Emma was suddenly well aware of the state of her car and highly embarrassed about it. There were empty paper bags and Styrofoam cups from The Perk in the backseat, some foil wrappers from various burger joints, along with random empty bottles of water. There was also a funky smell coming from somewhere inside the car that Emma only noticed once they'd started driving and it wasn't coming from either of them.
In short, for the first time she was thoroughly embarrassed at the state of her car and her bad habits in using the backseat as a trashcan. Emma nervously worried her bottom lip as she drove along the long country road and headed for the interstate.
Regina hadn't said a word since they got into the Bug and she had barely looked anywhere but out the passenger window. Emma fumbled with the buttons on the radio, trying to find a station playing a good song, but failed after a few minutes and she hit the button to turn the radio off. She passed a sign on the side of the road, indicating for her to take the next right to get to the interstate and as she approached the corner, Regina reached out and placed a hand over the one she had on the gear stick.
"Do you mind if we take the scenic route, Emma?"
"Not a fan of the interstate?"
"No."
"You realize it's going to take at least another hour to get back to Boston, right?" Emma asked, but Regina just moved her hand away and looked back out the window. "Right. Which way do I go? I'm not familiar with—"
"Straight."
Emma pinched the bridge of her nose before turning off her blinker and headed straight instead of making the turn. It was a long stretch of road and she couldn't see another stop sign in sight. The road was empty and Emma shifted the Bug into the third gear and sailed down the road.
Emma glanced over at Regina when she heard her sigh and she tried not to become too distracted by the way the wind coming through the open windows made Regina's hair whip wildly around her face. She turned to look back at the empty road ahead of her for a second before looking back at Regina. As far as second dates went, Emma thought it would've gone a little differently. It had started out good, they'd talked, they'd laughed, they'd made out like a couple of teenagers out in the field, and then something changed as soon as Emma opened her mouth and asked her a stupid question.
It hadn't helped that Emma let her thoughts get away from her and that the question she asked Regina wasn't what she really wanted to ask her. Emma leaned against the door and placed her right hand on top of the steering wheel, watching her speed even though there were no other cars around. Her mind was reeling right back to the thoughts she'd had before, about Regina dating other people while they were dating each other. She couldn't figure out why it bothered her, they were grown adults and that was normal in the world of dating, especially before it got serious. But, Emma had never dated. She had never been a part of that world before and she had no idea if she actually wanted to be.
She liked Regina, there was no doubt about that, and she was having feelings for Regina that she had never had towards another woman before that both terrified her and intrigued her. She was no longer confused, not after that talk with Jason and not after her date with Regina last night, but it was still all so very new for her to be dating a woman, a rich, successful, beautiful woman at that.
What did Regina see in her? What was it about her that intrigued Regina? Did Regina want to date her after the way things turned out that afternoon or would she end up telling Emma that she wasn't interested anymore by the time they got back to the city?
"Pull over, Emma," Regina said lowly. "We need to talk."
"I can drive and—"
"Emma, please."
Emma sighed and pulled over on to the shoulder and shifted the car into park before pulling the lever for the emergency brake. "What's up?"
"Something is bothering you," Regina stated quietly. "It's not because things got a little heated while we were kissing, is it?"
"No."
"What is it?" Regina demanded. "The same thing happened last night before we left the inn. Something changed. What is it, Emma?"
Now or never, Emma thought and she furrowed her brow. Regina didn't seem like he was in a good mood and she didn't know what to expect.
"Are we dating?" Emma asked, hating the way her voice wavered.
"I'd like to think we are," Regina replied. "I've told you about Danielle and I never speak about her with anyone. Not even Kathryn."
"Are you dating anyone else?"
"Casually, yes."
Emma stared at her fingers as she drummed them against the steering wheel. She knew she should've expected that answer, but even expecting it, she felt deflated. Emma gritted her jaw tightly, not sure what to say, not sure she could even look at Regina without letting her emotions show clearly on her face. Emma stopped drumming her fingers on the steering wheel and let them fall into her lap, but she was fidgeting and she always fidgeted when she was nervous or upset.
"Does that bother you?" Regina asked as she reached out and gently tucked Emma's hair behind her ear. "That I'm dating someone else too?"
"I don't know."
"I think you do."
