"So, Ms Swan, tell me a little more about you. I know you work at the school. What grade do you teach?"

Emma leaned back into the couch, curled her legs up behind her, and grabbed her wine. "I am one of the sixth grade teachers there."

"Sixth grade huh? You must have amazing patience! I was horrible at that age!"

Emma laughed and took a sip of her wine. "Oh, they aren't that bad. A lot of times they are just misunderstood. They are just a bundle of mixed emotions, hormones, and acne." Emma and Regina both laughed. "Sometimes that can be a lot to handle but for the most part they are good kids who are eager to learn."

"Well, I give you credit. I could never do it! My mother was a high school English teacher and how she handled those kids I will never know!"

"Oh, wow that is awesome! Where did she teach?"

"It was a private school back in Connecticut where I grew up."

"What brought you to Seattle? Work?"

"My ex," Regina smiled putting her hand on her head.

"Ohhh…"

"Yeah, I was young, fresh out of high school. I was promised the whole world. I dropped everything and followed her across the country." Emma felt her face flush when she heard the word 'her'. "She was older, we met at my summer job, fell in love and I just knew I was going to spend the rest of my life with her."

"So, what happened?" Emma took a gulp of wine this time. "I mean if you don't mind me asking."

"We found ourselves a small apartment, after a week of living in her Volvo, and then we worked a endless slew of odd jobs to pay the rent. We waited tables; we walked dogs, cleaned houses. You name it and we did it. Our time off was spent drinking, crashing strangers parties, and making love for hours on end. This went on for about two years. Then on the night of my twentieth birthday I realized that I needed something more. I wanted a career, a home, a life. She told me that I should be happy with what we had and that life was supposed to be happy and free. We had a long fight and then she left. She just…left."

"Oh, Regina, I am so sorry."

"It's okay. I mean, sure, I wallowed in self pity for a few weeks and then one night at the restaurant where I was a waitress one of the cooks walked out and the boss threw me in the kitchen and told me to shut up, follow orders, and cook. So I did. It wasn't anything complicated just dicing, chopping, whisking, but it brought something out in me that I had never felt before…not even from her. It was a passion for life. Something just awoke in me that night. The next morning I enrolled in culinary school. My boss in the restaurant kept me on as a line cook for the duration of school and the rest is history."

"Regina, that is amazing! How you turned your life around like that. If it was me I would have ran home crying to my parents. You should be really proud of yourself." Regina smiled.

"Well, thank you Emma but pride doesn't fill the loneliness. Since Mal I haven't had another good relationship."

"How is that possible? I mean, have you seen you?" Regina blushed and this in turn made Emma blush. "I mean seriously Regina I hope I am not over stepping my bounds here but you are gorgeous. Not to mention unbelievably talented and I know I just met you like today," they both laughed, "but you seem so intelligent and just wonderful. So, I do not see how it is possible that you are alone."

"Well, Ms. Swan, thank you for the compliments. I guess some people just do not appreciate my greatness!" The women both laughed again and each took a sip of their wine. "In all honesty though there have been plenty of offers, dates…some one night stands…I mean I haven't spent the last ten years completely alone. I just have yet to meet another person that I want to spend more than a few weeks with ya know?" Emma nodded. "Anyways, that is enough about me. Have you lived in Seattle all of your life?"

"I am afraid so, born and raised. My life is not very exciting. I have two parents who are very happily in love and always have been. I am the only child so I received plenty of love and attention. Even when I came out I was still their golden child."

Regina's eyes lit up. This beautiful creature sitting before her just revealed that she was obtainable…maybe...possibly. What is it with this woman that made Regina lose her confidence? "Sounds like you have exceptional parents."

"Yeah, they really are wonderful. I was only fifteen when I came out and they were nothing but supportive."

"That is amazing!" Regina thought about her next question for a moment and wondered if it was too soon to ask but took another swig of "confidence juice" and went for it. "So, are they fans of your current partner?"

"Oh, um, I am currently not with anyone actually." Emma noticed Regina smile slightly and that made Emma smile in return. "My last relationship was for six years and that ended two years ago and I just haven't met anyone else since. Plus, the school takes up a lot of my time. I try and keep myself busy."

Six years. Oh my. Did she just say six years? Six years! "Six years!" Regina let that one slip out.

Emma giggled. "Yes, six years. Her name was Ruby and we met at school. She taught fourth grade. We hit it off instantly and spent every day together ever since the first day we met."

"Wow, Emma, what happened?"

"She, um, she passed away." Emma took a sip and watched as Regina's expression went dim. "Three years ago we found out she had cancer and she fought it. She fought hard. We thought for sure that she was going to beat it but sadly two years ago this past April she passed away. She just couldn't take it anymore. Her body was so tired and her spirit was drained. She was ready to go."

"Emma…" Regina reached out and lightly squeezed Emma's hand. "I am so sorry."

Emma smiled at the gesture. "Thank you. It has gotten easier with time. She will always hold a special place in my heart but she told me before she passed that she wanted me to move on and be happy."

"Have you tried…dating at all…or is it still too soon?" Regina wasn't asking for selfish reasons she was genuinely concerned for Emma.

"I have…twice actually. Once was a set up by my friend Roger. She was really nice and we had a nice dinner but there just wasn't any attraction at all. The other time I had met this woman at the gym and there was plenty of attraction. We went out a few times and really hit it off but she couldn't get over Ruby."

"What do you mean?" Regina looked confused.

"Well, this necklace," Emma pulled out a small pendant of a sword from under her blouse that was hanging around her neck, "this was a gift from Ruby she always told me that I was her warrior. Well, the woman I was dating, Kelly, she didn't see why I felt the need to wear it. Then, when we came back to my apartment she became upset because there are pictures of Ruby. I mean it's not like I have a shrine or anything just pictures around the house. She couldn't get over it."

