CHAPTER 8
A week later; Regina was at the bookstore putting together a pop quiz and when she finished she decided to browse around for a bit. Bookstores were so different now; there were more products offered and something that intrigued her lately was the adult coloring books. Everyone she'd talked too seemed to think they were relaxing. There were so many different ones and she'd been tempted to buy a set of colored pencils and a book and start coloring. So, today she grabbed one called ENCHANTED FOREST, a pack of pencils and continued to browse around the store. She roamed every section from Graphic Novels to Self-Help books; she liked to look at everything. Something caught her eye and she headed toward the Romance section. It was her guilty pleasure. Sometimes, she'd find something she was into; Nora Roberts was a brilliant romance writer and she hadn't read anything in a while. Regina read a few book jackets; put one under her arm to buy and was startled when she heard a voice say "Well, there you are love."
She jumped and dropped the stuff she was holding "Robin, Oh' my God. You startled me," she said. They both squatted down and she picked up her coloring book and pencils and he handed her the book "Thank you," she said smiling.
They both stood back up "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. I saw Belle and she said you were still here and walking around so I thought I'd find you to say hello."
Her eyes roamed his body and she couldn't help but smile because he was wearing his uniform "You worked today?"
"I'm on light duty for another week or two. Mostly working in the office," he explained. "I'm going back for a little extra overtime tonight."
"I see. How are you feeling," she asked as they started walking.
"Much better; what are you buying," he asked as he motioned toward the pile in her hands.
She hoped she wasn't blushing "Oh' well every once in a while I like a good romance and everyone has been talking about these adult coloring books so I decided I'd try," she said.
"You like romance novels?"
She smiled "Yes, sometimes."
They got on the escalator and headed to the bottom floor "Do you need more romance in your life Miss Mills," he teased.
She bit her lip "No, well . . . what I mean to say is."
He started laughing "I'm only teasing you," he said. "Can I buy you a coffee?"
"Don't you have to get back," she asked as they headed toward the café.
"Not just yet," he said.
"Alright," she said. She ordered a latte and they sat down "I was working on a pop quiz before. I'm thinking of giving it tomorrow . . . Oh' shit! Don't tell Roland," she said quickly as she placed a hand over her mouth.
Robin laughed "I won't. He's home studying so I'm assuming he'll be fine."
"Sometimes I forget," she admitted.
"Well, it's understandable. It's easy to talk to you," Robin said.
"I agree," she said smiling.
"So, coloring books and a romance novel; interesting choices," Robin said.
"Are you still teasing me about that," she asked.
"Maybe, just a little," he said as he grabbed her hand and kissed the top of her fingers. He leaned forward "I miss you," he whispered.
"Me too but the next few weeks are busy until Christmas and then school is closed until after New Year's," she explained.
"Well, I was hoping maybe this weekend I can take you out," he asked.
"What did you have in mind," she asked.
"Well, there's this comedy show on Saturday night and I was thinking of getting two tickets. If you'd want to go that is; if it's not something you're interested in we can do something else."
"No, I'd love to go. I'm sure it will be fun," she said.
"Roland is staying at a friend's house so we can go back to my place after – if you want," he said seriously.
Regina placed a strand of hair behind her ear "I'll pack a bag," she said softly as she ran her finger over his palm.
Robin grabbed her hand and kissed the top of her fingers again "That sounds like a brilliant plan," he said. He glanced down at his phone "Crap. I'm late. I should go. I'll text you about Saturday?" She nodded and he leaned over and kissed her and then rubbed his nose against hers "I'll miss you."
He stood and so did she "Wait," she said. Regina hugged him and he wrapped his arms around her "I can't wait," she said as she kissed him on the mouth quickly again. She sat back down and Robin high-tailed it out of the store. She decided to hang around for a few minutes; she went and paid then headed back over to the café to color. She'd lost track of time and was shocked when Emma approached her table about an hour later "Hi, everything alright?"
"Yes, I need coffee. I'm working late tonight," Emma explained as she glanced down at Regina's coloring book strangely.