Emma shrugged and she reached up to take her aviators off before looking over at Regina. "It kind of bothers me. I know it shouldn't because this is only our second date and we're still just getting to know each other. You're a beautiful woman, Regina. I shouldn't be surprised that other people see it too and want to be with you."
Regina laughed lightly. "You're jealous," she stated and she shook her head when Emma was about to protest. "There is no need to be jealous, darling. As I said, it's casual. I like you," she continued and she reached to grasp on Emma's chin when Emma looked away. "I really do like you, Emma Swan. I want to see where this goes between us. I don't want you to think about who else I am dating as it is irrelevant."
"Is it?"
"I told you last night, I enjoy the company of beautiful and intelligent women. Sometimes I date several at a time, but I promise you, my affection for you is real and I am not trying to lead you on."
Emma nodded and Regina released her chin with a tight smile. "Okay."
"If it truly bothers you, perhaps we shouldn't see each other anymore. Is that what you want?"
"No," Emma automatically replied. "I don't want that. Regina, ever since I met you, you've managed to turn my whole world upside down. I thought I had myself figured out, but I didn't. I wasn't even close to knowing who I am."
"And you do now?"
"I'm starting to," she sighed. "I thought I lost my chance when you left me in the bathroom at the club after I told you I'd never been with another woman before. You said earlier that you couldn't stop thinking about me," she said and she inhaled deeply. "I can't stop thinking about you either."
Emma grinned at the way Regina visibly softened at her words. She slipped her aviators back on, released the emergency brake before shifting the Bug into first gear, and pulled away from the side of the road without saying a word.
The vibe in the car changed significantly and an hour into the drive, Regina pointed out a small roadside diner, suggesting they stop and get some coffee. Emma pulled into the dirt parking lot, parking the Bug beside a dusty old Ford pickup. They walked into the diner together and took a seat at the counter where an older woman approached them with a friendly smile.
"What can I get you?" She asked with a slight southern accent. "Special today is pear pie."
"Two coffees, please," Regina replied. "And a slice of that pear pie as well," she added. "Two forks. We'll share."
"Coming right up."
"Pie?" Emma asked as she turned on the stool to look at Regina. "After what we ate for lunch, you're still hungry?"
"A little, yes, besides," she said as she exhaled softly. "My father and I used to stop here after our rides when I was a child for milkshakes and a slice of the freshest pear pie you've ever tasted. I haven't been this way for quite some time. Jerry prefers to take the interstate even when I ask him not to."
Emma laughed quietly and shook her head. "This is why you wanted to take the scenic route back to the city, huh? For a slice of pear pie and coffee?"
"Yes."
"Hey," Emma said lightly. "I'm sorry if I ruined our date."
"You didn't ruin our date, Emma," Regina said huskily as she leaned in close. "I believe it has yet to end. There is still plenty of time to turn this date around."
The waitress returned with the coffee and a plate of pie along with two forks. She gave them both a sweet smile before walking away without a word. Emma reached for one of the forks, took a small piece of the pie, and took a bite. She'd never been one for pie, but she had to admit from that first taste, it was heavenly.
The coffee wasn't half bad either. They ate their pie and sipped the coffee in silence, but it was comfortable silence, something Emma rarely experienced with someone she barely knew. Regina refused to let Emma pay for the coffee and pie, warning her that since it was her idea, she was paying, end of discussion.
They were back on the road forty minutes after they'd stopped at the small diner. Emma hoped that they might talk for a while, but the moment Regina's phone started ringing, she knew that wasn't going to be the case. Regina answered the call and the way she spoke to the person on the other end, it was definitely a business call. Her voice, her whole demeanor changed considerably and Emma couldn't help but listen in admiration as Regina spoke in short, clipped tones and pure professionalism.
Regina was on the phone several times for the next two hours with several different people. Emma half-listened while she drove, surprised the road she was on just kept going until they reached the outskirts of the city and the Boston skyline was within sight. Regina stayed on the phone until Emma made the turn onto her street and passed by the park before pulling up in front of the building.
"Jefferson, I need to go. I just arrived home. I expect you here in no less than twenty minutes."
Emma turned to look at her when she finally ended the call and placed her phone face down in her lap with an exhausted sigh. "Everything all right, Regina?"
