Hello everyone. Here I am with another story. I should probably not get myself into this, since I already have a fanfiction on the go and another one on hiatus but I couldn't get this idea out of my head.
I've been wanted to write an EC modern-AU for so so long but I never could find the plot that had me going like: "this might actually work."
So here is it. I really hope you'll like it. If you do: please let me know. Reviews are very much appreciated. Follows and favorites as well. Let me know if I should keep going.
Enjoy your reading.
Nine months into a pregnant woman's life.
Chapter 1
Regina woke up to the warmth of a body. A smile painted onto her face as she snuggled more against the man, bringing her thigh up his leg.
David was a pet shelter owner. She met him two months ago. He was a speaker for career-day at her ten year old son's –Henry– school. They immediately shared a good chemistry, since her eyes spotted him, wearing an atrocious flannel shirt as he caressed a beagle surrounded by a group of kids including a very excited Henry. Of course they didn't start dating immediately. At first he just gave her his number for Henry. Her boy had always wanted to have a dog but she had always refused. It wasn't that she didn't like pets but they were living in an apartment and well –it wasn't the best environment for a dog. Of course, Henry pouted and David nicely suggested for him to come by the pet shelter from time to time to spend time with the animals. At the sight of her baby boy's face lighting up, Regina couldn't have possible said no. Ever since, every Wednesdays, Regina would drop Henry at the pet shelter.
This was how it all started and now they were dating. Officially.
She chuckled as she felt his hand caressing her bare back as his other arm wrapped around her figure.
"'Morning." He mumbled, his eyes still shut, but a small smile on his face.
"Good morning." She answered parting slightly from him as she opened her eyes.
The brunette rolled over her side, holding the sheets to cover her breasts. She grabbed the clock on the bedside table and sighed.
"I have to get up."
"Do you?" David asked bringing her back into his arms and putting a kiss on her shoulder and slowly drawing up her neck line.
Regina chuckled and turned to look at him. She grabbed his face between her palms and put a soft kiss on his lips. David brought his hand up behind her head to deepen the kiss. He caressed her lips with his tongue, teasing the entrance of her mouth. She parted her lips and a muffled moan escaped them when he shoved his tongue down her throat. After a few seconds, Regina gently pushed him away. She smiled at his pouted face.
"As much as I would love to stay in bed all day with you, I have a ten year old to feed before dropping him to school. Plus I have to head to work and –" she bent down and pecked his nose. "So do you."
She got out of bed and grabbed her robe on the chair to tight it around her figure.
"Have I already told you how gorgeous you were?" David asked standing up as well and putting his boxers on.
He walked over towards her and put his hands on her hips.
"Let's see…" She started pretending to think. "Not for about the past seven hours." She answered jokingly.
"I better fix that then. You are beautiful." He said caressing her cheek.
Regina felt herself blushing. God, she was so smitten. She hadn't felt that way since –Daniel, Henry's daddy. He died before she found out she was pregnant and after that she didn't allow herself to fall in love again and risk having her heart broken. She focused on her child, on Daniel's child…their child. And after, when Henry got a bit older, she had to start building a career. It wasn't easy. Being a single mom and juggling with being an editor but Henry was the sweetest kid and she got lucky to meet only understanding people at work. Of course there were always a few phenomenon but she didn't care. She missed Daniel. Everyday. But it was true that for the past four weeks, she had started feeling like the hole in her heart was slowly filling itself.
"What is it?" David asked frowning, as he noticed the tears pearling in her eyes.
She smiled.
"Nothing." She got on her tip toe and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Everything is perfect."
"Good." He smiled. "What don't you go start making breakfast while I wake Henry up?"
"I can do that." She said walking towards the door. "Apple pancakes?"
"You're reading my mind." He answered as he put some pants on.
Regina chuckled as she got downstairs towards the kitchen.
The apartment was big and somewhat luxurious –not too much but more than she could afford. Plus the view was beautiful. She could see the park and all of New York's beauty from her living room. She inherited it from her late father. She smiled nostalgically at the thought.
She opened the fridge and took out what she needed to make the batter for the pancakes. She plugged in the pancake pan. She got the batter ready and after a few minutes she had made three pancakes for each of them. She put the plates on the table and got the coffee maker ready. While she did so, she heard footsteps and voices coming from the stairs. She smiled.