"Yes, I'm coloring. I see the look on your face," Regina said.
"I've heard that's very relaxing actually," Emma replied.
"It is; I've been doing this for an hour."
"Wow, that's nice. Maybe, I'll try it," Emma said.
"You have no patience for this Swan," Regina said laughing.
"Have you seen Robin lately? I heard he's on desk duty."
"Actually, he was here a little while ago. He says he's working late so maybe you'll run into him," Regina said.
"The boys hang out but I haven't really seen him; it's not the same at work. I miss my partner," Emma admitted as she let out a breath.
Regina smiled "I can understand that," she said.
"The other guys are okay but . . ."
"Emma, he saved your ass twice. You don't trust the others as much as you do Robin," Regina said.
"Yeah but I don't want him to come back until he's ready. I'm getting my coffee and then I have to run." They kissed each other's cheek and then Regina went back to coloring. Another hour later she sat back and looked at her book - she was shocked as to how much she'd done. It really was calming. She gathered her things and headed out and was already looking forward to the weekend and her date with Robin. But, she was even more excited that Christmas season was almost here. The wheels in her head were already spinning . . .
Regina rummaged through her closet on Saturday to figure out what to wear. She wanted to look nice. Not just nice but . . . very nice. She had a few dresses but nothing really spoke to her. But then she remembered it was technically almost Christmas and she pulled a dark hunter green short dress from the back of her wardrobe and tried it on. She glanced in the mirror and smiled – yes Robin would definitely like this. She put on black pumps, the reddest lipstick she owned and sprayed her neck with a light mist of her vanilla perfume. Once she was satisfied she grabbed her fancy black trench coat and headed downstairs. Her overnight bag was already by the front door. Yes, they were going to dinner and a comedy show but that didn't mean she shouldn't dress nice. Plus, she'd been looking forward to this all week and she and Robin hadn't been on a date in quite some time.
She was glad he was feeling better and she wondered . . . just how much better. About ten minutes later; her doorbell rang and he was standing outside the front door.
His mouth hit the ground when she stood before him and she laughed out loud "Is something wrong," she asked.
"I'm sorry milady but I can't seem to form words at the moment," he said seriously.
She laughed again "Is it too much? I could change."
"No, please don't do that," he said. She grabbed her bag but he took it from her as she put on her coat and locked the door. They walked to the car and he opened the door for her. She got in and he placed her bag on the back seat.
Once he got in he let out a breath and she took his hand "What's wrong," she asked.
He turned and faced her "You look absolutely beautiful."
She couldn't help the blush that crept up her cheeks "Thank you. You look very nice," she said.
"Not as nice as you," he said softly as he kissed the top of her hand and then started the car. Regina continued to hold his hand; he really did look nice. He was dressed in black pants and a red button downed shirt. So, they'd both dressed nicely and she was glad they were on the same page "So, dinner is first and then the comedy show follows. It's a new place that opened a few weeks ago just outside of town. It's called Umberto's and Emma and I have had pizza there on break a few times. That's how I found out about the show," he explained.
"It sounds fun. I've only been to a comedy show once before so I'm looking forward to this," she said.
"I'm glad. I think you're going to like our seats," he said smiling. They talked about different comedians, Christmas break and finally he said the words that had been in his head for days "Regina, do you have plans for Christmas," he asked.
"Well, usually Emma, Henry and Granny come over but it all depends on Emma's schedule really. But, she's off for Christmas Day and working Christmas Eve so to be honest . . . I'm not sure." They got to the club and Robin parked the car and got out. He opened the door for her and took her hand "Why do you ask," she said as they headed inside.
"We'll talk more later about it but I was curious. I'm working Christmas Day and I'd like Roland to be with Henry and Emma," he said. They checked their coats and walked into the theater and Robin handed the greeter the tickets and he asked them to follow him. Robin held her hand and she was shocked when they were seated at a table in the center of the room toward the front. It wasn't the closest table to the stage but it was very close. She was impressed. The greeter pulled out her chair and then did the same for Robin. He informed them their waiter would be with them shortly and told them to enjoy the show. Regina smiled and shook her head "What," he asked.