"One of our more established author's brought up an issue with his revised contract. Apparently the man cannot wait until tomorrow morning to resolve this matter," she said tiredly. "Would you like to come up for a little while?"
"Isn't Jefferson coming?"
"Yes, and I expect he'll be late just as he always is," Regina replied. "Visitor parking is just over there, but if you don't want to come up for a little while, I understand."
"I can uh, walk you to your door?" Emma offered with a small shrug.
"I'd like that."
Emma smiled before driving over to the visitor lot at the side of the building and found a spot to park the Bug. Regina led the way inside through a side door and to the elevator. She ignored her phone as it began to ring again as she jabbed her finger at the button several times. Emma followed her into the elevator when it arrived a moment later and the second the doors slid shut, Regina was kissing her and backing he up against the wall.
The heat, the passion, the hunger behind the kiss was far more intense than any of their prior kisses and Emma moaned, albeit a little loudly, as Regina's hands roamed up her sides and over her breasts. It wasn't soft, it was rough and needy, but Emma's body was responding eagerly and the wetness that flooded her panties was more than evidence of that.
Emma grasped at the back of Regina's shirt, panting as they parted from their kiss only to catch their breath before Regina captured her lips in another intense kiss. Her hands kneaded her breasts, thumbs rolling over hardening nipples and causing a shockwave of arousal to course through Emma's body. Emma whimpered when Regina suddenly ended the kiss and she was no longer pressed against her with her hands on Emma's breasts. It took Emma a few seconds to realize that the elevator had stopped and the doors had opened.
Regina walked out and looked over her shoulder with a smoldering gaze. "Are you coming, Emma?" She asked lowly and Emma pushed herself off the wall and scrambled to walk out of the elevator before the doors closed on her.
The walk down the hallway to Regina's door gave Emma a minute to try and compose herself, but she was turned on beyond belief and the only thought that consumed her was that she wanted more. Regina unlocked her door and opened it, pausing just in the doorway before Emma followed her inside. They were kissing before the door even shut behind them, and much like they had ended up the night before, Emma found herself pushed up against the wall hard and Regina's lips on hers, kissing her hard and deep.
Emma took control, surprising herself and Regina when she flipped their positions and pushed Regina up against the wall hard enough to make the framed pictures on the wall rattle. She felt Regina smile into the kiss and she moaned as Regina's fingers sunk into her hair and slipped a thigh between her legs. Emma lost herself to the kiss, to Regina, to the pulsing of her clit as she rolled her hips down against Regina's strong thigh.
"Emma," Regina moaned as she tore her lips away and gasped before taking a deep breath.
The way Regina said Emma's name only made her want more and only made the heated arousal she felt coursing through her body ignite even more. She moved her lips to the side of Regina's neck, nipping lightly at her pulse point before trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses to the underside of her jaw. She had one hand firmly gripping onto Regina's hip and the other slowly gliding over Regina's abdomen. Her fingers just grazed the underside of Regina's left breast and she hesitated, only for a second, before the sound of Regina's moan reverberated through her body and gave her the courage she needed to raise her hand those last few inches.
Regina moaned as Emma's thumb slipped over a hardening nipple and Emma pulled back in surprise when she felt the piercing beneath the layers of her shirt and bra. Regina placed a hand over hers and gave it a squeeze before she pulled Emma back in for another heated kiss. Emma rolled her thumb over Regina's hardening nipple and it elicited the sexiest moan past Regina's lips that broke them both away from the kiss.
"Fuck," Regina murmured and she moved a hand to grasp at Emma's ass, pulling out a surprised gasp and a moan from her. "God, Emma. Don't stop."
Emma thrust the thigh she had between Regina's legs and rolled her hips down against the one between hers, panting softly as she stared deeply into Regina's lust-filled eyes. Emma moved both of her hands to grasp at Regina's hips as Regina kissed her way over her jaw and down her neck and sucked at a sensitive spot just below her right ear that nearly made her come tumbling over the edge in an instant.
She was so embarrassingly close to climaxing and Regina had barely touched her, yet her body didn't seem to think that mattered much at all, not when that delicious wave of pleasure coursed through her with every roll of her hips against Regina's strong, muscular thigh.