"Hi mom." Henry said as he arrived in the kitchen with a smile but still tired eyes.
"Hey sweetheart." She said bending to hug him.
"Can I get my Iron man bowl today?"
"Of course honey."
The boy walked over the cupboard and opened it to take his bowl.
"Here David." He said handing him over two mugs for him and Regina.
"Thank you kid."
"You take the milk in the fridge baby." Regina said to Henry.
The boy nodded as he shoved a piece of pancake down his throat. Once everything was settled they all sat around the table.
"So kid." David started as he grabbed the maple syrup. "What do you say I pick you up at school this afternoon so we go hang out at the shelter instead of going to the day care center after school?"
Henry's eyes opened widely.
"Can I mom?"
Regina smiled.
"You can if you promise to start working on your homework all the same." She answered giving him the look.
The look that said I don't mind you having fun but you better respect the rules if not it'll be the last time.
"I promise." Henry said with excitement.
"Pinky swear?" Regina said raising her eyebrow and presenting her little finger.
Henry laughed and wrapped his finger around hers.
"Pinky swear." He confirmed.
Both David and Regina chuckled. The rest of the breakfast went great, they laughed and chatted. A family. That was what they looked like. After, they all went to get dressed, ready to head their own ways. Regina dropped Henry at the bus stop and after waving at him when the bus pulled out into the road she went to the underground parking to join a smiling David.
"Have a good day." She said smiling.
"You too." He said pulling her into a kiss. "Thank you for letting me stay tonight."
"Well I didn't mind it." She said smirking. "On the contrary."
David chuckled.
"We should do that again."
"That we should." She answered licking her bottom lip.
"Stop teasing." David whispered as he bent down to kiss her cheek. "It's hard enough that you're wearing this very sexy pencil skirt."
The brunette laughed.
"Sorry?!" She said still chuckling. "I'll see you this afternoon. I'll try to leave work at six."
"Alright. Oh by the way," he said stopping her as she headed towards her car.
"Mmh?" She asked looking at him.
"I could do that every day."
She frowned.
"Picking him up after school. I don't mind and while I'm not there Belle can take over at the shelter. I can go with him at the park, get an ice cream and all and after we'll go to the shelter so he can work."
"Ice cream, oh?!" Regina said smiling. "Are you trying to spoil my kid?"
David laughed.
"What do you say? I know it's only been a month that we're dating…It might be a lot…I'd understand."
"I like you a lot David. And I trust you with my son, if not I wouldn't let him spend every Wednesdays with you at the shelter. I know he likes you and you might…" She swallowed and tried a smile. "You are probably the closest thing to a father figure for him. But I don't want to push him too much. You understand?"
David nodded with a smile.
"I don't want him to feel like I'm forcing him."
"I understand."
Regina smiled.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For offering."
She brought a hand to his cheek and kiss his lips softly.
"I'll call you later." He said as she got into her car.
"Alright." She answered grinning.
.::.::.
Regina arrived at Humbert publishing house where she was one of the three editors-in-chief around nine o'clock. She was late, had been stuck in the traffic. She directly headed towards the elevator. She pushed the top floor's button and waited for the door to close.
"Wait!" She heard someone shouted.
She smiled as she recognized the voice. She hold the button to keep the door from closing and Rose got inside just in time.
Rose, Tinker Bell to her parents and Tink to her friends, was Regina's closest friend. They met six years ago when Regina was struggling to find a job. Tink offered to talk to her boss about her and she did. The next week, Regina got an interview and two days later was hired by Jefferson Hatter who was the director of the house and Graham Humbert's, the founder of Humbert publishing house, friend.
Fun fact: A few weeks after Tink had asked him to hire Regina, impressed by her courage –since she was at the time a secretary- to show up into his office and make such a demand, Jefferson started wooing the blonde girl. It took him three years but he finally managed to seduce the girl and they were now a happy couple. Of course people at the office were talking, saying that if Rose became an editor-in-chief, it was because she was sleeping with the boss but Regina knew better. She knew how hard at work her friend was.
The young woman let out a heavy breath once she got inside.
"Thank you." She said catching her breath.
Regina chuckled.