"These are amazing seats," she said.
"Oh' do you think so," he said teasingly.
She glared at him "Robin, this is impressive. It's too much."
"No, it's not and I will not lie I wanted to show off a little and get us good tickets," he admitted.
"Mission accomplished," she said as she kissed him quickly on the mouth.
"I'm glad," he replied. Regina ordered a glass of wine and Robin asked for water as they pondered on their food choices. They decided on mozzarella salad to start and they were brought bread with oil for dipping.
She was interested in the topic they had been discussing in the car so Regina brought it up again "So, you asked me about Christmas before," she said.
He smiled "So, you want to talk more about it," he said.
"Well, yes and I think if you want Roland with Henry and Emma; then we'll do Christmas at my house. I'll just ask everyone to bring something. I'm sure Killian is coming also," she said.
Robin sipped his water and cleared his throat "I'll buy a Prime Rib," he said.
"No, that's not necessary," she replied.
"I want to. If you're hosting at your home again for another holiday . . . I want to get a Prime Rib." The waiter came back for their dinner order and Regina decided on Veal Parmigiana and Robin ordered Chicken Marsala. Once the waiter was gone Robin continued to talk "If you'll let me . . . I'd like to go with you to do the shopping and I'll get everything."
Regina almost spit out her wine "Robin . . . no."
"You say no now but I'll convince you," he said as he kissed her quickly on the mouth and then sipped his water again. She changed the subject and they talked about movies and music until their food arrived. Regina couldn't help but harp on the fact that Robin wanted to go shopping with her and pay for everything for Christmas dinner. Just because Roland was coming didn't mean he had to go to such extremes. Yes, she hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas was the biggest holiday of the year but that didn't matter to her. She loved entertaining – especially now when she had someone important in her life to share it with. Regina glanced up and he was staring at her "Are you alright?"
"I'm sorry . . . yes I was just thinking."
"About what," he asked.
"Christmas," she replied.
"You're obsessing about me wanting to pay for the groceries."
"I wouldn't call it obsessing but I just want you to know it's not necessary."
"If it bothers you that much Regina . . ."
"No, no Robin it doesn't," she said reaching for his hand. "I'm not used to someone . . ."
"Wanting to take care of you," he said finishing her sentence.
"I suppose. Yes," she replied.
"I can understand that," he said. Once they were finished with dinner; the waiter cleared their table and brought them another drink. He said they should choose a desert and then during the intermission it would be brought to them. Robin let her make the choice and after much deliberating she decided on the chocolate lava cake and then finally the show started. Robin scooted his chair closer to her and placed his arm around her shoulders and she leaned into his embrace. They laughed so hard; tears rolled down their faces and at one point he watched her and she genuinely seemed to be enjoying the show. The comedian started talking about relationships and Regina smiled over at Robin and bit her lip. He talked about first dates, clothes, sex and awkward situations. It was quite amusing and then he announced he was taking a short break. Robin stood to go to the bathroom and Regina took out her phone to check a few notifications and e-mails. When he came back; she went and then when she returned to the table the chocolate lava cake was waiting for her. They shared it and talked about the show and at one point he was staring at her again and she smiled as he kissed her cheek and ran his fingers through her hair "In case I haven't said it enough tonight; you look stunning."
"Thank you," she said softly. They fed each other cake and then the lights went down again and the comedian came back on stage. Once again Regina snuggled against Robin's shoulder and they watched the rest of the show. Finally, the lights went up and everyone headed out of the theater. Robin got their coats at the check and they walked out into the cold. He held her hand and then opened the car door for her. He went around and got in as well; and then started up the car "That was fun," she said as she sat back and closed her eyes.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it," he said.
"Those seats were amazing and the food – really good."
"I agree," he replied. He noticed she still had her eyes closed "Tired?"
"A little," she admitted.
"We're almost there," he said.
"So, we're staying at your house tonight. Is Roland at a friend's," she asked.
