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On Tuesday afternoon, Regina closed her classroom door immediately after releasing her students. A little over two weeks had passed since her urgent care visit and she'd successfully avoided talking with anyone.

To say she was embarrassed would be an understatement. Henry had been on her constantly checking to see if she'd eaten properly. Hypoglycemia had snuck up on her and she'd been too distracted to eat a proper meal.

The excitement of poker night had added to the fact that she'd avoided eating anything substantial that day. Anxiety and Claustrophobia took over the rest.

When she'd awakened in the hospital room, she'd almost panicked. It took a sedative and the concerned look of a blonde-haired man to settle her.

Later, she'd been introduced to Dr. Whale who had insisted she do some blood work to ensure she was alright. Regina declined knowing that when they ran the tests, she'd be outed. Her identity would have been compromised and she'd have to pack Henry up and move him to their next destination.

Only, she'd realized that since stepping foot in Camden, Maine, she didn't want there to be another destination. She'd fallen in love with the town and dreaded having to leave it. So, she'd put it out of her mind and declined the blood work.

Dr. Whale relented and accepted the low blood sugar explanation.

After, she'd avoided Robin's gaze and didn't want to venture a guess as to what was on his mind. As promised, an hour after he'd dropped her off at home, her car had been delivered.

Since that day, she'd almost run into Maggie in the lounge, the parking lot, and the grocery store. All times, she turned a corner and was able to hide.

Robin was harder to dodge, but he seemed to be wary of her since his last visit. That afternoon, he'd exited his classroom as she had. They'd walked their students to the buses.

When she turned to retreat, she caught his frown. There was an uneasy look in his eyes that scared her. It looked as if he'd been assessing her. It was unnerving, to say the least.

Now, she leaned against the door and invited the quiet of her classroom. Glancing around, she made a mental note of what she needed to accomplish. The carpet under the desks was littered with debris from their math assignment. The plastic tubs that held markers and crayons were unopened and overflowing with disorganization.

The lesson plans she'd started needed to be finished and the textbooks were scattered in a pile on the activity table. Taking a few deep breaths, she settled herself and got to work.

When she righted the room and was in the middle of putting the textbooks in their cubby, a light knock came from the door.

Closing her eyes in a wince, she hoped she could ignore it. A louder knock came a minute later, and she sighed. So much for a quiet afternoon, she thought.

Adjusting the books, she strode to the door and opened it with annoyance. Robin stood on the other side with Maggie at his side.

Maggie smiled sweetly, "Hey. We were just heading out for some ice cream. Want to join?"

Eyes locked on the woman, she carefully closed her arms around herself. "I still have a few things I need to do. Raincheck?"

Glancing at Robin, she noted his face was flat and his eyes scanned her face. It made her uncomfortable. Why does he keep doing that?

"Oh, well we wanted to check on you. I never asked you how you were feeling, and it seems like you've been rather busy."

Regina tried to look interested, but she didn't appreciate the direct stare Robin was giving her.

"I'm fine, thank you. It was just low blood sugar, nothing to worry about. Henry took good care of me."

Robin scowled, "Are you sure you can't join us?"

Pausing, she glared at him and his cold eyes. "You…"

Before she could express the rude remark, she was going to utter, Maggie said, "It would be a quick one. I could walk you back when we're done."

Why can't they just go away? I'm fine. I don't want to be cared about. Why the hell is he staring at me like that? It's unnerving. They're not going away, are they? Dammit.

With a sigh, she dropped her arms, "I suppose I could. Just give me a minute to gather my things. I think I'll head home earlier than I planned."

Pushing her files and laptop into her bag, she zipped it and gathered her lesson plans. The box was sitting on the floor, she tossed in a few items and closed the lid.

Taking her coat off the back of her chair, she slipped it on and grabbed her purse. With her computer, purse, and box in hand, she headed toward the door.

Without a pause, Robin took the box from her while she locked the door. "Thank you."

"My pleasure," he murmured.

"So, Regina is it true you'll be hearing from the board next week on your curriculum implementation?"

Nodding, she fixed a pleasant smile on her face, "Yes, I have a meeting on Thursday with Mr. Gold. I believe Robin will be joining me."

"I wouldn't miss it," he said.

Maggie shot him a look and he shrugged it off.

As they reached her car, she opened the truck and Robin plopped the box inside. Her computer bag joined in and she tried to close it when Robin's hand covered hers.

"Is that a…?"

Rats. Avoiding his eyes, she moved in front of him causing him to back away instantly. Closing the trunk, she locked it and headed toward the main street.

It wasn't missed that Robin looked at her with shock and confusion. To avoid being called out and asked about what he'd seen, she quickly turned to ask, "What's your flavor, Maggie?"

The bright-eyed woman smiled and said, "Cookie dough all the way. You?"

Crisis averted, she fell in step and thought for a minute. "Well, if I'm being honest there are a few. My top three have to be strawberry, banana, and rocky road."

Giggling, Maggie said, "Robin's favorite is Rocky Road too. There's a cute anecdote about how he met Marian that you have to hear."

