't believe you're single. You're drop dead gorgeous, five foot five, dark hair, brown eyes and that slip of a red sheath you're wearing clings to every curve of yours." Ruby said.
"So what? I have a great life." Regina said.
"I think you're afraid of something." Ruby said.
"I'm not afraid of anything." Regina said.
"Is that so? Well how about a little bet then?" Ruby asked.
"Name it." Regina said, her anger getting the better of her.
"The next guy to walk into the club here, you have to ask to be your date to my wedding this weekend." Ruby dared her.
"Fine." Regina said as they women shook hands, and turned around in their chairs to look at the entrance of the club. A few seconds went by, and then the door opened, Regina took in a deep breath waiting to see what man was walking in. Who she saw made her jaw open wide in shock, because there he was. And behind him was none other than Victor Whale.
"Well, would you look at that?" Ruby asked as she could not stop the smile from forming on her face.
Regina, numb with shock, managed to closed her open mouth. She registered the fact that the blue eyes burning into hers didn't look in the least surprised to see her here. She dismissed the thought as fanciful.
"Hello Regina." Robin said.
"Robin." Regina said.
"It's about time you showed your face cousin, and perfect timing don't you think Regina?" Ruby asked as she went to hug Robin, while looking over at Regina. Regina knew Ruby was egging her on about the bet she had just made.
"Yes, what rotten timing." Regina mumbled under her breath.
"What was that?" Robin asked as he finished hugging Ruby and walked closer to Regina.
"I said what great timing." Regina said.
"If you'll excuse me, I need to see my soon to be husband. Uh Regina..." Ruby said as she winked and walked off, leaving Robin and Regina alone.
"What was all that about?" Robin asked as he took a seat beside Regina.
"Nothing, just Ruby being Ruby." Regina said as she got a scent of Robin, he always smelled good, like a man just out of the shower, crisp, and clean.
"It's good to see you." Robin said.
"You too." Regina said awkwardly. She was acting like a silly teenager again over him again.
"I see your name in the fashion news quite often." Robin said.
"You read fashion magazines? I'm surprised." Regina said.
"Well your name just sort of leaps out at me." Robin said.
"And why is that? I was just a kid to you remember?" Regina angrily barked out. She remembered the last time they were alone together. It had been at the old well in the forest, she had asked Robin to meet her there. She was going to confess her love for him, and she told him everything, how she had been in love with him for a long time. It had taken every inch of her bravery to tell him this, but Robin had told her that she was too young for him. She was seventeen to his twenty, he was in law school and was just back in town for a few days. She had left in tears, and when he had come over to her parent's house the next day she had told her Father to tell him that she was not feeling well. She never talked to him again until now.
"Regina, I-" Robin was starting to say when a nerve racking voice talked over him.
"Regina, darling, I've been looking all over for you." Jefferson said.
Thank God for Jefferson, she thought gratefully, and with a mumbled, "Excuse me," she walked across the room with him.
"Thank you Jefferson." She took the proffered glass from the hand of him, and urged him back towards the wall. "Let's find a seat and gossip," she encouraged, shooting him a brilliant smile. She could have hugged him for getting her out of intolerable situation, but she doubted it would be appreciated, as she was one of the few who knew that Jefferson's taste ran to members of his own sex rather than females.
They found some seats and Regina sank down into it with a sigh of relief, and took a swallow of her drink. "You've no idea how much I needed that." She turned her face up to look at Jefferson who was perched on the arm of her chair, with a glass of whiskey in one hand and his other arm resting lightly along the back of the chair.
"I don't believe it. Regina the ice-maiden actually ruffled; and by a man, if I'm not mistaken." And, lowering his head, he whispered in her ear, "You can tell me about it Regina, your secret is safe with me as I know mine is with you."
"Jefferson, don't ask me to explain, just stay with me for the rest of the evening." She turned brown eyes up to his. "Pretend we're good friends."
"I don't need to pretend, we are good friends, and don't worry, I'll shield you from Robin."
Her eyes widened in shock. "How...?" She stopped herself, but it was too late.
"It doesn't take a genius to work it out. He's the only new male in this crowd, and gorgeous with it. I watched him myself when he walked in, but I could tell instantly that he's not for me, more's the pity."