"Yes, actually he is. We have the place to ourselves." She leaned her head on his shoulder and he kissed the top of her head "Close your eyes," he whispered. It was only another ten minutes or so and then finally he pulled in front of his house. Regina stirred and he got out and grabbed her bag from the back seat and she followed him inside. Robin put the lights on "Would you like a cup of tea," he asked.
She shook her head "No, just water is fine," she said.
"Go to my room. I'll be there in a bit," he said as he kissed her forehead. Regina went to the bedroom while Robin grabbed two bottles of water out of the fridge. When he walked into his room she was sitting on the edge of the bed unstrapping her shoes "Here, let me," he said softly as he put the bottles of water down on the dresser and then fell to his knees to unstrap her shoe.
She smiled "Robin, I can do that."
He dropped the shoe on the floor and then unstrapped the other one "No need. I got it."
'You're spoiling me."
"Nonsense; I like doing things for you," he replied.
She stood and turned around "In that case; I need you to unzip me," she said as she winked at him over her shoulder. Robin smiled, bit his lip and then slowly brought the zipper down her back. He ran his hands over her shoulders and then let the dress pool at her feet. She was wearing a black bra and panties set and he swore he drooled. He took a step back and just stared. She laughed "Stop staring." He unbuttoned his shirt and tossed it to the floor and then undid his pants. He swiftly removed his boxers, pulled the blankets down and literally jumped into bed. Regina couldn't stop giggling at him and he beckoned her toward him. She climbed into bed and lay next to him and Robin kissed her roughly and pulled her close. His fingers drifted down her arms and she moaned as his tongue coasted over hers. He had her bra snapped off in one movement and she shrugged it off and it fell to the bed. She tossed it on the floor. He sat up and pulled her onto his lap "Are you sure you're okay for this," she whispered as his lips moved down her neck.
"Yes," he said as his tongue sucked on her pulse point. "It's been too bloody long. I need you," he said as his mouth took hers again. Regina couldn't help herself as she grinded on top of him. They both moaned "Fuck," he whispered as his fingers glided through her hair "I need to be inside you," he said against her mouth. Regina nodded and then the worst thing that could have happened – did. Robin's phone rang "You've got to be fucking kidding me! That's work! Am I the only fucking cop in this town! Shit," he said as he quickly got up and grabbed it off the dresser "Hood," he said angrily. Regina had a feeling something bad was happening. His face fell and he ran a hand through his hair. This wouldn't be the first time and she hoped it wasn't too much of an emergency "Anyone hurt? Yeah' where is Swan? Of course; it's alright. I'll be there as soon as I can," he said. Robin put down his phone down hard on the dresser "Shit," he whispered as he walked into his closet to change. Regina scooted under the blankets and he came back out a few minutes later "Why does this always happen to us," he said as he glanced over at her.
She shrugged "It comes with the territory. Is it anything serious?"
"Accident but they need another body for traffic control and Swan is on another call," he explained.
Regina lay back on the bed "Don't be angry. I'll be here when you get back," she said as she snuggled under the covers.
Once he was dressed he sat down "My God, this is the worst," he said as he leaned down and kissed her.
She pulled back "Be careful."
He smiled "I love it when you worry about me."
"Don't be smug," she said.
He laughed "I'll be back," he replied. Regina listened as Robin headed out and she couldn't help herself as turned on as she was she fell asleep in his bed in a matter of minutes.
When Robin got home it was three in the morning. He was exhausted, and desperately needed a shower. He quietly entered the house and went straight to the bathroom to undress and clean up. Once he was under the spray he washed his hair and then he saw the door open and Regina entered the room. She was still gloriously naked and he opened the glass door and she stepped in with him. She pushed him against the wall and slammed her mouth on his. Robin groaned as her arms came around his neck; she kissed his pulse point and whispered in his ear "I want you in me." He wasted no time; he picked her up in his arms and leaned her back against the shower wall. Her legs went around his waist and her arms encircled his neck again. Robin pushed his cock inside her and they both moaned at the contact. She kissed him with everything she had "Regina is this alright," he asked into her ear.
