NOTES: I think bartender Robin – is so hot. It gets better . . .

CHAPTER 2

For two weeks they snuck in quick lunch dates and stolen kisses. She got butterflies in her stomach every time she saw him and at times he felt like he couldn't form proper sentences because he would become lost in her eyes. One night she wanted to see him so bad that she sat at the counter at Granny's for two hours until the older woman finally let him take a break. He washed up as best as he could in the bathroom and then they made out in his car for twenty minutes. She didn't care that he smelled like burgers and fries – she wanted to see him. He made her feel like a reckless teenager and she made him feel sick to his stomach – in a good way. That wasn't all – he showed up at her store with a dozen roses one afternoon. The women all swooned as Regina pulled him to the back room and kissed him senseless for ten minutes. He sent her a text every night before she went to bed and every morning he'd send her one as well. Tink had said that they were definitely into one another and Regina was beginning to believe that her friend was right. She and Robin - were a thing. Even if they didn't admit it yet – something was happening between them. Whenever they were near one another, they were touching, hugging or kissing and she was perfectly fine with that. He'd asked Granny for Friday night off so he could cook Regina dinner at her house for the first time. They were shorthanded so he offered to work the morning shift instead and Granny was fine with that. He knew he would need sleep so he went to bed very early Thursday night and woke up at 6am in order to start work at 6:30. He worked at the diner until 3PM and then went to the supermarket to get everything he'd need for dinner. He wanted to impress her so he was making stuffed mushrooms to start and for the main course; chicken Marsala with angel hair pasta and a Caesar salad. He would do something easy for desert – chocolate covered strawberries. He told Regina he would be there by 4 but it was already 4:15 and it was snowing steadily as he pulled up in front of her house. They'd had a lot of snow so far this month and February was right around the corner. He hoped it wouldn't be as harsh and cold. She came out to meet him wearing jeans, a red top and a black cardigan to shield her from the wind. Her snow boots weren't tied all the way and the first thing he thought of was how cute she looked dressed like that. She took one look at all the bags and exclaimed "Are you cooking for an army!"

He laughed "Well, you need lunch for the next few days." She kissed him quickly and then they went inside with the bags.

Robin took one look at the foyer and said "Holy Shit this is beautiful." She laughed and he followed her to the kitchen. When he stepped inside his mouth hit the floor "Oh' my God . . . this is huge! I'm going to love cooking in here."

She laughed and began unpacking the bags "What are you making?"

"Do you like stuffed mushrooms?"

"Yes, very much so actually," she replied.

"Good. We'll start with that and for the main course I'm doing Chicken Marsala with Angel Hair Pasta and a Caesar Salad."

"Wow that sounds amazing."

"It will be," he said sending a wink in her direction "Can you get me a cookie sheet I'm going to do the mushrooms real quick first." Regina got him the sheet and then pulled a stool up to the kitchen island to watch him. He pre-heated the oven and then began stuffing the mushrooms with crab meat and breadcrumbs. While the oven heated he started boiling water for the angel hair "Do you want to assemble the salad," he asked. She got all the ingredients together for the salad and prepared it while he finished the mushrooms and then put them in the oven. Then, she set the table in the dining room and got two glasses down from the cabinet.

She sat back down and watched as he prepared the chicken "Did you work this morning?"

"Yes, the 7-3 shift but I went to bed really early last night."

"You look well rested," she said.

"You look beautiful as always," he replied.

"Thank you." They chatted about work and Regina asked Robin to open the wine for her. A few minutes later the mushrooms were done and cooling as Robin started the chicken. The pasta water began boiling and he tossed the Angel Hair in the pot to cook. She snuck two mushrooms while he was cooking. He caught her but didn't care – he just wanted her to enjoy. She walked behind him at one point and wrapped her arms around his waist "You didn't kiss me hello properly," she whispered.

"Oh' my goodness what the hell is wrong with me? I think you need to give me a talking to." She laughed as he turned around and pulled her against his chest. He kissed her roughly and she wrapped her arms around his neck. His hands moved over her ass and she moaned into his mouth. He pulled away slowly and ran his fingers through her hair "Was that a proper kiss?"

She hugged him and placed her head against his chest "Yes." Regina turned on the radio while they finished working. When the pasta was done Robin told her what to do with it and then she brought that and the salad out to the table with the wine and the two glasses. Shortly after the chicken was finished and Robin put it on a platter and then brought that out also – along with the mushrooms to the dining room; she was sitting down and he plated the food and set it in front of her "Thank you," she said.

