A/N Thanks to all who reviewed and followed. This story is so much fun to write. Hope you enjoy!

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Regina felt her nerves pick up when David walked into the dinner for his normal breakfast. She'd had some trouble sleeping the night before in anticipation of seeing him again. The kiss he had placed on her cheek before he left her yesterday had sent her heart racing. It had made her wonder what it would feel like to have those lips brush her own. The thought had caused her to panic as she had lain in bed. She'd considered cancelling their date tonight, making up some excuse about Henry. She was scared of this, of getting into a relationship with a man. It terrified her and yet she couldn't seem to stop herself from wanting to spend time with David.

He gave her his easy smile as he walked up to the counter. "Good morning."

God he was handsome! She felt as if she had a drum in her chest. She smiled a little shyly at him. "Good morning."

He grinned as he took the hand she had resting on the counter into his own, bringing it up to his lips. "I haven't been able to stop thinking about taking you out tonight."

She liked the way her hand felt in his. "Me either." She gave another small smile. "Um, I was wondering about what I should wear?"

"Hmm…I would say not casual but not formal either." He played with her fingers, pleased that she didn't remove her hand from his.

"Where are we going?"

"This great little restaurant I know the next town over. It sits right on the coast. I think you'll like it." he grinned.

She smiled back at him. "I'm sure I will." she cleared her throat remembering she was supposed to be working. "So what can I get you?"

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Regina stared into her closet having no idea what to wear. Not casual but not formal? What did that mean? She had a pretty extensive wardrobe. That was one thing that she had brought with her when she moved here, but she had no idea what direction she should be going. Dress pants? A more casual dress?

She groaned in frustration when she heard the knock on the door and looked at the clock. That would be Emma to pick up Henry. She shrugged into her plush pink bathrobe and walked to the door.

"Hi!" Emma said as the door opened.

"Hi" Regina stepped back to let her in. "Thank you for watching Henry tonight."

"Hey no problem. I pretty much jump at any excuse to spend an evening at the arcade."

"We're going to the arcade?!" Henry had walked in on the tail end of the conversation.

Emma nodded. "Yep."

Henry grinned "Sweet!"

"Oh, um…let me give you some money for games." Regina started to turn to walk to her purse but Emma stopped her with a hand on her arm.

"Are you kidding? This night is on David!" Emma laughed.

Regina turned to Henry. "Did you finish your homework?"

"I have like four more math problems to do."

"Well why don't you go finish them up. I could use Emma's help for a minute." she told him.

He walked off mumbling about how he could just do them tomorrow cause it was the weekend.

Regina grinned at his retreating back before turning back to Emma. "You don't happen to know where we are going tonight do you?

Emma smiled. "I do actually."

Regina sighed in relief "Well then maybe you could help me pick out something to wear."

"Sure.' Emma said as she followed Regina up to her bedroom.

Once there Regina gestured to the closet telling Emma to just pick something for her.

Emma began going through the clothes. "I think I would go with a dress, nothing to formal. Hmm…" She looked though some more of the clothes. "Damn Regina! This is some wardrobe you have!"

Regina smiled a little embarrassed. "You should see my collection of shoes. My wardrobe is one of the few things I brought with me from California."

"Well it's pretty fantastic! Next time I have a date and need a smokin dress I know where to come! I myself don't own many dresses, really don't have much use for them, unless I want to look hot that is." she gave Regina a grin as she laughed.

"This one." Emma pulled out a royal blue dress. "David's favorite color." she winked at Regina. She handed the dress over to Regina. "Now point me to this fabulous collection of shoes and I will pick some out while you put that on." She turned when Regina pointed to the second closet in the room.

Regina laughed as she was walking into the bathroom when she heard Emma say "Shit Regina!" after opening the closet.

Regina put the dress on quickly making quick work of the side zipper and then turned to face herself in the full length mirror. The dress had a half sleeve that went to her elbows, and came to just above her knee. It was a silky material that clung to her curves in all the right places. She shifted a bit uncomfortably as she studied the low neckline. It displayed the swell of her breasts well. Was this to much? She didn't want to send the wrong impression. She huffed out a frustrated breath. What impression did she want to give?