"Late night?"
-"My alarm didn't ring. Stupid alarm!" She cursed. "Plus Jeff is in London for that meeting." She sighed. "Anyways. How are you?" She changed the subject and looked at her friend.
"Good." Regina answered, grinning.
Tink frowned.
-"What?" The brunette asked.
-"You look…different."
-"What do you mean, different?" Regina asked as the door of the elevator opened.
They walked around the open space towards their offices.
-"I don't know…you look smitten."
Regina felt her cheeks reddening.
-"Oh my God!" Tink exclaimed as they got into Regina's office. "What's his name? Spill it out."
-"No one." Regina said as she sat behind her desk.
"Regina Mills, don't you dare lie to me!" The blonde girl scolded.
Regina couldn't help but chuckle.
"Miss Mills." Someone called, slowly entering the office. "Good morning Miss Pixie."
Tink nodded still looking at Regina, arms crossed on her chest.
"Yes Julie." Regina answered smiling at Tink's infuriated face.
"Your phone conference with Mr. Hopper is ready. Line 3."
"Thank you." The brunette said to her assistant.
The young girl excused herself.
"If you'll excuse me, I have a potential new client on the line." Regina said picking her phone up.
"Fine! But this conversation isn't over." Tink said before leaving.
.::.::.
The end of the morning arrived soon. Regina was happy, she had managed to convince Archie Hopper –a famous psychiatrist- to choose their house to publish his book. It had been a very productive morning.
The brunette leaned on her chair and closed her eyes. A smile painted on her face as her mind drifted toward David. She couldn't believe it was so obvious that Tink found out she was seeing someone. She knew that her friend wouldn't let go until she'd tell her the truth and at any time now, she knew that her colleague will storm into her office and asked away THE question: are you seeing anyone Regina?
Regina's thoughts were interrupted by her phone buzzing on the wooden desk. She opened her eyes and grabbed the device. Her smile grew wider as she read the name of David on the screen. She slid her thumb on the screen to pick up and brought the phone to her ear.
"Hello." She said spinning the chair so she was now facing the window.
"Hi beautiful." David said. "How was your day so far?"
"Pretty interesting. I've got a new client."
"Congratulations."
"Thank you." She answered smiling. "How was yours?"
"Pretty interesting as well. We found a family for Chester."
"No way!" Regina exclaimed joyfully.
Chester was a Staffordshire, a bull terrier with only three paws. David told her that he had a malformation, his left front paw didn't develop in his mother's belly. His masters probably gave him up because of that. David had been trying to find him a family for two months now and he had been getting desperate."
"That's amazing."
"Yes it is. A couple wanted to adopt a dog for their two sons and they sort of fell in love with little Chester."
"Who could blame them? He is the cutest." Regina said smiling.
David chuckled.
"What are you doing for lunch?" He asked.
"I'll probably go to the restaurant facing the building with my friend Tink."
"The one who looks like Tinker Bell hence her nickname?"
"Exactly." Regina said chuckling.
"Alright then. Have a good lunch then."
"You too." She paused for a second and then added, "I can't wait to see you this afternoon."
"Neither can I." He responded. "Bye."
"Bye." Regina said before hanging up.
She sighed, her smile still stuck on her face as she turned away. She almost dropped her phone when she saw Tink leaned on the door's frame, her arms crossed and looking at her with a smirk.
"God Tink!" Regina said bringing a hand to her heart. "I almost had a heart attack. How long have you been standing here?"
"Long enough." The blonde girl answered with a smile. "Come on. Take your jacket. I'm starving."
Regina sighed but stood up and followed her friend's instruction. She also grabbed her purse and phone and followed the blonde girl towards the elevator.
"Tink…" Regina started when the door closed.
The blonde girl raised her hand to stop her.
"No! We have all lunch to talk about the guy who is making you smile like that."
Regina blushed…again.
"And blush like that." Tink added chuckling.
"Stop." The brunette scolded her.
"He must be very special this man."
'He is.' Regina thought. They arrived on the main floor and left the building.
"Have a good lunch, ladies." Will, the security guard greeting them and opening the door for them.
"Thanks Will." Tink answered with a smile.
The two friends crossed the street and got inside the restaurant 'At Granny's'. They arrived at the counter.