He sat across from her "This is one of my favorite meals to cook. I wanted this to be special."

"That's lovely and it's delicious," she replied as she took a bite of chicken.

"Thank you."

"When is Roland coming again? Next weekend," she asked.

"Actually, yes and thank you for reminding me. There's something I'd like to talk to you about."

"What is it?"

"Well, I'd like for you to meet him. I thought maybe on Sunday morning you could meet us at Granny's for breakfast." He noticed her face fell slightly and he cleared his throat "Unless, you don't want to? If you're not ready," he said.

"No, Robin I'm sorry I guess I'm just surprised that you want him to meet me already."

He put down his fork "Regina, I like you."

"I know and I like you . . . a lot. I guess I was just taken aback. I thought maybe you'd wait a month or two."

"I already told his mother about you."

"Oh' . . . wow."

"I like you," he said again as he picked up his fork and started eating.

She smiled and could feel her face flushing "What did your ex say when you told her about me?"

"She started asking questions but I didn't tell her anything major. Regina you sure you're alright with this? I can wait another two weeks if you'd like."

"No, Robin it's fine. I guess I'm just nervous. I hope Roland will like me."

He poured them another glass of wine "I'm sure he will. Try not to worry. He's an easy going kid."

He reached across the table and took her hand "I'm excited," she said.

"Good. I hoped you would be," he kissed the top of her hand and stood from the table.

"No, Robin you cooked. I'm going to clean."

"I'll help you pack everything up." They went into the kitchen and began cleaning and packing up the leftovers. Robin melted the chocolate and prepared the strawberries. He put them in the freezer and then washed the dishes.

Regina glanced out the window and gasped "Robin, it's coming down like you wouldn't believe," she said.

He stood next to her and looked outside "Shit." He turned up the radio and they waited for the forecast and the traffic as they finished up. A few minutes later; they were leaning against the counter and that's when the weather came on. Regina glanced over at Robin as the newscaster informed everyone that they were in a state of emergency and to stay off the roads. Apparently, they were getting about eight inches of snow before it ended late tomorrow morning "I hate to say this but I better get going."

"Robin, didn't you hear what they said? You can't go out there. It's too dangerous."

"Regina, I have a good car."

"I don't care. Don't leave. It's too bad out there. Please, just stay here."

"You want me to spend the night? This is the first time I've been to your house," he said seriously.

"What other option is there? I don't want you to get into an accident. You live across town," she replied.

"I'll sleep on the couch."

"Seriously . . . do you know how many bedrooms there are in this house?"

"How many," he asked.

"Five."

He smiled "Okay, you have a point but if we are being completely honest . . . I don't think I can resist sneaking into your room in the middle of the night."

She laughed and shoved him "Robin, are you joking?"

"Partially, I can't deny that I would love to lay down with you and wake up with you in the morning."

"I don't know if I'll be able to deny you," she admitted.

He kissed her quickly "Stop flirting with me."

She laughed and took his hand "C'mon let's go watch a movie in the family room," she said as she grabbed their glasses and the bottle of wine.

They plopped down and Robin watched as Regina grabbed a few throw pillows and a blanket "Once the movie is over we can have the berries. The chocolate needs time to set." She turned on Netflix and started scrolling. She lay down and Robin pulled her feet into his lap "Wait! I still haven't seen 'Catching Fire' do you mind if we watch that?"

"Sure, I love it." She started the movie and Robin became engrossed in it right away. That gave her a chance to think about what they'd discussed earlier. He wanted her to meet Roland, he'd told his ex about her and now he was spending the night. Would she really let him sleep in her bed? Or, should she make him sleep in one of the other bedrooms? She glanced over at him and he was really into the movie but now he was massaging her feet. She bit her lip and closed her eyes – it felt wonderful. She glanced back at the television and tried to concentrate on the movie. A few minutes later she pulled her feet away from his lap and he grabbed one of the pillows and put it on his legs "Come here," he said softly. She turned around and placed her head on his lap and he covered her with the blanket. He wrapped his arm around her and they lay like that for the rest of the movie. Occasionally, his fingers drifted through her hair and she caught herself sighing several times as he gently massaged her scalp. It felt glorious.

When the movie ended Robin excused himself to the restroom and Regina grabbed her phone – she had a text message from Emma that read: "I'm at the station. I hope you're home safe. This storm is no joke."

She replied with "Yes, I'm at home. Robin is actually here. He cooked us dinner."

