Regina rushed into the kitchen doors knowing that she was already a few minutes late and Gold would have her ass if she was any later. Every morning they had a team meeting to discuss the daily specials and what not. He was the one allowed to be late but it was not permissible to make him wait.

"Well, Regina, nice of you to join us," Gold snarled as he stumbled onto a stool quite obviously just arriving himself.

"Good morning everyone," Regina smiled biting her bottom lip as to stop herself from saying anything nasty. She learned a long time ago that it just wasn't worth it with Gold.

"So today's specials are going to be…" Gold's voice started to trail off in Regina's mind as her attention went back to thinking about Emma. She didn't usually let herself get wrapped up in something, or someone, so quickly but this woman was very different. The way she spoke to Regina like she was just another person. That may sound silly but most people always seemed so hesitant and afraid of her before they got to know her. Hell, even after they got to know her.

Regina glanced over at Robin who was eagerly taking notes of everything that Gold was spewing at them. Thank goodness for him she thought as she continued to think about the blonde and what she was going to text her as soon as this meeting was over. She knew she was getting ahead of herself. Hell, she didn't even know if Emma was a lesbian. She felt like she was flirting with her but Regina also tends to have that affect on people, men and women alike.

"Alright, that should have covered everything and for those of you who paid attention nice work." Gold stared Regina down. He was probably the only other person on earth who was never afraid to go head to head with her. She rolled her eyes and watched him walk away.

…..

Emma looked over her students who had their heads down busily writing out their essays and she caught herself peeking at her phone every few minutes wondering if there was a text message from Regina yet. It had been an hour since she left the raven haired beauty in the parking lot and Emma's smile had yet to leave her face.

She couldn't quite put her finger on what it was about Regina that was captivating her but she found herself being consumed by thoughts of this woman, this stranger. Emma laughed at the thought of this in her head. Stranger is definitely what she is. The only thing she knows about her is that she is a pastry chef at La Pomme, she drives a black Mercedes, and she is absolutely stunning.

Emma reached for her phone once again at the same time that it lit up in her hand. She smiled as she read the text in her head.

"Ms. Swan…I didn't see a ring…so I'm assuming Ms…correct me if I'm wrong."

Emma smiled again at her phone, "You are correct, it is Ms."

"Okay, good, well my address is 972 East Main Street. I'm in Charlotte Towers number 36. The doorman will be expecting you. Does 7 sound good?"

Emma thought about that building, she had passed it many times, they are gorgeous. That was intimidating. "7 sounds perfect! Would you like me to bring anything?"

"No, that isn't necessary. Just your appetite is all that is needed"

"Don't have to worry about that I didn't get lunch today. I will see you tonight Ms. Mills. It is Ms. Correct?"

"Correct dear. See you at 7!"

Emma felt her face flush. She glanced up at her students who were still working hard and then to the clock. Emma found herself sigh at the fact that it was only 2. It was a good sign that Regina wanted to know if she was married or not right? No, Emma don't get ahead of yourself she was probably just being polite. You don't even know if she is a lesbian. Wow, but if she was. Emma felt herself flush again; she had to regain her focus on something other than Regina if she was going to make it through the rest of this day.

….

Regina barreled through her front door and rushed to her bedroom grabbing shoes and scarves that were scattered on the floor on the way there. Arriving in her room she tossed them all in her walk in closet as she began stripping her clothes off. Usually she was a very organized and structured person but she has been so overwhelmingly busy at work she hasn't had much time for anything else. Regina glanced at the clock.

"6:30, damnit!" Regina tossed her bra on the bed and grabbed a black push up before slipping on a slinky red dress over her overworked body and she stayed barefoot as she just couldn't stand the thought of putting shoes back on. She ran into the bathroom and washed her face before applying some lipstick and touching up her hair. She had just enough time to preheat the oven and place out two wine glasses when the doorbell rang. She caught a final glimpse of herself in the hall mirror and while taking a deep breath she opened the door.

Emma wasn't quite ready for the sight that would greet her when the door opened. Regina was even more stunning than Emma remembered. Her eyes were a beautiful shade of brown, her lips were unbelievably plump, and her body…

"Emma, so lovely to see you again," Regina said. She found herself choke up a little on how beautiful Emma looked. Her long flowing hair was draping over her shoulders, she had a snug fitting pair of black slacks with a matching dress jacket and a silk blue tank on underneath that made her eyes look as if they were sparkling.