"Hey Ruby." Tink greeted the young woman, granddaughter of the owner, behind it.
"Hey girls!" She said with a smile.
"Hi sweetie." Regina said.
Regina had always liked her. She was feisty and had a very…interesting sense of fashion. She seemed to always complain about her grandmother but in the end she couldn't live without her. Plus, the best thing about Ruby was that she always had a witty remark to give.
"The usual?" The young girl asked.
"Yes." Regina said. "We'll be at our table."
"Ok. I'm bringing that to you in no time."
The two colleagues crossed the restaurant and arrived at the table near a window, with a view towards a park nearby. Regina took off her jacket and put it on her chair's back. She sat down and Tink did the same thing. Soon, Ashley –one of the waitress, arrived with a bottle of water.
"Thanks." Tink said.
Regina nodded smiling and Ashley answered back before leaving to take care of another table.
"So. Now, let's talk." The blonde girl said seriously.
Regina pursed her lips and leaned on her chair.
"What do you want to know?" She asked away.
"Are you seeing someone?"
Regina took a deep breath.
"Yes!"
"I knew it!" Tink exclaimed catching everyone's attention.
"Shh!" Regina said.
"Sorry." She let out chuckling. "For how long?"
"We met two months ago at Henry's school…"
"Two months!"
"Shh Tink!" The brunette said once again.
"Two months," she said lower. "And you're telling me that now."
"We met two months ago but it was nothing at first. He owes a pet shelter."
"Aw! An animal lover." The blonde girl said putting her hand on her heart.
Regina chuckled.
"Yes. He was speaking for career day at Henry's school and you know how much Henry loves animals."
Tink smiled.
"David offered for Henry to come at the shelter every Wednesdays to see the animals and help. At first it was just that…"
"Please Regina! The man was just trying to seduce you through your son."
"Not everyone is as twisted as you are. He was just being nice."
"Sure. Anyways. When did it start to be a real thing?"
"About a month ago…He invited me to dinner and well…voilà."
"Did you guys…"
Regina raised an eyebrow.
"Do I really need to spell it? Did you get a bit of how's your father? Some stank on the hang down?"
"Tink!" Regina scolded.
"What?" The blonde girl asked innocently.
Regina sighed.
"Yes…Last night."
"Oh my God! Ok. How was it? Was it good?"
"Was what good?" Ruby asked arriving with their plates: two salads, a vegan one for Tink and a chicken one for Regina.
She put the plates on the table.
"Regina got laid last night."
Ruby's eyes opened.
"No way?!"
Regina rolled her eyes.
"I wanna know, come on. How was it?"
"You girls are unbelievable." Regina said chuckling.
She took a bite of the chicken and swallowed it. She looked up and realized that her two friends were still looking at her for an answer.
"Fine. Yes. It was good."
Tink raised a brow.
"It was the best sex I have had in a very long time. Happy?!"
Both Tink and Ruby started clapping.
"I'm so happy for you." Tink said.
"Ruby!" They heard someone called.
They all turned to look at Granny coming from the kitchen.
"You're not here to chit-chat with the clients."
The waitress turned to face them and rolled her eyes. She mouthed a sorry before going back into the kitchens.
"Good morning Miss Mills. Miss Pixie."
"Hi Granny." Regina said smiling.
The old woman nodded and went back into the kitchen. Once she disappeared the two friends looked at each other and burst into laughter. They slowly composed themselves. Regina grabbed her glass and poured herself some water. She took a sip, still chuckling a bit.
"What's his name?"
The brunette looked up at Tink. She smiled.
"David."
"That's a nice name."
Regina grinned.
"I know I teased you a lot but I'm happy for you. I know it's not easy but I'm glad you are getting out there and that you met someone. Who knows, maybe he is the one."
The brunette smiled as she fought the tears threatening to fall.
"Thanks Tink. Now come on, let's eat."
The young woman nodded and attacked her salad. Regina looked at her for a second thoughtful. 'Maybe he was the one.' She shook her head chuckling and popped a slice of tomato in her mouth.
.::.::.
The young editor-in-chief finished work at six as planned. The air was getting colder since it was now November. She cursed herself for not bringing a warmer vest. She arrived in front of the pet shelter and parked her car. She got out of it and locked the doors.