Emma text back "Is he staying there?"

Regina rolled her eyes "Yes, and it's not what you think. It's too dangerous for him to leave. I have to go. Be safe."

Emma replied back with "Woot! Woot! TTYL! I want details!" Regina tossed her phone back on the table and Robin came out of the bathroom and headed toward the kitchen. It was obvious that he was going to check on the strawberries. She sat at the island while he pulled the pan out of the freezer and placed it on the counter. He touched one and nodded "They're done. Do you want?"

"Yes, of course." He took four berries and put them on a plate and then placed the rest back into the fridge.

Regina went to grab one but he playfully slapped her hand away "No, let me," he said softly. He lifted the fruit to her lips and she took a bite. She closed her eyes and moaned "It's good right?"

"Yes, very." He ate the rest of her berry and then she took his hand "Let's go back to the couch." They sat down and talked about movies, music, books and jobs they'd had. They talked about work and their friends and at one point Robin went back to the kitchen to get two more berries. She surmised that it was because every time he would feed her a bite he would then kiss her lips. Every time he did it her face flushed and he kept telling her how adorable she looked when she blushed.

A little while later he took a sip of his wine and said "Do you want to change and then we could watch another movie?"

"Sure, but Robin what are you going to sleep in? That can't be comfortable."

"Don't worry about me," he said as he kissed her quickly. "Actually, I thought I would head outside and shovel your walkway and then clean off my car. It will be much easier on me in the morning."

"You don't have to do that."

"I know but I want to. So, go change your clothes and I'll be back in a few minutes." He kissed her quickly and then started putting his coat and boots on. Regina watched him go outside and then headed up to change her clothes. She opted for something safe; gray sweat pants and a white t-shirt. She washed her face and then decided to make hot chocolate. It would probably warm him up nicely. She glanced outside a few minutes later and it looked like he was almost done cleaning off his car. He started coming in from the road and that's when he fell. Regina ran to the front door and screamed his name but he waved and stood up rather quickly. He was halfway up the walkway when he said "I'm alright. I'm just clumsy sometimes."

She helped him inside and closed the door "Oh' Robin you're soaked."

"I don't want to get your floor a mess."

She rolled her eyes "I don't give a shit about the floor are you sure you're alright?"

"Yes, love. I'm okay. My ego may be bruised a bit but I'm not hurt."

He pulled his boots and jacket off and she told him to put them on the floor "Robin, you need to get those clothes off before you catch a cold."

"Um . . ."

"This is no time to be bashful. I'll go get you a few blankets. Strip down and then I'll put your clothes in the dryer."

"Um . . ."

"Robin . . ."

"Alright," he said softly. Regina ran upstairs to get a few blankets. He began stripping off his clothes and tossing them on the floor. When he took off his jeans he realized his boxers and undershirt were wet also "Shit."

She came back downstairs carrying two blankets and that's when he realized he was shivering "Are those wet," she asked motioning toward his boxers. He nodded and she cleared her throat "Go to the bathroom. There's a towel behind the door. Dry off and then I'll bring you one of the blankets so you can wrap yourself in it." He noticed that she hadn't looked at him – she was all business. He carefully walked to the downstairs bathroom and once inside he stripped off his boxers and dried off completely with the towel. He wrapped it around his waist and opened the door "Regina," he yelled.

"Be right there," she said yelling from the family room. He watched her face as she turned the corner carrying a blanket and finally she looked up at him. He gripped the towel that was around his waist and he watched as her lips parted "You must be freezing," she said softly. He handed her his boxers and she dropped the blanket on the floor, "I made hot chocolate."

He smiled "Do you have marshmallows?"

She smiled "Of course I do. You should wrap yourself up and get warm."

"Regina, don't be embarrassed for looking at me – I like it." She couldn't help it. She looked at him again and he took a step toward her "Do you like what you see?"

"Crap . . . Robin stop flirting with me and cover up," she said as she practically ran to the kitchen. She took her time and filled up their mugs with hot chocolate and grabbed the bag of marshmallows. She put them all on a tray but decided to take an extra five minutes to compose herself. God, he was gorgeous.

She tried not to look but when she had turned the corner and saw him – she knew her mouth fell open. His body was just – God. She heard him yell from the family room that it was safe to enter and that he was covered up. She laughed and then picked up the tray. He was on the couch under both blankets "I brought the whole bag of marshmallows," she said.

"I don't deserve those after I teased you," he replied.

