COPYRIGHT 2016 RACHAEL MARCHEWKA
This is my 2nd #OutlawQueen story and I've been working on it for a while. Originally, it was going to be all about Robin but then of course I couldn't help myself and my #EvilRegal heart got involved. For some reason I picture Robin SO HOT in this story and I don't know why. I mean we all know he is but in this particular story – hotter. So, I hope you get that feeling too. P.S I will not deny that my fiancée' was slightly jealous as I wrote this. He blames Sean Maguire. We joke about it all the time. So, I guess I should dedicate this story to Sean and of course "his" Robin and my wonderful fiancee' who sometimes gets annoyed and says I pay more attention to my stories than him. But, he always supports me and understands I love to write and that I am a true #Hoodie. I just LOVE the title even though the story turned into something completely different. I love comments. They make me feel good. Okay, I'll shut up. So, without further ado . . .
"THE REFORMED BAD BOY"
CHAPTER 1
Regina Mills sat at the bar nursing her martini. Her best friend Emma had convinced her to come out for a drink and then deserted her for a man – typical. She was mentally exhausted. The Christmas season was coming to a close and as always it was a bitch but with sales down it had put a damper on things. Sure she owned one of the most popular stores in Storybrooke, Maine and most of the time business was good based on her reputation alone but it didn't help that she'd had to lay off at least two of her employees. There just wasn't enough pay roll to support the entire staff. Most of them knew going into it when they started in October but it didn't make it any easier. She was trying not to think about it – hence here she was sitting at the bar watching Emma dancing with Killian. She was probably going home with him; at least someone was getting some action. She glanced around "The Rabbit Hole" and for a Saturday night it was pretty slammed and the bartender had his hands full. She was bored, tired and ready to leave. She downed the rest of her drink and stood; straightening out her skirt and was surprised when another glass was placed down in front of her on the bar "On me," he said as he sent a wink her way. She sat back down "My name is Robin if you need anything else." She smiled at him and then he headed back toward the other end of the bar. He was gone so fast she couldn't even thank him. It looked like she wasn't going anywhere after all. She sipped her drink and watched Robin while he worked. He was moving quickly, wiping things down, pouring drinks and chatting with the patrons. She couldn't help but notice the way his jeans fit and the way his shirt clung to his chest. He had nice arms. She could already tell that about him – very nice arms. His smile was entrancing and she caught herself staring at him. Then, he looked up at her. She cleared her throat and quickly looked away but when she looked back – he was still watching her. She smiled and then he did the same – God he looked good. Regina fixed her blouse and then crossed her legs. She was very happy she decided to wear a skirt tonight. Normally, she would just throw on a pair of simple black slacks. Boy was she glad she wore a skirt.
Emma was taking a break from dancing with Killian and came to join her "Are you alright," she asked.
"Yes, so are you going home with Killian?"
She smiled "Would you be mad?"
"No, I'll take a cab home."
"You are the greatest friend ever," she said picking up Regina's glass and taking a sip.
"Emma I hate when you do that."
"Whatever, you love me," she teased.
"Jerk."
"So, Killian knows the bartender and we noticed he bought you a drink."
"Emma, he's a bartender I'm sure he does that for a lot of people."
"Nope, Killian says he isn't like that. Doesn't want to give the ladies the wrong idea; so if he bought you one it might mean something," she said smiling.
"Yeah maybe he wants a good tip?"
"Regina . . . he's been looking at you. Haven't you noticed?"
"Not really. I think you're imagining things. How come we haven't seen him before?"
"He just started a few weeks ago. C'mon he's cute and Killian says he's a really nice guy. All I'm saying is maybe you should stick around. It's Saturday night and the store is closed tomorrow. Maybe, you could talk to him."
Regina sipped her drink "Emma Swan . . ."
"You need to have fun and enjoy yourself."
"I have fun."
"Not . . . that kind of fun," she said nodding toward Robin.
Killian finally joined them and placed an arm around Emma's shoulders "Are you ready to go," he asked as he kissed her cheek.
"Yes, Regina is going to stay."
"Oh' good. You should have some fun," he teased raising an eyebrow at her.
"Why is everyone suddenly concerned with my extracurricular activities?"
"I care about you. That's why," Emma said.
Killian yelled to Robin "Bye mate," and he waved.
Emma hugged Regina "Just talk to him. Take a chance."
Regina whispered "I'll try." They left and Regina suddenly felt nervous. Robin was super busy but she couldn't help but notice that he was watching her. She finished her drink and placed it on the end of the bar. He came down and she said "Could I have a glass of water please and thank you for the drink earlier."