"Yes, don't stop," she practically groaned.
"No, what I mean is . . . condom; and I'm scared I might drop you. It's slippery and I'm tired," he admitted.
"Then, let's get to the bedroom," she said breathlessly. Robin pulled out of her and then turned off the water. They got out and he grabbed a towel but Regina ripped it out of his hands and tossed it to the floor. She grabbed his arm and pulled him back toward the bedroom. He collapsed on the bed and she laughed and straddled his lap "Now, where were we," she said teasingly as she grabbed his cock, stroked it a few times and placed it at her entrance. Robin's hands reached down and gripped her hips and she sunk down on top of him "Yes, I think that's where we were," she said as she began to grind on top of him. He groaned and closed his eyes as she continued to ride him "God, you feel so good," she said. He stopped and she glanced down at him "What's wrong?"
"Condom," he said. She didn't move and he reached for her hand "You don't want to use one?"
"It's just . . . I should have told you this sooner. I can't get pregnant. I know this isn't the time for this conversation but I'm clean. I get tested every year and I haven't been with anyone in a long time."
"I'm sorry," he said.
"What for Robin?"
"That you can't have a baby," he said.
"It's hard. I'm dealing with it. Does . . . does that change anything between us," she asked.
He shook his head "No, absolutely not and you're right now is not the time to talk about his. We should get back to what we were doing before we were interrupted earlier. Don't you think?" he whispered as he stared into her eyes. Regina began to ride him again and she couldn't help the heat that raced to her face. He placed two fingers inside her and began to rub her clit "I want you to come – hard," he said as he reached around and gripped her ass with his other hand "I want you to scream." She didn't know how he was doing it but he was stimulating so many senses at once within her. She was thrusting on top of him still; and she moaned so loud it stirred something in his stomach. He was beyond turned on and he knew neither of them was going to last much longer. They were panting, grinding and a string of curses flew out of Robin's mouth "So fucking beautiful," he said. Robin sat up slightly; grabbed and then flicked his tongue over one of her nipples. Her fingers gripped his hair and he told her to pull tighter and she obeyed. The things they did to one another . . . he was going insane. He was moving his mouth back and forth between her breasts and by the way she was acting he knew she was close "You taste so good," he whispered as he continued to suck on her. He knew he was probably leaving bruises on her chest but by the sounds she was making – she didn't care.
She was whimpering and he couldn't believe how sexy she looked bouncy on his cock "Robin, Fuck . . ."
He thrusted hard and reached down and pinched her clit and finally Regina felt her lower body tighten and she began to yell his name "That's it love. Come for me," he said. She did what he wanted – she came hard. The orgasm flowed through her body and goosebumps formed over her skin; finally Robin couldn't hold back anymore; her voice was driving him to insanity and he released himself inside her. Regina collapsed onto his chest and his fingers roamed her back gently. She kissed his cheek and slowly slid off him. Robin lifted the blankets and pulled her against his chest and wrapped his arms around her shoulder, "Alright," he asked.
"Yes," she replied softly. "Are you alright? I know you're probably exhausted from work."
"I'm fine. No worries love. Go to sleep. We've had a long night," he said. Regina closed her eyes and in minutes; they were both sound asleep - completed satisfied and exhausted.
When Robin woke; Regina was still cuddled against his side. It was glorious. He didn't want to wake her but he had to use the bathroom. He carefully moved her aside and got out of bed. He stayed in there for a few minutes, washed his face and then quietly walked back into his bedroom. He was startled when he saw her sitting up with the blanket pulled up to her chest "Sorry, did I wake you," he asked.
"No," she replied. "I just realized you weren't here."
He sat on the edge of the bed "It's late. We slept in," he said.
"We needed it," she said softly.
"Regina, are you alright? What I mean to say is . . . do you want to talk?"
"I wasn't sure if I was ready to admit my situation to you yet but. I don't know. I feel close to you Robin."
"I know what you mean. What's the reason? What I mean to say is; why can't you get pregnant?"
