CHAPTER 14

Regina cooked dinner on Sunday since Emma and David were upgrading her security system. Everyone came over; Emma, Killian, David, Mary and of course Robin. Killian brought a six pack of beer and Mary baked a chocolate cake. Regina was making a huge batch of enchiladas and decided to mix up Margaritas as well. Cameras were being installed throughout the property. They'd been at it since the morning and she was eternally grateful. She was already feeling better about things. Robin assisted David and Emma most of the day and when Killian arrived around four he joined them. Mary spent most of the day with Regina chatting about Keith, the situation with Robin and her feelings. Mary had almost had a heart attack when Regina told her about the slip in the car the night before. They were drinking their first Margarita around five-thirty when they heard a commotion coming from downstairs "Emma is going to be pissed we started without her," Mary said smiling.

"She'll get over it," Regina replied.

Sure enough Emma came in the kitchen and had a look of disbelief on her face "What the hell?"

"Help yourself," Regina said winking at Mary.

"When's dinner – I'm starving," Robin said as he playfully grabbed Regina from behind and kissed her neck.

She laughed "You boys can set the table. The enchiladas should be out soon."

"Those are my favorite. Can you please give Mary the recipe," David asked as he assisted Robin with the plates.

"Since you asked so nicely I think that can be arranged."

Emma leaned against the counter and sipped her drink "I'll show you how to work the camera after dinner but Robin knows how everything works."

"Any problems at all," Regina asked.

"No, none," Emma replied.

"I'm having a meeting tomorrow at the store to go over security measures. Mary can you come around three," Regina asked.

"Yes, I'll be there."

"That's a good idea," Emma said.

"If he comes in that store he gets one warning and then I'm calling the police," Regina said.

"Good and I'll come personally and lock the asshole up," Emma added. A few minutes later; dinner was served in the dining room and everyone was moaning over Regina's enchiladas.

"God it's so good," David said.

"Okay, we get it. Regina will give me the recipe," Mary said. They all laughed and conversation was light during dinner. They talked about work, the security upgrade and everyone wondered about Roland. She watched Robin as he pushed his plate away and then talked about his son. She loved the way his eyes lit up and his smile was just . . . she could lose herself in his face.

He stood and glanced over at her "I'll take care of the dishes babe."

"I'll help," Killian said. The men cleared the table and then walked into the kitchen.

Emma took a sip of her water and asked "Does he always clean?"

"No, most nights he cooks."

Emma downed her drink and said "I'm going to say this quickly – that man is in love with you."

Regina shook her head and smiled "Why do you say that Emma?"

"Just the way he talks about you. He's very concerned about Keith living on your street – we all are."

"Regina do you love Robin," Mary asked.

"All signs point to yes," she replied. "But it's only been a few months."

"I say who gives a shit about that? Tell the man you want him here with you." None of them realized that Robin had come out of the kitchen and was standing in the doorway – she kept talking "There are so many reasons why you should just give in and tell him Regina. It's obvious he cares about you. I'm pretty sure he loves you and you should talk to him about it."

"What if he doesn't feel the same way," Mary asked.

"He does," Robin said as he finally stepped into the room all the way and revealed himself.

They all froze and Emma looked over at Regina who was now glaring at her "I'm dead."

"This conversation is over," Regina said. "Robin, did you need something?"

He smiled "I just wanted to know if I should run the dishwasher."

"Yes, that would be nice. Thank you." He quickly went back into the kitchen and he heard Mary say "Oh' shit" and he couldn't help but laugh. They'd been caught but he wasn't going to make a big deal out of it.

After everyone left Regina waited in the family room for Robin to come out of the bathroom. She had no idea what he was going to do. Was he staying with her tonight? Was he going home? He hadn't said anything. She'd made a cup of tea to try and settle down. It was helping and she could feel her body relaxing. Robin came out and plopped onto the sofa next to her "I have to go out to the car. I didn't want to bring my bags in while everyone was here."

"Oh' okay."

"Is that alright?"

"Yes, I'd like that."

He kissed her quickly "I'll meet you upstairs," he said as he stood and headed out to his car. She went up to her room and changed her clothes and a few minutes later he came into the master suite holding three bags.

He dropped them on the floor and she laughed "Did you bring your whole closet?"

"No, just the important things," he replied. She sat on the floor in front of her dresser and began moving clothes around to make room for Robin's things.

He sat next to her and grabbed her hand "Are we going to talk about this," he asked.

She turned toward him "What do you want to talk about?"

"Are you embarrassed about what I walked in on earlier?"

She cleared her throat and looked at the floor "A little," she admitted.

"Look at me," he whispered.

Regina looked up and he scooted closer to her "I want to be here with you."

"I know but Robin I don't want you to feel obligated or pressured just because I'm a little afraid. I hate feeling like this. I hate being this needy … weak thing."

Robin was shaking his head at her "You're not weak. You've been through something and you're my girlfriend and I . . . I'm doing this because I care about you. I care about you so much Regina."

She leaned over and kissed him quickly on the mouth "Okay, I believe you." She went back to moving things around in her dresser and they even hung a few of his shirts in her closet. She made lots of space for him and then she placed his toiletries in the bathroom drawer with her stuff. He asked her if she wanted to take a bath with him and she stripped off her clothes. He filled the tub with hot water and bubbles and a few minutes later she was leaning against his chest and his arms were around her "Thank you. I needed this," she whispered.

"I know." He kissed the top of her head and she sighed as he held her tighter "I'll stay with you this week and when Roland comes this weekend – you'll stay with us."

"We'll see," she said.

"Whatever you want to do love," he replied. She closed her eyes and realized her life was about to change. She just hoped it was for the better and that nothing would come from Keith being back in Storybrooke.