She opened the bathroom and walked back into the bedroom where Emma was still going through her shoes. The woman gave a small sound of victory when she pulled out a shoe box and turned to face Regina. "Whoa!" She let out a chuckle. "David isn't gonna be able to talk for at least the first twenty minutes of your date!" she laughed.

"You don't think it's to much?" Regina said unsurely.

"Nope I think it's just enough." Emma pulled the strappy silver heels from the box and walked them over to Regina. "I kinda wish I could be here to watch his jaw drop to the floor when he sees you."

Regina blushed just as Henry came through the bedroom door. "Mom I'm finished." He looked up at her in the dress. "Why are you all dressed up?" he asked looking at her.

"I told you I was going to dinner with David."

"You're wearing a dress to Granny's?"

Regina laughed. "We're not going to Granny's"

"It's pretty much the only restaurant in this town except the pizza place." Henry pointed out.

"Which is why they are going to the next town over." Emma threw in. "You about ready to go?"

Henry nodded excitedly bouncing on his heels. "Yep!" he turned to his mom and gave her a hug around the waist. "You look really pretty mom."

"Thank you." She smiled as she hugged him back. When he pulled back she took his face in her hands. "You mind Emma, and have fun ok." Henry nodded as she bent down to kiss him. "I love you."

"Love you too." he stood on his tip toes to kiss her cheek.

She walked them downstairs and handed Emma the key to the apartment. "Don't worry about getting home early. I can put him to bed if it gets to late."

"Ok, thanks again Emma."

"You're welcome." Emma grinned. "Have fun tonight."

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David took a deep breath as he knocked on the door. He hadn't been able to stop thinking about her all day. When the door opened David's eyes went wide. He took in the sight of her in the blue dress. He stood staring for a moment before he found his voice again. "Regina, you look…fantastic." He finished, and she did. The dress hugged every curve of her body perfectly. She stood taller then he was used to due to the sexy silver heels on her feet. She had done something different with her make up making her eyes look exotic, and the way her neck line plunged down….He had to clear his throat "Um these are for you." he held out an enormous bouquet of lavender roses.

She had blushed furiously at his complement and took the roses he held out to her. She couldn't help the smile that came to her face as she leaned in to smell them. "Thank you. They're beautiful." She decided to follow her instinct and leaned in placing a light kiss on his cheek. "Would you mind coming in while I put them in some water?"

His heart had stopped at the kiss and she was still standing close to him. He wanted desperately to pull her into him and place a kiss on her gorgeous mouth. "Sure" He heard himself say as she moved away from him and walked to the kitchen.

He stepped in the apartment as she pulled a vase from one of the cabinets. "So how was the rest of your day?" she asked looking up at him as he began telling her a story about getting kicked by a very angry horse that afternoon. She studied him as he talked. He was wearing grey pants and a black button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a blue and white striped tie. It was a far car from his typical flannel. He looked amazing.

She finished up with the flowers just as he finished his story about the angry horse. "You ready?" he asked her with a smile.

"Yes." She walked to the coat rack and pulled off her light weight black jacket. Even though it was spring time, the evenings in Maine were still typically cool. She stopped as a hand reached from behind her and took the jacket. She looked back to find him standing very close.

"Allow me." he said helping her put the jacket on. He caught her wonderfully unique scent and lingered for a moment.

She smiled. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." She closed the door behind them and he offered her his arm which she took as they walked down the stairs.

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"That was amazing David." Regina sat back after finishing her steak. She had been able to fully relax through dinner as he had made her laugh with stories about his veterinary adventures.

"I'm glad you liked it." he smiled at her.

"So what made you decide to become a veterinarian?"

"I've wanted to be one for as long as I can remember." He smiled as he reached across the table to take her hand. "I've always loved animals and I used to go and help Dr. Knight, he was the town vet when I was growing up. I ended up going to a Tufts University in Massachusetts. It's the only time I lived outside of Storybrooke. What about you? Tell me something about your childhood."

"Well I grew up in Chicago. I was a daddy's girl when I was little." She smiled. "My father always knew how to make me smile. I loved him so much." Her smile faded. "He died when I was ten years old, in a car accident." she cleared her throat. "My mother still lives in the house I grew up in."

"Do you see her often?" He asked playing with her fingers.

She shook her head. "No, I haven't spoken with her for a while. She's angry with me for divorcing my ex-husband." she sighed "We've always had a complicated relationship."