He got her water right away and placed it in front of her "You are welcome milady. So, Emma left you?"
"Yes, I don't mind. It happens sometimes."
He leaned down close to her face and said "I'm taking a break soon. Can I join you?"
She felt her cheeks flush and moved a hair away from her face; she glanced into his eyes – God they were blue and gorgeous and . . . "Yes."
"Are you hungry? I can get us something from the kitchen?"
Her stomach was actually growling "I am a little hungry."
"Do you want to share my dinner with me?"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'll be right back," he said. Before she could say anything else he was back at the other end of the bar and tying a few things up with customers before his break. She noticed he was speaking to the owner – Jefferson. She'd spoken to him a few times when she'd come here before and he seemed nice enough. She assumed he was ordering their food and letting him know about the customers he was taking care of. He grabbed two plates and silverware and put them on the bar in front of her "So, I'm about to share my dinner with you and yes I do know your name but it's only because I asked Killian," he admitted.
She laughed and held out her hand "Regina."
He kissed the top of her hand and laced her fingers with his "I hope you don't think I'm coming on too strong - but you are very beautiful."
Her face was on fire and she smiled "Thank you."
"Would you like another martini?"
"Yes, please." He made her drink and then came around the bar and pulled a chair next to her "How long is your break?"
"My boss is giving me forty-five minutes because I came in early to help out."
She turned toward him and uncrossed and then crossed her legs – she had his attention even more so now "What are we eating?"
He cleared his throat and shook his head "I hope you like beef burgers with homemade chips and cheese sauce made from scratch. I told him to make a salad too. Tommy is cooking tonight and his sauce is amazing. It's bar food but it's really good."
"It sounds delicious actually. Emma tells me you just started here a few weeks ago."
"Yes, a weekend job for when I don't have my son Roland. He's five and lives with his mother mostly."
"I see. Do you only see him every other weekend?"
"Usually, my ex lives in New Hampshire and her parents own a resort."
"Wow."
"It's not that impressive but Roland loves living there. So, I work here and at Granny's Diner during the week at night, and I work at the boys and girls club in town. I'm in charge of the activities."
"You have three jobs?"
"Well, I guess so but I love everything I do."
"When do you sleep?"
He laughed "I manage. Be right back," he said. She assumed he was going to the kitchen to check on their food. Regina couldn't help but be impressed with Robin. He seemed nice and he was a hard worker. He was a single father and he had an amazing smile. His accent was sexy as hell and his laugh sent shivers down her spine. She cleared her throat and drank her water. Her head was a little cloudy from all the martinis. He came back carrying their food and her stomach growled so loud she was thankful for the music or he would have heard it. He sat down and placed one half of the burger on her plate." You eat the salad and I'll have what you don't finish," he said.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, Tommy makes the dressing from scratch also. It's amazing."
She took a fry off his plate and dipped it in the cheese sauce "Oh' my God," she said.
"I told you. It's so good," he said. "I'll have to run a mile or two but it's so worth it."
"Do you work out a lot," she asked.
"I try. It depends on my schedule. I get a lot of activity in at the club running around with the kids." He started digging into his food and Regina didn't hesitate she began to eat. The food was actually really good and she was enjoying it. Robin took out his phone and showed her a picture of Roland and then set it down on the bar "He's six and just started first grade."
"He's cute. He looks like you," she said as she sipped her water.
"Thank you. I miss him."
"I can imagine."
"Killian tells me you own the jewelry store in town."
"Yes, I do. What else did he tell you about me?"
He smiled "He says you're single and I'll admit – I asked."
"Yes, I feel like I've been single for a long time. I don't usually come out with Emma but I've been so stressed lately with all the holiday hustle and bustle. It's a rough time of year in retail. I'm glad it's over if we are being honest."
He took the last bite of his burger and pushed the plate away "I can understand that. I've been single for two years. There hasn't been anyone since my ex and I split up," he admitted.
"Really?"
"Yes, I was so concerned about Roland that I've just been afraid to try and meet anyone. I've been on dates but . . . I can't find anyone I click with."
"I feel the same way," she replied. She excused herself to the bathroom and Robin glanced down at his phone; he still had fifteen minutes left. He wondered how much longer she'd stay. He wanted to offer her a ride home but he wasn't sure if she'd let him. After all, they'd just met. But she was comfortable enough to share his dinner maybe she would let him drive her home? Robin ran a hand through his hair – she was beautiful – very beautiful. She seemed nice, smart and sweet. God, it had been so long since a woman affected him like this. Regina came back out from the restroom and sat down "Do you have to go back?"
"I've got about fifteen minutes."
She sipped her water "How long have you known Killian?"