Anticipating his story, she smiled, "Is there?"

Frowning, he shoved his hands in his pockets, "I'd rather not," he shot back.

Maggie's mouth gaped open, "Oh, Robin, I'm sorry that was stupid."

Turning to her, he stopped and took her hand, "Don't apologize, please. No harm was done," he kissed her hand and kept walking.

Sparing her a look, she mouthed, I'll tell you later.

When they entered the ice cream shop, she looked around the small space. The walls were an electric blue with white bar lights adorned above and aside from them.

The counter held a glass case where tubs of ice cream settled in perfect circles. The back wall was accented with blue and white exes. The freezer was large enough to topple a six-foot man.

Two lower stainless-steel refrigerators were tucked into the wall that held toppings, cups, cones, and an assortment of syrups and candy.

The woman behind the counter wore dark jeans that cut off just below her calves to show her ankles. A light blue t-shirt hid behind a white apron and a smile.

Her eyes were blue framed behind her swooping blonde bangs. Her cheekbones were high and accented her smile.

"Welcome to Frosted Sundaes. What can I get for you today, Maggie?"

"Hi, Sarah, I would love a cookie dough in the love it size, with sprinkles and extra chocolate and caramel syrup. That should do it."

Turning to Robin, she said, "The usual?"

Robin smiled, "Please, Sarah. I'll also take a tub of the cherry for Roland if you don't mind."

"Of course, how's he doing? Better after yesterday?"

The look on his face answered that question, but he seemed to pull through the despair he was holding on to.

"It's hard, but we'll pull through. Sarah this is Regina Mills, she's been in Marian's position for the last month or so."

"It's a pleasure to meet you. Welcome to Camden, I hope you've enjoyed getting to know our little town."

Regina smiled politely, "Thank you. I've enjoyed it so far. My son Henry is quite taken with it."

"I'm glad, so, what can I get you?"

"I'll take a scoop of your rocky road, please."

Robin interrupted, "Give her the chocolate special."

For the first time, he turned and smiled at her. That smile unnerved her more than the scowls and frowns he'd been tossing her way.

"What's the chocolate special?" She was afraid to find out.

With a wink, he said, "You'll see."

They settled onto a table in the corner and waited for Sarah to work her magic.

Maggie gained Robin's attention, "David wanted to know if the camping trip was still on for next month."

"It is. I think John, Wil, Graham, and I will be gathering a few others. I haven't heard from Leroy, but he promised to try and make it. Belle and Ashley are in. They'll bring extra bags."

"What about Ruby and Gus?"

Robin shrugged, "I haven't asked, but I'll fill them in at our next poker match."

With a smirk, he turned to Regina and she looked down at her hands. "I still can't believe you beat her. She's been brooding all over the diner since that night."

"I'm sure that's an exaggeration, it was only one hand. Luck, I'm sure."

Maggie jumped in, "If that was luck, I hate to ask what else you can do. That was a first and will go down in Camden history. You'll be the talk of the town."

Panic threatened to rise in her chest. I'm not supposed to bring too much attention to myself. What was I thinking?

Instead, she tried for an unconvincing laugh, "I guess I should have prepared myself for small-town celebrity status."

Sarah interrupted them by bringing out a red tray filled with their order.

Maggie's ice cream bowl was enough to feed a small family in summer. Candy and packets of nuts filled the tray. Napkins and spoons with blue and black dots were packaged.

The other two bowls had one scoop of ice cream, but added on top were chocolate chips, fudge and brownie pieces, and drizzled in chocolate syrup.

Regina's eyes bulged out of her face, "I didn't realize this would be so big. I can feel my waistband expanding already."

Robin's eyes dipped slowly down her body considering her, "You could use a little weight," he murmured.

"Excuse me?" Her face flushed, and her anger was rooted in her tongue.

With a chuckle, he filled his mouth with chocolate, "I beg your pardon. I didn't know you'd be so touchy."

Frowning at her bowl, she took a small spoon of ice cream and lifted it to her lips.

With anticipation, Maggie and Robin watched as her tongue slipped out and tasted the treat.

The moment it hit her tongue, she unconsciously moaned in delight. It was sweet without being overbearing and it wasn't too heavy. The chocolate syrup stained her lip and she swallowed.

Upon opening her eyes, Robin's eyes were intently studying her. "What's the verdict?" he asked.

"It's amazing. Well worth the extra calories," she laughed. Her laughter died the instant his thumb brushed her lower lip.

Her eyes focused on the syrup that he licked from his thumb and her cheeks heated.

A casual intimate gesture that she wasn't used to and had tried to avoid making her uneasy.

Darting her eyes to Maggie, she saw a displeased look layering on Robin's face.

"As I was saying," he interrupted the tense moment, "I think Shelly and Trevor will join us too."

Maggie didn't look at Robin, but she nodded, "Good. Is there anything I need to bring?"

"Nope, just you and David are required. Though, tell him his beef jerky would be a treat if he decided to bring it." Winking at her, he smiled, "Can you convince him?"

The dimples on his cheeks seemed to evaporate the displeasure held there and she shrugged, "We'll see."