"You might be right but I'll find a way to have my revenge." She placed the tray down on the coffee table and handed him a mug "You're clothes should be dry in about an hour."

"No hurry," he teased."

She sat down next to him and crossed her legs "Thank you for shoveling and I'm sorry you fell."

"Thank you for the hot chocolate and don't worry; I'm fine." Regina could feel the tension in the air. She didn't know what to do about it. She placed her mug on the table and Robin did the same. He left the blanket that was sprawled over his lap but he took the other one off that was covering his chest "Sorry, it's too hot." Her eyes deceived her again and she couldn't help but look at him. She wanted to touch him. She wanted to do more than touch him but she knew she shouldn't. Robin took her hand and pulled her closer to him "Don't be embarrassed. If you want to look at me – just look." He placed her hand over his heart "If you want to touch me – I don't mind." She glanced up into his eyes and she could tell he was serious. So, she did what he told her to. She ran her finger from his chest up and over his shoulder and down his arm. She touched his belly and he leaned his head back against the sofa and closed his eyes. She couldn't reach the other side of his body so she sat up on her knees and leaned over him. She heard his breath catch "Jesus . . ."

"I'm sorry."

"No, don't stop. I'm enjoying this," he admitted. Regina licked her lips and continued running her fingers over his chest. She had never done something like this before and it was somewhat erotic. She continued touching and caressing his arms, down and over his chest and back up again. Eventually her fingers glided over his face and up into his hair "God, that feels good," he whispered. He finally opened his eyes and stared into her face "We've only been together for two weeks so it wouldn't be proper but one day I'm hoping you'll let me make love to you," he whispered. "I won't deny I want you."

She smiled "I know. I . . . feel the same way."

He cupped the side of her face with his hand "You are by far the most beautiful woman I have ever laid my eyes upon."

"Robin . . ."

"I'm serious."

"Thank you. I should check on your clothes."

"I wish I had gone home."

She sat back "Why? What's wrong?"

"Being around you like this is very difficult."

"If it makes you feel better I'll lock my bedroom door and I'll make you sleep down here," she teased.

"No, Regina . . . that's not what I mean. Something is happening between us. Do you feel it?"

She sat back and let out a breath "Yes, I was talking to Tink about it the other day."

"Oh' what did she say?"

"She says that we're into each other. That's the way she put it."

"Yes, I understand."

"Is that a bad thing," she asked.

"No, not at all," he replied. "It's overwhelming. I think about you all the time. I wonder if you're alright if you're happy. That's why I text you every night and every morning. Does that annoy you?"

"No, on the contrary; I love that you think of me when you wake up and before you go to sleep."

"I'm glad we talked about this. It was bothering me."

"Me too," she replied. She kissed him quickly and stood from the sofa "I'm going to check your clothes and then I think I'll get ready for bed."

"Of course," he said. Robin ran a hand through his hair and let out a breath "Shit." He was tired. But he had a feeling it was going to take him a long time to fall asleep especially if he was going to be on the sofa. He thought about asking Regina if he could sleep in one of the other bedrooms. She came back in carrying his boxers and his white t-shirt "Let me guess the rest isn't dry yet?"

"No, but they will be by the morning."

"Do you think I could sleep in one of the bedrooms? I don't think I'll be comfortable on the sofa – no offense."

For a second he thought he saw her face fall "Yes, I'll set you up. Why don't you change down here and I'll go up. Just come find me when you're ready." He nodded and she headed up to her Master Suite. She was torn. After their encounter on the couch she was sure he wouldn't want to sleep in her room – it was much too tempting but part of her was looking forward to it. She was frustrated but she didn't want to say anything to him because she didn't want him to get the wrong idea. She brushed her teeth and closed the shades. Then, she pulled down the blankets and started tossing the throw pillows on the floor "What the fuck do I do," she said out loud.

"What do you want to do?" She jumped and when she looked up Robin was standing in the doorway.

"Jesus, I was just talking to myself."

"I heard," he teased. "What's wrong Regina?"

"It's silly."

"I don't care. Tell me."

She placed a hand on her hip "I thought you wanted to sleep in here with me but after what happened before I don't really blame you for wanting to stay in another room."

He smiled and sauntered over to the bed "Which side do you sleep on?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Which side of the bed do you usually sleep on?"

"Actually I sleep in the middle."