"It's nice to see you again too! Your home is stunning!" Emma said as Regina stepped back allowing Emma to walk in. "As are you. I feel under dressed."

"Oh, don't be silly! You look gorgeous!" Regina smiled taking in the sight of the beauty once again.

Emma felt her cheeks flush, "well, thank you."

The two awkwardly stood in the foyer for a few moments before Regina spoke. "So, why don't we head into the kitchen and you can let me know what you guys are looking for with this fundraiser." Regina started towards the kitchen. Emma wasn't surprised to see a professional sized stove, Regina was a chef after all, but she was still taken aback by how fancy and over the top her kitchen was.

"Take a seat," Regina pulled a bar stool out for Emma at the island and slipped an apron over herself. She leaned over the counter across from Emma, "So, where do we start?"

Emma cleared her throat, "um, well, I was sent with a list of needs as far as quantity goes. However, the menu is yours to do what you want with. The date is September 21st so that is three weeks away. The event is from noon to 4pm. You will have the kitchen at the school, which is not as glamorous as what you are used to," Emma and Regina both laughed, "but, it will work. Oh, and I am a volunteer that day so I can help with whatever you might need."

Regina had already decided that she was going to do the job but the last part sealed the deal.

"Now, as far as payment goes the school doesn't have much money but…"

"No need…" Regina smiled.

"What?" Emma raised her eyebrows in complete surprise.

"No need for payment. It's a good cause. Besides, I am happy to do it." Regina smiled.

"Wow that is really nice of you. Thank you." Emma returned Regina's smile and then their eyes met for a moment that seemed to last ages.

Regina took a deep breath, "Okay, so, about this menu. Since I have complete reign, which is like my favorite thing by the way, let's get started."

Emma was very excited to see the spark that lit up in Regina's eyes when she began to gather her supplies and different ingredients. She wouldn't describe what she was doing or what the end result was going to be. Emma felt herself growing more and more anxious with every mix, stir, and pour that she watched the raven haired beauty do.

About an hour had passed of Regina whisking, mixing, and baking. Even though her hair was now wrapped up on top of her head and she had flour everywhere she continued to look stunning. Emma had enjoyed watching every second of if all while sipping her wine and exchanging small talk.

"Okay here is the first one it is a chocolate religieuse!" Regina handed one to Emma and watched as she took a bite.

"Oh…my…god!" Emma exclaimed. "Regina that is amazing!"

Regina could feel herself glowing from Emma's compliments. "Well, thank you! Now, here is a chouquette."

Emma took a bite and her eyes closed slowly. "Wow, Regina, just…wow…"

Regina couldn't stop smiling. "Okay, and now the last one, Tart Tatin." This time Regina held it up to Emma's mouth. The two made eye contact and even though Emma was a little hesitant she was very much intrigued. She leaned forward and softly took a small bite from Regina's delicate fingers. As Emma's mouth experienced the wonderful flavors she closed her eyes and let out a small moan. Regina felt her entire body warm over as she stood up from the counter and took a deep breath.

"So, you like it?" Regina giggled as she finished the rest herself.

Emma nodded slowly. "Regina, you are unbelievably talented."

"Thank you Emma. That means a lot." Regina replied as she began cleaning up some of the dishes trying to shake the image of the blonde's mouth around her fingertips.

"Hey, let me help with those!" Emma jumped up.

"Oh, don't be silly, you are my guest! Besides, they can wait." Regina set the dishes down and took off her apron. "So, do you think we have the menu for the festival?"

"Are you kidding? Everything was amazing! Yes!"Emma started to climb back onto the stool.

"You know if you want we could sit somewhere more comfortable," Regina said grabbing the wine bottle.

"Sure, sounds good." Emma picked up her glass and followed Regina to the living room.

The two women sat on the white couch setting their glasses on the black table in front of them. Emma took in the view of the Seattle skyline through the wall of windows across from them. "Wow, your view is breathtaking!"

"Isn't it though?" Regina took in the view of her own as she glanced over at the blonde once again. Emma had now taken her jacket off ad revealed the most perfect arms Regina had ever seen on another human being. Regina still didn't know if Emma was into women, let alone her, but man if she was this could be bad. Obviously, it would be wonderful, but bad because Regina could see herself falling hard for this woman.