The rest of their ice cream fun had been full of conversation about the impending camping trip.

After discussing it for twenty minutes, they'd invited her to bring Henry along. Every year they got together at the local campground. They ate and drank and relaxed. A Camden tradition.

When they left the shop, Robin picked up the tab and walked them back towards the school.

Maggie got in her station wagon and drove off. When she turned, she thanked him for the afternoon.

"Good night," she said.

Before Regina could open her car door, he took an arm in a firm grip, "Not so fast."

Whirling around, he was watching her. "I don't understand you."

His brow raised, "Whatever do you mean?"

"Did I do something to piss you off?" She crossed her arms over her chest in insolence. Her cheeks turned pink with anger. It was a marvelous sight.

Angry Regina was a sight to behold. The pain he felt for his marriage seeped into him. He was tired of warding off his attraction to her. She was gorgeous and he was human.

"Of course not. Why would you think that?" His stance was dominating, she looked timid and small. It made him wonder why she looked easily broken suddenly.

Glancing around, she noticed the parking lot was empty and they were the only two souls to see.

Swallowing the lump in her throat, she said, "You've been scowling at me all day."

Suddenly, his face softened, and he apologized. "I didn't realize I was. I've had a rough couple of days, I'm sorry."

For a full minute, she stood there and gave a curt nod. "Alright. I should head out. Henry is expecting me."

"Wait." Her eyes flashed to his and he held out his hand. "Your keys."

"What?" Confused, she stared at him. He wasn't backing down so easily.

"Give me your keys, Regina. Please."

"I don't…why?"

The confusion was laced in her face, but he didn't have time for games. He asked her right out, "Is that what I think I saw in your trunk?"

Her heart sank, and her stomach knotted. "I…"

He held up a hand, "Don't try to deny it. Why do you have a gun in the trunk of your car? Do you realize this is school property? It's a felony."

Swallowing, she shook her head, "It's locked in a case. That's not against the law. I checked."

Did she check? Why? Why the hell would she check laws about carrying a weapon? Why the hell would she need one?

"Why do you need it?"

Taking a step towards her, she took one back. Evading him was harder than she anticipated.

Robin felt a flutter of anger and nerves. Was she hiding from something or someone? It seemed logical.

"Are you in some kind of trouble?" His eyes were so damn earnest.

The combination of his proximity and her inability to lie to him kept her silent.

"Regina…" He cupped her chin and looked into her eyes. "You can tell me anything."

Those eyes drew her in. Her tongue peeked out and licked her bottom lip. His arousal stunned him, he didn't hesitate.

"I…"

Suddenly he was flush against her and without warning, his mouth was on hers.

The stubble of his chin brushed on her skin and his lips were soft and seeking.

For a moment, she was still and unmoving. To coax her, he pressed his lips on hers and closed on them.

Recognition seemed to come to her and her lips warmed under his. Taken with her taste, he swept his tongue along her bottom lip.

Sinking his teeth in the plump redness, he pulled back and heard her moan softly.

When he lifted his head, her eyes were wide saucers. Her cheeks were flushed but her face was pale. Did he scare her?

The look of terror on her face forced him to take a step back. He cradled her face in his hands, "What is it?"

As if a spring snapped, she shoved her hands into his chest and pushed him back a few steps. "How dare you."

"Regina…"

The temper feasted, and she looked magnificent in her anger. "No, stop. It's my business what I do with my weapon. It's locked and there is no law that can tell me otherwise."

His eyes were locked on hers and unable to tear himself from her fury. It turned him on more than he wanted it to. What the hell has gotten into me? It shamed him.

Whirling around, she jammed her key into her car door and yanked it open. Shoving her purse down into the passenger side, she let out a frustrated breath.

When she turned around to face him, she clearly wasn't finished.

"How could you do that? You're a married man and I've given you no provocation."

The anger simmered to hurt and instantly, he felt like an ass.

Truthfully, he had no idea what provoked him to attack her in broad daylight. The smell of her perfume, the red lips, the hot look in her eyes. Take your pick, he wanted her.

"I didn't mean for that to happen. I apologize. It's no excuse, but my wife just asked me for a divorce. I took it out on you, I'm sorry."

There was a long pause of silence. Her breath eased into a normal rhythm. His stance never wavered. He stood waiting for her to get in her car.

With her hand on the door, she sighed, "I'm sorry to hear that. It's not easy, especially when children get involved."

The hurt in her eyes prompted him to ask, "Is that part of why you came here?"

Her eyes darted everywhere but his face, it was hard to read her. "Yes," she finally admitted.

"Why do I get the feeling like your situation is far from simple?"

Regina sat in her car and shut the door, lowered her window, and glanced up at him. "You're right. It's not simple."

"Hey," he called when she put her car into reverse.

"What?" she snapped.

"I'm sorry for being rude, but I'm not sorry I kissed you," he proclaimed.

Confusion clouded her eyes as she pulled out and drove off.

He wasn't sure how long he stood staring after her headlights turned the corner. All he knew was that he'd stepped in something he wasn't sure he comprehended.