"A few months; I know he really likes Emma. He volunteers at the club sometimes."
"Seriously? I didn't know that."
"Yes, he's actually really good with the kids."
She took a fry and dipped it in the cheese "So, what do you like to do when you're not working? I mean do you get any free time?"
He laughed "Yes, well I guess I like movies, long walks on the beach and cooking for beautiful women."
"Are you joking?"
He laughed "Partly, I like movies and I can cook."
"Really?"
"Yes, that's what I do at Granny's. I don't mind it and I get to pick my own shifts for the most part."
"Is Sunday you're only day off?"
He smiled "Yes, is it yours?"
"Yes."
"We have Sundays in common," he said as he ran a finger over the top of her hand.
"Yes, it appears we do."
He looked at his watch and groaned "Are you staying?"
"I don't know. I need to take a cab home. Emma drove here."
"I could drive you home. I mean I know we just met . . ."
"What time?"
"Well, if I can convince my boss to help me clean up I could probably be out of here by one-thirty." He took her hand "I understand if you don't want to wait."
"I'll try. If I can't you can call me a cab," she said.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I happen to like watching you work."
He kissed her hand "You are a flirt and you're going to distract me."
"Make sure you fill my water glass," she teased.
He smiled and bit his lip "Yes, whatever you say milady. I will be back in a few minutes," he said as he filled her glass and then walked away. Regina hadn't felt like this in a very long time. She couldn't remember the last time she openly flirted with a man and actually enjoyed it. She was very glad she'd agreed to come out with Emma tonight; she took her advice and talked to Robin. She looked down at her phone to check the time – it was only eleven-thirty and people were still coming into "The Rabbit Hole." A few minutes later she nearly jumped out of her skin when someone yelled her name and hugged her from behind. It was one of her girls from the store – Tink.
She sat next to Regina "What the hell is my boss doing here; sitting at the bar and drinking alone on a Saturday night?"
"I do have a life outside my store Tinkerbelle."
"Seriously, are you alone though? That's not cool."
"I was here with Emma but she left with Killian."
"I'm meeting a friend but he isn't here yet. Can I sit with you?"
"Sure. Who are you meeting? Is it a date?"
Tink smiled "I think so. Depends on how it goes I suppose." Robin came back to their end of the bar because he noticed Tink. He winked at Regina and leaned towards them "Hi, can I have a gin and tonic please?"
"Sure, hon. Regina you want another?"
"Yes, please when you have a minute."
"Be right back," he said.
Tink glanced over at Regina "Do you have a thing with the bartender?"
"What don't be silly? No, I just met him tonight."
"Regina, he likes you."
"Tink . . ."
"No, I'm serious and he's really hot."
"Okay enough."
"I'm just saying he fills out that shirt nicely."
Robin came over and put the drinks down in front of them "This is Tink. She works in my store. Tink this is Robin."
They shook hands "Nice to meet you," she said.
"What time is your date getting here," Regina asked.
She shrugged "He's late."
"I'll be back," Robin said as he waved to someone down at the other end of the bar.
Tink smiled "I will say this again; he's hot and good job boss."
"Shut up and I haven't done anything."
"He keeps looking at you."
"Then, maybe we should stop looking at him" Regina said as she shoved her friend. They chatted for quite a while and when twelve-thirty hit Regina could tell Robin was cleaning and getting ready to close things down. She figured he would announce last call soon. Tink was looking around and when she finished her drink she put the glass on the bar and sighed "I'm sorry."
"It's okay. He's not coming. I think I'll head out. Do you want a ride?"
"Um . . ." Regina glanced over at Robin and Tink figured it out.
"You're waiting for Robin aren't you?"
"Sort of. Thank you Tink and I'm sorry about your date."
She hugged her "I'll see you Monday. Enjoy the rest of your night." Tink put a twenty on the bar for Robin "Tell the hottie bartender that's for him," she teased. Regina laughed and sipped her drink that she was now officially nursing, because she was on her way to becoming very tipsy. People were starting to leave and Robin was running around cleaning tables and pocketing money. Jefferson was helping him and it seemed they were both determined to leave early tonight. Robin came behind the bar and yelled "LAST CALL" really loud and a few people came up to get last minute drinks.
He came over to Regina and she pushed the twenty at him "I was told to give this to the hottie bartender."
He laughed "Her date never showed up?"
"No."
"That's a shame."
He leaned toward her and took her hand "Is there anything else you need?"
"No, thank you. I waited for you though," she said boldly.
He smiled "Why do you think I'm running around like a loon."
She laughed "I figured as much."
"You could have left with your friend."
Regina shrugged "I like watching you work."