Regina shook her head. "It takes a deeply insecure woman to not be able to understand. I am sorry you had to experience that."

"It is what it is. I'm sure Ruby had a good chuckle about it." Emma smiled. "Well, look at us getting all deep and emotional."

"I know, you'd think we'd known each other for months not hours," Regina laughed as she smiled deeply at Emma.

"It feels natural though, talking to you," Emma replied "I'm usually nervous talking to new people but something about you is different."

Regina laughed in her head as she was feeling quite the opposite. Yes, she was very comfortable talking to Emma however she was also giggling like a school girl and nobody had ever made her that way before. She was usually the sexual and confident type and with Emma she felt herself becoming very shy and doubting every move. She looked down at her watch. "Good thing it's not a school night Ms. Swan it's after ten."

Emma laughed, "Oh man, it is way past my bed time!"

"First night with me and I already have you breaking your own rules!" Regina winked at the now blushing blonde. There ya go Regina you can do this! Regina gave herself a mental pat on the back.

Emma cleared her throat and with a rush of confidence decided to flirt back, "You have no idea what my rules are Ms. Mills."

Regina gulped. "Is it hot in here? I'm hot! Want to go to the balcony? The view is spectacular so much nicer out there!" Regina stood and started toward the doors of the balcony. Emma smiled to herself and stood to follow the gorgeous woman outside. Before she could make it onto the balcony Emma was frozen by the sight in front of her. Regina was sexily bent over the balcony railing, her beautiful black hair blowing in the evening breeze, and Emma was stopped in her tracks. She felt herself panic for a moment because she hadn't been this attracted to a woman since Ruby and even this felt different. It was stronger, fierce, and intimidating. Emma suddenly felt like she should run away. She should make an excuse and leave. Just as her mind started to run Regina looked over her shoulder.

"Are you going to join me? It is beautiful out here." Emma took a deep breath and stepped outside. The night air combined with the view, both the skyline and Regina, was magical and Emma felt all of her senses heighten.

Emma leaned over the balcony alongside Regina and the two made eye contact that made them both blush again. The chemistry was undeniable between them. "Emma, I have had a really great time tonight."

"So have I, Regina."

They both stared out over the skyline for a few moments longer. "This is going to sound silly but I haven't had this much fun in a very long time." Regina said as she glanced over at the blonde whose hair was softly blowing in the breeze.

"That doesn't sound silly at all. I feel the same way. I am so glad Mrs. Lucas sent me to talk to you at La Pomme Mechant today and that you turned out to be…well…you…" Emma smiled.

Okay that's it. Regina thought to herself. She has given you more than enough signals that she is interested just ask her out! Any other girl and you would have her in bed by now! "Emma, I was wondering…would you um…" Regina had to look away because Emma was too mesmerizing to look at and try to speak to at the same time. "Would you…"

Emma giggled, "You're cute."

Regina's eyebrows raised, "What?"

"I said you're cute!" Emma stood up and Regina followed. The two were now facing each other. "Ms. Regina Mills, beautiful, professional, big time chef who lives in a high rise and drives a Mercedes and can't even ask a little ole teacher out…"Emma giggled and playfully nudged Regina's arm.

"I can too!" Regina gasped.

"No you can't!" Emma smiled and nudged her again.

Suddenly Regina grabbed Emma's gorgeously sculpted arms and pulled her into a kiss. Their lips melted into each other's and Regina felt her body flush with warmth. Emma was taken by surprise but became lost in Regina's touch as her hands were now cupping Emma's face and their lips were still softly entangled together. As they slowly parted and opened their eyes Regina said, "Emma Swan, will you join me for dinner tomorrow night at 8 pm?"

Emma speechless by Regina's touch simply nodded as she closed her eyes and kissed the raven haired beauty once again. The kiss seemed to last forever when both women pulled away slowly and their eyes met once more. Regina smiled at Emma as Emma let out a very soft but noticeable moan.

"That was pretty incredible." Regina smiled as she softly rubbed Emma's forearm.

"Yes, it was but as much as I don't want to I really should get going," Emma replied as she watched Regina's face scrunch up in disapproval. "Believe me I would love to stay but I don't think that I can trust myself if I stay."

"Is that so?" Regina smirked again this time a deeper almost wicked tone to her voice.

"Yes, it is." Emma cleared her throat. "So, if you don't mind Ms. Mills I will be gathering my things and letting myself out." Emma began to walk back inside as Regina laughed and followed.

"Don't be silly. What kind of host would I be if I didn't walk you out?" Regina walked to the couch after closing the balcony doors behind them and grabbed Emma's jacket. Regina held it out for her with hesitation not wanting to cover up those magnificent arms that she has already grown quite fond of. The blonde slipped into the jacket and then turned around so that the two were now face to face once more.

"This really has been a wonderful evening. Thank you again!" Emma kissed Regina's cheek and turned to walk towards the door. Regina smiled. She could see herself falling fast for this one and she felt pretty good about it.

"Would you like me to walk you down to your car?"

"Oh no, that isn't necessary," Emma smiled at how sweet Regina was.

"Okay, but please text me when you make it home…sorry I'm a worrier…"Regina hoped that Emma wouldn't be put off by this. She wasn't trying to be clingy or anything already. She was like this with everyone. She honestly just worries a lot.

Luckily, Emma giggled, "Okay, I will. Goodnight Ms. Mills."

"Goodnight Ms. Swan." Regina watched the beautiful blonde step out and she closed the door behind her and leaned back against it for a moment. "Wow, what is this girl doing to me?" Regina smiled to herself. She knew she wouldn't be able to relax until she heard from Emma so she took the time to get the dishes into the dishwasher and clean the countertops from the mess earlier.