She pushed the door of the shelter open and got inside.
"Hi." Belle greeted her with a smile.
"Good afternoon Miss French." The brunette answered with a smile.
"You can call me Belle. Henry is at the back in the garden with David. He is a lovely boy."
"Thank you." Regina said her smile growing wider.
The woman walked pass the counter towards the garden. When she arrived a familiar beagle ran towards her and jumped on his hind legs asking her to pet him. She chuckled and stroke his muzzle.
"Hi mom." Henry said running towards her and followed by a German shepherd.
She hugged her son.
"Hi baby." She said. "How was your day?"
"It was cool." He said. "I finished my homework."
"That's good sweetheart."
David walked towards her and kissed her cheek.
"Hi beautiful." He whispered in her ears as Henry took the two dogs and went to play.
"Hi." Regina said blushing a bit. "You didn't have problems picking him up?"
"No. Henry had shown his teacher the note you wrote in his notebook."
"Ok. Good." She said leaning a bit against him as he wrapped his arm around her waist.
She smiled at the sight of her son throwing sticks for the two dogs to catch.
"We're going to go home sweetie."
"Alright." The boy said.
"You go get your bag." She said.
Henry ran inside to grab it.
Once he disappeared inside, David turned Regina and pulled her into a passionate kiss. At first she was surprised but she soon grabbed his shirt to bring him closer. She stuck her tongue out and met his. The kiss got more and more heated and their tongues intertwined. Regina let out a moan as David's hands felt on her hips and then her ass bringing her even closer.
Regina parted afraid Henry might caught them. She smiled shyly at him. She brought her hand to his lips and whipped off the lipstick. He smiled.
Henry arrived a few seconds later.
"I'm ready." He said grinning.
"Good sweetheart. You say goodbye to David."
"Can he come to dinner tonight?" Henry asked innocently.
Regina looked at David.
"H…I don't know…"
"I'd love to. If that's ok with you."
He looked at her with a smirk and she knew he had something other than dinner in mind. She chuckled.
"Fine. But just dinner." Regina whispered in the man's ears.
He laughed, raising his hands in defeat.
.::.::.
Regina was laughing a glass of wine in her hands as she watched David teaching Henry how to make origami with the paper napkin. Once home, Regina had sent Henry to take a shower while David and she had taken care of the dinner. It was nothing fancy really, just some macaroni and cheese. After they had all sat around the dining table to eat.
"Mom look!" Henry said holding proudly a paper hen.
"Good job sweetheart." She said smiling.
"That's great. Thanks David. You're the best."
"Well you welcome kid."
Regina felt her heart melting. She closed her eyes. Was things going too fast? It had only been two months since David came into their lives but she already felt like neither she nor Henry would be able to get over ever losing him. He was already a big part of their family. A big part. She felt a hand on her thigh, patting it. She opened her eyes and met David's concerned ones. She gave him a reassuring smile.
"You're alright?" He asked.
She nodded.
"I'm fine." She answered.
The blonde haired man leaned and gave her a quick kiss on the temple.
"Come on Henry. You have to go to bed." The brunette said standing up.
"Can't I watch a movie mom, please?"
Puppy eyes. Regina fought a smile. He always did that and sometimes it worked. She had to admit it, her ten year old son was good at manipulating people.
"You have to go to class tomorrow baby. Come on." She said giving him a hand.
He took it pouting a bit and got off the chair.
"You say goodbye to David."
"Goodbye David." The boy said, kissing his cheek.
"Goodbye kid. Sweet dreams." He said ruffling his hair.
"Go upstairs and brush your teeth. I'll come tuck you in in a bit."
Henry nodded and followed the orders.
Once he disappeared upstairs, Regina turned to look at David.
"Do you want a hand clearing the table?" He asked standing up.
"No I'll be fine." Regina said smiling.
David put his hands on her hips and turned her to push her against the table.
The brunette's smile grew wider.
"Afraid you might lose control." He said leaning to kiss her lips.
She responded to it bringing her hands to the back of his head.
"You call me tomorrow?" David asked, parting and stroking her cheek gently.
She nodded.
"Have a good night." He said before kissing her one last time.
"You too."