David frowned. He had figured out that someone in her past had hurt her, that she had been abused. He suspected it every since seeing her reaction at the diner that day. He assumed it was by the ex-husband although he did not want to ask her about it. Not yet. Why would her mother be angry with her for escaping a man who hurt her? He looked back up at her. He wanted to bring her smile back.

"I wonder if Henry has kicked Emma's butt at any games yet?" he changed the subject.

Regina laughed. "He was so excited to go with her tonight."

"Yeah she's fun to be around…some of the time." he grinned. "How about we go for a walk on the pier?"

She smiled at him. "I would like that."

After paying the bill and helping her with her jacket they walked out the door and started walking towards the pier. The moon was almost full and the stars twinkled in the sky. David took her hand as they walked, lacing his fingers through hers. He loved the way her hand felt in his. It was so small and soft. He looked at her as she looked up at the stars.

"It's beautiful here." She sighed.

"It is." he agreed, but he was still looking at her.

They walked on in silence for a few minutes until they reached the end of the pier. She brought her free hand up to the rail and breathed in the ocean air. She then turned to face him. "Thank you for dinner."

"You're welcome." Her skin glowed in the moonlight. He stepped closer. "You look so beautiful tonight."

She tried to keep herself from blushing. "Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself." He was standing close to her. Her heart began to race.

He moved both hands to her waist and pulled her closer. Their faces were a breath apart now. "I like being with you."

Her breath caught. She moved her hands up to his shoulders. "I like being with you too."

"Regina?"

"Hmm?"

His eyes had moved to her lips. "I'm going to kiss you now."

She let out a breath. "Ok"

He brought his mouth down gently relishing the feel of her full soft lips against his. He parted his a bit and ran his tongue across her bottom lip begging for entry. Her lips parted for him allowing him access. He slipped his tongue into her mouth slowly savoring the taste of her as his tongue danced with hers. She let out a small whimper as she moved her hands to the back of his head pulling him in deeper. He wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her all the way against him as he lost himself in her.

They pulled apart breathless and looked at each other, still wrapped tight in each others arms. David couldn't take his eyes off hers.

"Wow." he cleared his throat "I think I'm gonna need to do that again."

He grinned as a gorgeous smile spread across her face and she pulled him back down to her.

Regina was sure she must have died and gone to heaven. His kiss was amazing and left her completely breathless. No one had ever kissed her like this before. It was as if he was savoring every moment. She felt right then like they were the only two people in the world.

When they separated again to catch their breath he simply pulled her into him until she rested her head against his shoulder. He moved his hand up to gently stroke her hair. They stood there for a while before he pulled himself back. "It's getting late." he sighed. "I guess it's about time I get you home." he leaned down to give her another soft kiss.

She nodded as they turned to walk to his truck. This time he slipped an arm around her as they walked. When they arrived at his truck she turned to him after he opened her door. She placed her hands at his waist, grinning and looking up at him from under her lashes. "I really like kissing you David."

He smiled as he brought his hands up to her face. "Then maybe we should do it one more time." she smiled as he brought his lips back down to hers.

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She felt giddy as he took her hand and walked her up the stairs to her apartment door. He had held her hand through the whole drive home. Regina couldn't remember the last time she had felt so young and carefree.

When they reached her door she turned to face him. "Thank you again for tonight. I had a wonderful time."

"Me too. I'm hoping that you will let me take you out again." he brought his hands to her waist.

"I would like that." she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

He lowered his head to take her mouth again in a long slow kiss. When they parted to take a breath he sighed. "I could get used to this."

She laughed pulling him back down to her. She couldn't seem to get enough of him.

They both smiled as he pulled back again and rested his forehead against hers. "Can I see you tomorrow?" he asked a little breathlessly.

She nodded "Maybe Henry and I could help you at the shelter again?"

He smiled. "I would like that."

"You could have dinner with us. I'm planning on making pot roast."

He raised an eyebrow. "You cook too?"

She smiled. "I'm actually a very good cook."

He chuckled "Beauty, brains, sweet, funny, a good cook, an excellent kisser and I'm standing here with my arms around you." he grinned at her. "How did I get so lucky?"

She blushed. "I think I am the lucky one."

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They had met up after lunch time at the old castle. David and Regina sat on the bench chatting while Henry threw a tennis ball for Molly. He had wanted to pull her into a deep kiss the moment he saw her, but decided against it since Henry was there. Instead he had leaned in and given her a light peck on the cheek.