Regina burst out laughing; she couldn't help it. The idea of Jefferson seducing Robin: now that really did appeal. Draining her glass, she settled back in the chair and prepared to be entertained by Jefferson's outrageous stories for the rest of the evening. But some inner radar told her that she was being watched by him.
The band started to play a slow song and the center of the room gradually filled with swaying bodies, and then she saw him; he was dancing with a tall blonde. Dancing wasn't the word, she thought disgustedly. The woman had her arms around his neck, and Robin's hands were settled intimately over the woman's buttocks. Ten years hadn't changed him at all. He was still the man that every woman wanted to be with.
He looked over his partner's shoulder, his dark eyes catching Regina watching him, and to her chagrin his lips curved into a knowing smile, those charming dimples of his showing. She felt the blood surge in her cheeks and quickly looked away. Years ago she had thought herself in love with Robin Locksley.
Regina drained her glass in one gulp, dismissing the memory from her mind. Of course it had only been a childish crush, and she quickly recovered; but the hurt and humiliation still lingered. Abruptly getting to her feet, she caught Jefferson's hand in hers. "Come on Jefferson, let's go have another drink. Tonight I think I'm going to need it," she concluded as with Jefferson's arm around her shoulders they circumvented the dancing couples to arrive at the bar set up in the corner.
"Jefferson, if you don't mind, I need to speak with Regina for a minute." Ruby said as Jefferson nodded and left the two women there.
"Okay what are you trying to sniff out of me?" Regina asked.
"What really happened between Robin and you?" Ruby asked. She had seen the way those two had looked at one another while Robin was on the dance floor.
"Nothing serious, that is for sure." Regina said as she saw a look pass on Ruby's face. "I'm sure he never lacked for female companionship."
"You might be surprised." a deep mocking voice drawled in Regina's ear.
She swung around, the glass slipping from her hand, and with lightning reflexes it was caught by the man standing in front of her, only a few drops splashing on his immaculate suit.
"I did try to warn you." Ruby murmured as she faded into the crowd.
Regina stood as though turned to stone, the color flooding into her pale cheeks.
"No comeback to that?" Robin asked. His blue eyes blatantly surveyed her, from the top of her head, where her hair was slightly curled, down over the arch of her neck to her bare shoulders. They lingered on the soft curve of her breasts, lovingly cupped by the smooth red velvet bodice of her dress, and continued down to her narrow waist, the round curve of her hips, and the long length of her legs, exaggerated by the spike heeled sandals, one red, and one black. "I must admit," He confessed, his glance flicking back to her flushed face, "my memory of your delightful body does you and injustice. You have certainly matured into a stunning woman, Regina."
Recovering from her initial dismay at his intervention into the conversation, Regina was now doing some appraising of her own. She had forgotten just how masculine he was. His expensive looking suit fitted perfectly over his wide shoulders, and the matching trousers, belted low on his waist, clung to his muscular thighs. Slowly she raised her head to look up into his handsome face. His mouth, the bottom lip fuller than the top, curled back over perfect white teeth in a mocking smile. His dark hair was going slightly grey, she realized in surprise; as there was grey hairs on the sides of his head.
"Sorry I'm not dressed for dinner, but will I pass?" Robin demanded mockingly.
Pass? He knew damn well he would, Regina thought bitterly. But it didn't stop her too-fair skin from betraying her now as it had when she was a teenager. The blush that had started on her pale cheeks suffused the whole of her body. "You can pass me by any time. In fact, I would prefer it," she managed to respond cuttingly, proud of the cold tone in her usually husky voice.
"Now, is that any way to greet an old friend?" A dance would be much more acceptable." And before she could protest, his strong arm had encircled her waist and his other hand had put the glass back on the bar and caught Regina's slender hand to his broad chest.
A shudder skittered down her spine, and she stiffened. "I do not want to dance," she snapped; his arm around her waist was like a ring of steel.
"You must, they're playing your tune, Regina." Robin prompted, holding her away from him, his mocking glance sweeping down her body and back to her flushed face before pulling her into intimate contact with his virile form.
The lively music had given way to 'Lady in Red', she realized angrily; but unless she wanted to make a scene in front of her hosts and all their friends she knew she would have to endure dancing with the man.