"I was diagnosed with perimenopause a few years ago; it's basically impossible for me to get pregnant," she explained.
"I'm sorry," he said as he placed his forehead against hers.
"Don't be. I'm alright. It's just frustrating sometimes," she whispered as she kissed him quickly.
"I think you're wonderful, beautiful and incredibly sexy. My God, you tried to take me in the shower," he said chuckling.
She giggled "I know. I missed you," she admitted.
He ran his fingers through her hair and stared into her face "I don't want to scare you but I really, really like you," he said.
Regina let out a breath "I know. It's intense. I feel it too," she admitted.
"Thankfully, we both feel the same way."
"Yes, and I'm glad we talked," she said. "I feel communication is very important in any relationship. Do you agree?"
"Most definitely and I'm also glad we talked."
"It's difficult for me to trust," she said.
"I understand," he said.
"Is Roland coming home soon," she asked "It's getting late." They were startled when they heard the door slam and Roland yelling throughout the house.
"Shit - are you psychic," Robin asked as he quickly put on a pair of boxers and a t-shirt "I'll be back," he said. Regina got dressed when he left the room and the only thing she had with her were the clothes she had on from last night. She wondered if she should make her presence known but she was sure Robin would tell his son she was here. About ten minutes later; Robin came back in "He's cooking breakfast. God, he's so smart. I was a wreck because I didn't know what he would say."
Regina smiled "Robin, it's not like he doesn't know about us," she said as she sat on the bed and put on her shoes.
"I know but . . ."
"Listen, you have breakfast with your son and I'm going to head home," she said.
He looked somewhat sad she was leaving "You don't have to go," he said.
She stood and wrapped her arms around his neck "I know but you should spend time with Roland. Last night was perfect and thank you again," she whispered as she leaned up and kissed him slowly. He groaned and pulled her tightly against his chest and ran his hands down her back.
She laughed and then pulled back and he placed his forehead against hers "I'll call you later," he said.
She smiled "You better," she replied as she practically ran out of the room. Robin changed clothes and then composed himself before he went back downstairs but was surprised when he heard Regina in the kitchen talking to Roland "It was fun," he heard her say. "I hadn't been to a comedy show in a long time."
He walked into the room and Roland was frying bacon and Regina was leaning against the counter "I thought you were going," Robin said as he entered.
She turned around "We were talking. Anyway, I'll see you guys later," she said as she started walking out.
Robin grabbed her arm "Wait," he said as he pulled her in quickly for a kiss.
Roland laughed and shook his head "Pop, let the lady go. She has a life besides us," he teased.
She pulled back and laughed "Roland, don't tease your father," she said smirking at Robin. She hauled ass out of the house and Robin sat down.
A few minutes later; breakfast was ready and Roland served them bacon, eggs and toast and sat across from his father "So, you're really okay with all this," Robin asked.
"Regina is cool Pop and it's obvious the two of you really like each other. Stop worrying about me; it's fine," he said as he shoved toast into his mouth.
Robin sighed "Okay, well you're my son and my first priority. So, I have to worry about you," he said.
Roland smiled "I know Pop but I'm not a kid anymore. It's cool. Trust me. By the way; have you decided if you are giving it to her or not?"
Robin shook his head "I don't know," he admitted. "I'm really nervous about it. Do you think she might freak out?"
Roland shrugged "You'll never know unless you try. I say go for it. What have you got to lose?"
"Alright, but I'm nervous . . ."
"Well, I think you should and tell her how you feel," Roland said. "Dating a cop can be intense and she should know where you stand. I know you think I'm just a kid but still."
"No, you're incredibly smart. I'm still trying to figure it out."
Roland shrugged "You still have a little bit of time. I'll clean up. Why don't you go shower?" Robin nodded and headed back upstairs. His son was growing up, smart and extremely loving. He was handling his new relationship with Regina in such a positive way and Robin was glad. He was nervous about Christmas but excited at the same time. He hoped he was doing the right thing by giving her the special gift he'd picked out . . .