Regina's lips trailed over her collarbone, her teeth nipping playfully at her skin, and languidly dragging her tongue over that very spot. Emma reached to place two fingers under Regina's chin and hurriedly guided her lips back up to her own, wanting nothing more than to kiss the woman until all of her senses completely shorted out.
When Regina cried out, her hips jolting and her whole body shaking, Emma leaned back to watch her as her sudden orgasm rolled through her body. Regina's hands moved to clutch at Emma's shoulders and her short, well-manicured nails dug into Emma's skin as she came down from her climax slowly. She turned her head shyly as she fell slack against the wall. Emma's heart was pounding and as she held Regina close, she could feel hers racing just as quickly.
"Emma—"
"Did you just—"
"Yes," Regina murmured, her face flushed and not just because of her orgasm.
"Regina, I—"
Three sharp knocks on the door made them both jump suddenly. Regina pushed at Emma's hips, exhaling sharply as she moved towards the door. She hesitated for only a few seconds before she pulled it open with a huff of annoyance.
"Jefferson," Regina said before Jefferson walked into the condo with an exasperated huff. "You're not late for once."
"I was just around the corner," Jefferson said and he handed a bulky white folder to Regina. "Mr. Poole is pretty insistent his contract renewal is wrong."
"His memoir's aren't scheduled for release until next Thursday. Everything is on schedule."
"He hates the cover too," Jefferson said and he walked further into the condo without even acknowledging Emma. "I know it's too late to change that. Hundreds of thousands of copies have already been printed, but he is not happy, Ms. Mills. He's threatening to sue."
"To sue?" Regina laughed as she followed him into the living room. "He cannot sue. He signed off on the cover months ago."
"I know," Jefferson replied and he threw his hands up. "Suddenly he doesn't like it and his lawyers have been crawling over our ass all weekend. I honestly don't know what more to say to this man without him having an epic hissy fit that could ruin the company."
"Stop being so over-dramatic, Jefferson," Regina scoffed and Emma idled in the doorway to the living room and watched as Regina went for the liquor cabinet and then turned her attention to Jefferson.
This was the same man she'd asked to buy the half-dozen bear claws for her and the dog the other morning, the same man that worked for the woman she was dating. Jefferson suddenly turned to look at her and gasped.
"I know you!" He exclaimed as he pointed at her. "Half a dozen bear claws, right?"
"Yeah," Emma shrugged, unmoving from the doorway.
"No, no," Jefferson said with a shake of his head. "You work with my Jason, don't you?"
"I do?" Emma asked. "Jason Worthington?"
"Yes!" Jefferson said with a laugh. "He showed me a picture of you two once, but that was years ago. Let me say that the picture he had does not do you justice."
"Thanks?" Emma scrunched her face in confusion. "I think?"
"Jefferson, if you could give me a minute to say goodbye to Ms. Swan, it'd be much appreciated," Regina said as she made a move towards the doorway. "I'll be right back."
The moment they were at the door, they were kissing again with heated passion and a hunger that Emma knew would never quite be sated. She broke away first, almost regretting it as she chewed on her bottom lip and stared into Regina's eyes.
"He's usually late," Regina murmured. "I'm sorry, darling."
"It's okay," Emma exhaled sharply. "Tuesday still stands, right?"
"Tuesday."
"Dinner?"
"Yes," Regina responded as if she were in a trance. "Tuesday. How do you feel about lasagna?"
"I love pasta."
"Good," Regina chuckled. She almost leaned in for another kiss, yet instead reached to open the door. "I'll see you Tuesday, Emma."
She sent Emma off, but not before delivering a sensual kiss just outside the door that left Emma's whole body buzzing and her knees weak. Emma wasn't even sure how she made it down to her car, but once she was in it, she just gripped the steering wheel and tried to no avail to catch her breath and let her thoughts come full circle.
Tuesday was two days away. As Emma sat in her Bug with the recent recollection of Regina's orgasm that had come so suddenly, Tuesday suddenly felt like it was a lifetime away.
[X]
For the next forty-eight hours, all Emma could think about was Regina Mills. In the course of those forty-eight hours, she had only exchanged two texts with Regina. One commenting on their second date and the other, coming in that morning just before ten, to confirm their third date.