"Alright . . ." He got in bed on the side closest to the door and snuggled under the covers "C'mon," he said. She turned off the light and slowly got in bed "Regina, come over here. I want to hold you." She scooted over to him and he opened his arms. She laid her head on his chest and his arm came around her. He pulled the blanket up and she closed her eyes – bliss "Does this feel okay."

"Yes, absolutely," she whispered.

"Good. Now, I'm actually tired. So, I'm going to fall asleep soon I think."

"Goodnight Robin."

"I'll cook you breakfast," he said.

"That sounds lovely," she replied. They fell asleep quickly and Regina couldn't remember the last time she drifted off so easily and in the arms of a man.

When Robin woke up it was dark and he forgot where he was. Regina was snuggled against his chest and he could feel one of her legs wrapped around his. He needed to move but he hated to wake her. The alarm clock on her nightstand read 6:30. It was early but they'd gone to bed at a reasonable hour and he'd had plenty of sleep the night before. He carefully untangled her arms from his chest and she moaned and rolled over. He quietly made his way to the bathroom and when he emerged a few minutes later Regina was sitting on the edge of the bed "I'm sorry if I disturbed you."

"No, I'm used to waking up early. Are you alright?"

"Yes, do you want to lay back down?"

"Yes, I just need a minute." She watched as he got back into bed and then she went into the bathroom. She was still very tired and hoped she could drift back to sleep. When she came back out to the bedroom she decided to peek outside. It was still snowing "Whoa," she whispered.

"Is it still coming down?"

"Yes, I'll set my alarm for 8:30 and then I'll get up and call Tink. I'm not going to make her go in today. I'll go check on the store and maybe open for a few hours but that's it."

"I'm at 'The Rabbit Hole' tonight," Robin said.

"Oh' maybe if the weather clears I'll go for a drink."

"You like distracting me don't you?"

She laughed "Actually, I was thinking of asking Emma and Tink if they want to go. We haven't had a girl's night in quite a while."

"Women do crazy things when they drink."

"Oh' like what . . ."

"Let's just say I've been hit on many times . . . I have a system on how to deal with inebriated ladies."

"Oh' my . . ."

"Yes, but I'm used to it." She snuggled closer to him and he ran his finger down her arm "This was nice."

"I could get used to this," she admitted.

"I'm glad." The last thing Regina remembered was Robin holding her hand while she fell back to sleep. She didn't think she was asleep that long when she heard her alarm going off and it was time to get up. She could have stayed in bed for at least another hour or two. He went downstairs to get his clothes and she showered and changed. She called Tink and then invited her out and she said she would spread the word. It appeared there would be a bunch of them going out tonight as long as the weather cleared. When she went downstairs Robin was cooking bacon and eggs. He was wearing his jeans and the white t-shirt that was clinging to his chest. He didn't notice her and she just stood in the doorway and basked. She licked her lips and the first thing she thought of was that he looked – yummy. He was so damn attractive in a rugged sort of way and she liked it.

He glanced up "I hope you don't mind but I thought I would start cooking breakfast."

"We can eat in here," she suggested.

"Sounds good," he said. They ate at the kitchen island and he was staring at her as she scooped eggs into her mouth "Thank you for a lovely evening."

She smiled "Thank you for cooking dinner and breakfast." They both laughed and she began rinsing the dishes.

He walked over and stood behind her; wrapping his arms around her waist "I should go. I'm going to stop at Granny's to see if she needs help with shoveling or taking snow off the roof."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, then I'll go home because my apartment needs attention and I have laundry to do. I'll probably take a nap before my shift tonight. Are you really stopping by?"

"I mentioned it to Tink and she said she would spread the word. Would that be okay?"

"What do you think," he whispered as he kissed her neck.

She laughed "You better go then because if you keep doing that I'm going to drag you back upstairs."

He turned off the water and then spun her around; he crashed his mouth on hers and she moaned as he picked her up into his arms "Robin . . ."

He placed her down on the counter "I just need a minute," he whispered against the side of her face as he kissed her neck again and then moved his mouth over hers. They kissed until they couldn't breathe and then finally he hugged her close and then kissed her cheek "I'll see you tonight."

"Yes, I believe you will," she said softly. "I'll walk you out." He helped her down from the counter and then she walked him to the door. He put on his coat and then kissed her again "Be careful," she said. He nodded and then walked outside. She watched as he started his car; cleaned it off and then a few minutes later drove off. The roads seemed okay and she was confident things would clear up by tonight. She was glad because she deserved a night out with her friends and it didn't hurt that she'd be seeing Robin as well.