He held her hand as they walked back into town. Henry had Molly's leash and walked beside them talking about his night at the arcade with Emma.

When they entered the animal shelter Henry asked if he could take the dogs out. The area in the back of the shelter was fenced so David had agreed. While Regina had begun to feed the animals and get fresh water.

As soon as Henry walked out the door with two of the dogs David was behind Regina and spinning her around. Before she could make a sound he had his lips on hers. She gave a small moan in the back of her throat as she parted her lips for him allowing him access. When they finally broke apart breathlessly. David grinned. "I've been wanting to do that all day."

Regina laughed. "I was hoping you would."

After finishing up at he shelter they had all gone back to her apartment where she worked on dinner while David and Henry sat on the floor by his bed playing games and reading comic books. Henry was an amazing reader for a six year old kid.

"So I guess you really like my mom?" Henry asked him after showing him his newest comic book.

David looked up at him a little surprised at the question. "Yes I do Henry. I like your mom a lot."

Henry studied him for a moment. "She likes you too. I can tell. She smiles a lot when she's around you." a worried look came over the boy's face.

"Is that ok with you?" David asked.

"I don't know." the boy sighed and looked back up at David shyly. "You're not going to start hitting her are you?"

David's eyes went wide at the question and his heart broke for this little boy and his mother. He lifted Henry's chin so the boy would look at him and hopefully know he was telling the truth. "No Henry. I would never hit her."

Henry sighed as tears filled his eyes. "My dad did. He hurt her really bad. I don't ever want her to get hurt like that again."

"Me either." David took a breath. "What your dad did to your mom was wrong Henry, but not all men hit. I will make a promise to you right now that I will never hurt your mom or you."

Henry looked up at him wanting to believe him. "My dad said he did it because he loved her."

"That isn't love Henry. Love is wanting to take care of someone, wanting to be with them and cherish them. I would never want to bring pain to your mom. I only ever want to bring her happiness." he grinned as he leaned in. "She has a really pretty smile. I like seeing it."

Henry smiled. "Yeah me too."

"How about we take Molly for a walk before dinner?" he asked him.

Henry nodded as he got up. Before David had moved to stand Henry had thrown his arms around his shoulders hugged him tightly. David brought his arms around the boy and hugged him back and his heart melted.

Henry pulled back with a crooked grin on his face. "Thanks for making my mom smile." he said as he ran to the door to grab his coat. David had to blink back tears from his eyes as he stood to walk towards the door.

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David and Regina sat on the couch while Henry laid on the floor cuddled up with Molly. They were watching "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" Which just happened to be David's favorite. He had been pleased to find out that Henry and Regina both were Star Wars fans like himself. He glanced over at her on the couch as he played with her hair and grinned. She really was the perfect woman.

Henry had fallen asleep some time ago and after Regina had moved to cover him up she had come back to the couch and sat a little closer to David then she had before. He moved to put his arm around her as she leaned into his side. She smiled as they watched the love story unfold between Han and Leia. He smiled as he watched her and couldn't help but lean in and press a kiss to her head.

She glanced up at him with a smile in her eyes. "What was that for?"

He grinned. "You just looked so cute sitting there smiling that I couldn't help myself."

She turned her body towards him as she brought her hand up behind his head pulling him to her. "I would like another one please." she whispered as he covered her mouth with his.

He was smiling as he pulled back from her. He traced his hand along the side of her face as she leaned her head back against the couch. "You are so beautiful Regina."

Instead of blushing she grinned at him. "Prettier then Princess Leia?"

He laughed out loud. "Well I'm sitting here with the opportunity to look at both of you and it is you that I can't take my eyes off of, so I would say yes." He gave her a soft kiss. "What about me? Do you think I'm a better catch then Han Solo?"

She grinned. "Well Han does have the Millennium Falcon…" she teased "But you are a fantastic kisser and you have Molly so yeah I would say you're the better catch."

"Well that's a relief. I don't think I could handle you flying off into space with Han." He grinned kissing her one more time before pulling her tight against him again. He felt perfectly content as she laid her head against his shoulder and they settled in to watch the rest of the movie.

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A/N I hope everyone enjoyed their date. Please review and let me know!