In those forty-eight hours, Emma had tried and failed to keep her mind and body otherwise preoccupied. Her mind only served to remind her of how Regina felt pressed up against her, how intoxicating Regina's moans and breathy sighs were, and how much she wanted more.
She didn't tell Ruby what happened when she walked Regina to her door. She didn't want Ruby prying for more information than she was willing to share. She didn't even tell Ruby all the details of what happened on the picnic, leaving out the fact that she had told Regina about Neal and that Regina had told her of her first love that had died young.
Ruby might be her best friend, but now that Emma had started dating for the first time in a very long time, she wanted to keep some of it to herself. Ruby didn't need to know how good Regina kissed or how intoxicating Emma found her and Ruby definitely didn't need to know that Regina had climaxed and Emma hadn't even touched her. Emma had been close herself, so close she had to bring herself to her own climax later that night while she showered and then again in bed.
For once Emma had the apartment to herself. Mary Margaret was working and Ruby had gone to see Peter even though Emma and Mary Margaret had told her earlier that it was a bad idea. Emma knew that Ruby loved Peter and she had loved Peter for a very long time, almost half her life. Emma had gotten to know him over the years and while he wasn't a bad guy, he just had some bad habits when it came to women and sex.
She was lounging on the couch in the same spot she'd been in since Regina had text her to confirm the time for their dinner date that night. The dog was lying on the floor nearby, content and dozing on and off while Emma tried to preoccupy herself. She'd tried reading, but she couldn't focus on any of the books she'd picked off the bookshelf, she tried watching TV, but there wasn't anything that piqued her interest. She even borrowed Mary Margaret's laptop, but the internet didn't hold her attention for very long.
She resorted to playing some games on her phone, but that only helped an hour pass by, and now she was bored and it was barely two in the afternoon. Regina told her to come around at six and Emma wasn't sure how she was going to pass the next four hours. It wasn't one of her regular days at the gym, so that wasn't an option, and it was raining or else she would've taken the dog to the park or for a long walk around the neighborhood.
Grumbling, she got up from the couch and walked into the kitchen to make some coffee, but the tin was empty with a note on top left by Ruby as a reminder for her to buy some more. Emma grabbed her key, wallet, and phone before she pulled on her converse and told the dog she'd be back later. He barely even lifted his head from the floor; content in staying right where he was to have an afternoon nap.
Emma ran from the back door to her car and drove down the street to The Perk. She wasn't surprised it wasn't as busy as it normally was with the dreary, wet weather they were having, but there was still a long line at the counter. She fidgeted with her keys while she waited she sent a text to Ruby asking if she was getting another tin of coffee or if she needed her to pick it up.
"Emma Swan," Jefferson said as he strolled up to her with a tray of four coffees to go and a box of pastries. "I cannot believe it."
"Believe what?" Emma asked. "That we ran into each other here?"
"No," he chuckled and leaned in closer. "You're dating Regina Mills."
"I am."
"I'm pretty sure you can get in that express lane because you're dating one of the bosses here."
"It's okay," Emma replied with a shrug. "I don't mind waiting and what are you even doing here? Shouldn't you be at work?"
"Coffee run," he said as he lifted the tray a little. "Regina insists I only come here. There is a place just around the corner from the office, but she just prefers the coffee here. Oh and Emma?"
"Hmm?"
"Regina could not stop talking about you yesterday," he said with a sly grin. "I don't think I've ever heard her talk about who she is dating, at least not the way she was talking about you."
"All good things I hope."
"Very good things," Jefferson replied. "She really likes you, Emma. Can't blame her either because you seem like a really sweet woman. You must be special."
"Must be," Emma chuckled. "See you around, Jefferson."
He gave her a nod before rushing to the door, fumbling with the tray and the box of pastries as his cell phone started to ring. Emma suddenly couldn't stop smiling at what he had said about Regina. She'd been worried because it was clear she wasn't the only one that was currently dating Regina, but now those worries weren't as constant because of what Jefferson had told her.
She was still smiling by the time she got to the counter to order and Mary Margaret stepped in for the barista that had been working and gave Emma an odd look.
"What?" Emma asked.
"You're glowing."
"I am?"
"Yes!" Mary Margaret laughed. "Your usual, sweetie?"
"Please."
"What has you smiling like that?" Mary Margaret asked as she ran up her order and Emma handed over a few bills. "Thinking about your date tonight?"