Shakily she moved where he led, trying to still the insistent tremors inside her. What was happening to her? Regina thought wildly. She despised Robin Locksley but, held close to his hard body, with his strong hand holding hers firmly to his chest, she felt an incredible urge to close her eyes and relax into him. Until he spoke.
"So, do you still have a crush on me?"
Regina clenched her teeth and swallowed hard. She would not let him bait her, she vowed. "I grew out of silly girls dreams a long time ago."
"Is that so? Knowing you like I do, I would have thought you still had some feelings." Robin said.
"Well maybe you don't know me as well as you think." Regina said.
"Then perhaps we can rectify that. Have dinner with me tomorrow night." Robin said with a sensual smile on his face.
"Huh!" A surprised gasp escaped her. The conceit of the man was unbelievable. The casually ask her out to dinner when they last time they had met, how he had turned her down. "No thank you," she said politely. "But thank you for the dance." She pulled her hand from his, and stepped out of his hold.
"Wait!" His large hand once again closed over her arm as she turned to walk away. "Why not? After all, Regina, you're no longer a teenager but a mature woman. Better still, you have to ask me out on a date."
"Ruby told you didn't she?" Regina asked as she turned her head to look at her friend.
"I think it was all about timing how I walked in that door after your little bet." Robin said. "Ruby told me that you're unattached at the moment, so come on." Robin tried once more. "Or are you afraid to be alone with me?"
"I'm not afraid of anything." Regina said angrily.
"Then prove it, ask me out." Robin said with a smirk on his face.
"I don't have to prove anything to you." Regina said as she walked away, she headed out to the patio outside. She took a deep breath, hoping this nightmare would end. When she heard the door open and close behind her, she knew it was just going to begin again.
"I would like to be alone." Regina said, not turning around.
"You don't fool me Regina, you've been lonely too long." Robin said as she felt him place his jacket on top of her shoulders, to keep the night's cool air from her.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Regina said as she walked over to the edge of the patio and turned to face him.
"I think you know exactly what I'm talking about. I think you have thought about me, almost as much as I have thought about you over the years." Robin said as he walked up to her slowly.
"You didn't think of me anymore than I did of you." Regina said not believing him for one second.
"I did think of you, quite often." Robin said as he stopped right in front of her, there was only inches separating them from touching.
"How easily you lie now." Regina said.
"I don't lie. I know you were hurt over my rejection of you back then, but I had to let you grow up some." Robin said.
"I'm very thankful you rejected me, being with you would have been the biggest mistake of my life." Regina said.
"I think I've made it perfectly clear that I want you, and you know you want me; the chemistry between us is as powerful as ever." Robin said confidently.
Regina quivered. He was right, damn him! But she had no intention of admitting as much, certainly not after his last statement. "I don't go in for one-night stands," she protested, fighting down the incredible urge to lean into his hard, hot body.
"It could never be a one-night stand for us, Regina," he declared throatily. She caught her breath as she saw him bend his head to find her mouth, a last thread of self-preservation had her turning away to avoid his kiss. Was she such a fool to fall again for the same suggestive talk and hard body.
"Don't play games with me, Regina," he said thickly, a sharp edge of angry frustration in his voice. "I'm too old and too experienced for teasing females."
"I'm not playing games," she got out shakily.
"No? Then kiss me. You know you want to." he challenged boldly.
With a soft, throaty groan she linked her hands around his neck and pulled his head back down to hers, her lips giving him the answer he wanted. "Open your mouth for me." He husked against her lips, and willingly she complied. His tongue explored the moist cavern and she reciprocated in kind. Her heart pounded in her chest as one of Robin's hand found her breast. His thumb stroked lightly over the nipple, through her dress. Her head fell back as he trailed a row of soft kisses down her throat. Slowly he stroked up to her thigh and she gasped as his fingers found the naked flesh where her stockings ended. His fingers closed over the tiny lace strap of her garter-belt.
"Garter-belts turn me on something wicked." He said as he put his hands on her waist, taking her with him as he moved backwards until the back of his legs found the patio furniture and he sat down with her in his lap. Her legs straddled him as their lips continued to mesh. As Robin was about to deepen their kiss, he heard the sound of people murmuring. Tearing his lips from hers, he looked over her shoulder to see his cousin and her fiancee, along with several other people looking at them.
"Well Robin, it seems we caught you at a bad time." Ruby said with a huge smile on her face.