"I like watching you sit at my bar. You're gorgeous." He kissed her hand again "Time to finish." She downed her drink and watched as he walked away again. She went to the restroom, fixed her hair and re-applied her lipstick. Once she was satisfied; she went back out to the bar. Robin and Jefferson were running around and she still hadn't paid her tab yet.
She took out her debit card and put it down on the bar but Jefferson came over and shook his head at her "Put that away," he said.
"But I haven't paid my tab."
"Robin paid it."
"What?"
"He likes you."
"Oh' my God; that's nice of him but he worked so hard tonight for that money."
"Don't worry he made plenty tonight. Plus, I'm giving him extra for coming in early."
"Well, that's very nice."
Jefferson was straightening up and leaned toward her "I can vouch for Robin. He's a great guy. My daughter goes to the club where he works." Regina smiled at him and he turned the television off and then headed back toward the kitchen. It looked as if everyone was gone and she heard Robin yell that he would gladly lock the door so that no one else would come in. She smiled and watched as he locked the door and then began placing the chairs on top of the tables. He went behind the bar and Jefferson came out and was handing him money out of the register. Regina was feeling nervous. She was certainly surprised that she'd stayed here all night and that she was letting him drive her home but there was something about him that she liked – really liked.
She heard Robin say "Thanks for the help cleaning up," and Jefferson slapped him on the back. Robin walked toward her and she stood "Milady, we're leaving," he said as he held out his hand. She took it and Jefferson walked them out and locked the door behind them. Robin pointed and unlocked his car "It's the blue RDX," he said. He opened the passenger door for her and she slid in. He got in and put the key in the ignition but didn't start the car.
Regina turned toward him "Thank you for paying my tab. You didn't have to do that."
"I wanted to and you're welcome. While I have courage and before I drive you home I wanted to ask if you would have lunch with me tomorrow at Granny's."
Regina smiled "I would like that."
"Oh' good," he said.
She laughed "Did you think I'd say no?"
"Well, you sat at the bar all night and waited for me so I was hopeful."
She smiled "I had a nice time tonight and Emma was right – I needed it."
"I'm glad and if you keep sitting at my bar when I'm working I might ask for more hours."
She laughed "I live on Mifflin Street."
"Yes, I suppose I should get you home milady. We better be on our way." Robin started the car and headed across town. They talked the whole way and when he reached for her hand – she took it. She couldn't help but shutter as he expertly moved his fingers over hers as he drove. He pulled onto her street "Which house is it?"
"The big white one on the right side of the road."
Robin slowed down and put the car in park in front of her house "Regina, that's not a house – that's a mansion."
"My parents left it to me."
"You live alone?"
"Yes," she noticed he was making a face "Robin, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, it's just . . . it's a big house."
"I have a security system and I don't mind being by myself."
"It's beautiful."
"Maybe, one night since you like to cook you could come over and I could give you the grand tour."
He turned toward her "I would love that."
"So, Granny's for lunch . . . what time?"
"Is two okay? Maybe, we could go for a walk after?"
"That sounds good," she said. It was quiet. Regina knew it was time to go inside but she wasn't sure what to do next. He was still holding her hand and she looked down at their laced fingers. He pulled her hand to his lips and her eyes followed.
"I'm very glad to have met you," he whispered.
"You can thank Emma for that," she replied.
"I'll buy her a Corona next time she's in."
Regina cleared her throat "I should go. It's very late."
"May I walk you to your door?"
'No, thank you but you may kiss me goodnight if you want?"
"Thank God, because I wasn't sure what to do," he admitted. She laughed as he leaned in and coasted his mouth over hers. Robin reached up and ran his fingers through her hair and she moaned. She scooted closer to him and he opened up his mouth. He tasted the alcohol on her breath but he didn't care. Regina slowly moved her tongue in between his lips and he groaned. Their mouths danced with one another and finally she pulled back "I know you should go inside."
"I really should," she said breathlessly. "I'll see you at the diner."
She went to open the door and Robin pulled her back toward him "One more," he begged as he took her mouth for another kiss.
She laughed "Robin, I really should go," she said as she playfully shoved him away.
"I know. I'm sorry. Goodnight," he said as he reached over and opened the door for her. She couldn't help herself she turned back one more time and then took one more kiss from him and then got out of the car. Regina walked up the path and then turned around and waved at him. Once inside she turned off the alarm and then shut the door. She let out a breath and closed her eyes. She couldn't remember the last time she'd had such a good time. She went upstairs, washed her face and changed her clothes. She tried to go to sleep but she tossed and turned for quite a while. Tink was right about one thing – Robin was hot and he definitely filled out his shirt nicely.