"Something like that," Emma nodded. "When do you get off work?"
"At four," she replied. "I'm going to meet David at the theater for an early movie."
"Oh, okay."
"Don't worry about Bear," she added with a sweet smile. "I'll take him out when I get home, so you don't have to worry about him if you get home late."
"Thanks, Mary Margaret, you're the best."
"I know."
Emma laughed and grabbed the coffee from the other barista that handed it over the counter and the bag with two bear claws in it. Emma headed outside, making the run to her car and hopped in before taking one of the bear claws out of the bag. She took a big bite and her cell phone beeped twice. She chewed slowly as she checked the message and her smile grew bigger when she saw that Regina had text her.
I've pushed some meetings around and I'll be home just after four. If you'd like to come over then instead of six, that would be wonderful. I cannot wait to see you, darling.
Emma took another bite of the bear claw before replying that she'd be there by four-fifteen and hit send. Emma drove back home and stopped down at the store to buy a can of coffee. Ray, as sweet as ever, talked with her about his wife and how they'd been talking about taking a very long vacation and that none of their kids wanted to mind the store while they would be gone.
By the time Emma got upstairs, Ruby was home and sulking on the couch while the dog lay beside her with his head on her lap. Emma took one look at her and knew that she'd been crying though the tears had stopped. She frowned and pulled the bear claw out of the bag and the dog came running, greedily taking it from her before she put the can of coffee in the kitchen and then sat down on the couch beside her best friend.
"What happened?"
"He's an asshole," Ruby said through gritted teeth. "I'm done."
"Done? With what?" Emma asked tentatively because they'd had similar conversations before.
"Done running back to him, done letting him break my heart like this. I love him, I do, but we've been together on and off for so long that I don't know how much more of this I can take."
"Did you tell him that?"
"I gave him an ultimatum. Needless to say, he didn't want to make a choice."
"What was the ultimatum?"
"Choose me or lose me."
"His loss, babe," Emma smiled and she wrapped her arms around Ruby as a sob quaked through Ruby's body. "Did you get my text?"
"No," Ruby frowned. "My cell is sort of broken."
"Broken?"
"I threw it at him, missed and hit the wall," she laughed dryly. "I got home and was going to look for my old one, use that until I can save up and buy a new one, but it just hit me what happened with Peter and I lost it."
"It's okay," Emma said softly. "It hurts now, but it'll be okay, Ruby."
"I know."
Bear walked over to Emma, licking over his lips with his tail wagging and Emma just laughed and showed him her empty hands. "I don't have anymore, boy. Be grateful I didn't eat that one in the car too," she laughed and Ruby managed a small chuckle. "So, Regina texted me a little while ago and she's getting off work early. I'm going to head over there about quarter after four."
Ruby's mood shifted almost instantly and she jumped up, excited and clapped her hands together. "What are you going to wear?"
"I was going to change my shirt," Emma shrugged and Ruby shook her head no. "No? It is just dinner at Regina's place, not some fancy restaurant or anything."
"So?" Ruby exclaimed and she dragged Emma towards the stairs. "Doesn't mean you can't dress nice for her," she said and Emma was glad she was in front of her because she just rolled her eyes.
"Ruby, as much as I know you love pretending I'm some doll you can dress up and makeup, I want to feel comfortable."
"Comfortable is boring," Ruby replied and she sat Emma down on the edge of her bed and went straight to the wardrobe. "You don't need to dress up all fancy-like, but would it hurt to try and look a little sexy for your girlfriend?"
"We're dating. She's not my girlfriend."
"Yet," Ruby said as she looked over her shoulder and winked before she turned her attention back to Emma's wardrobe. She flicked past the shirts and some of the pants Emma had hung up, muttering her disapproval with each piece of clothing.
Ruby told her to stay put and she ran downstairs, running back up a few minutes later with a few shirts she'd plucked from her closet. After holding up a few of the shirts, Ruby made her decision. Emma shook her head no at the choice of shirt that Ruby had picked and Ruby just shoved it into her hands.
"Trust me, Em, she's going to want you to be a lot more than just one of the women she's dating when she sees you in this. Oh and Em?" Ruby paused. "Make sure you wear a nice bra, one that gives you a good lift."
