Chapter Five: Rush Hour
"And then the aliens crashed into the building and it collapsed, but Superman saved her just in time," Roland exclaimed, retelling the adventure he created in his room with action figures and countless Lego blocks.
"Oh Roland, I'm so glad Lois Lane is safe. I don't know what Clark Kent would do without her," Regina said. Her tone was slightly condescending, but she wasn't trying to belittle his story in the slightest. She rather enjoyed it as he told it to her and she remembered all the times Henry would do the exact same thing at their dinner table.
Robin cleared their plates with a smile, remaining quiet as he did for most of the meal. He seemed to be observing his son with such affection as he interacted with Henry's mother so effortlessly. The two got along swimmingly, not much of a surprise to be quite frank. She knew all about the things seven year old boys liked considering she'd raised her own son who shared similar interests with Roland.
The little boy carried most of the conversation throughout the meal. Robin and Regina didn't mind one bit. After their discussion on Poe and the Romantics, they both seemed to be uneasy about venturing further into other topics. They weren't feeling awkward, per say, but there was definitely tension; sexual tension driving them, mostly.
Robin was attracted to her, there was no doubt about that. If not simply by her incredible body or captivating features, it was her mind that reeled him in. The way she was able to converse with him about literature was quite possibly the sexiest thing he'd ever experienced with a woman before. She never dismissed an opinion, but she was more than willing to share her own accompanied by a detailed explanation to support it. If his students were able to interact that way during his lectures, the room would be spinning with enthusiasm and knowledge.
He found himself looking forward to more discussions and debates, not picky about a topic as long as he was catching a glimpse into her brilliant mind. He grew excited imagining heated talks about Presidential elections, the Theory of Evolution, and even who they would choose to win the ultimate battle between Batman and Superman. He thought about arguments he couldn't wait to have with her and the passionate way they would make up, matching the intensity of their tiff with their bodies.
Regardless of whether she knew it or not, Robin wanted to learn everything there was to know about Regina Mills. He never felt so strongly about another person in his entire existence. They were connected in some way, there was no sense in denying it. Could it be fate? Perhaps, if this were a fairytale. But whatever it was, he felt it and he was willing to follow it straight into her heart.
Regina entered the kitchen where Robin was deep in thought, scrubbing the dishes in the sink with greater force than was necessary. She watched him for a moment wondering what was on his mind. She allowed him the space to think, however, not willing to start another conversation that might end in tangled sheets, bodies entwined, hair disheveled, breath uneven...
She downed the rest of her wine, placing the glass gently on the counter and letting the bitter liquid flow smoothly down the back of her tongue. She really needed to go. Henry would be home soon and she couldn't afford to get caught up in another stimulating conversation with the Ivy League professor.
The sexy professor, she bit her lip as she drank in his appearance. What I wouldn't give to do a little teacher/student foreplay with this man. What? Snap out of it, Regina. Not the time or the place. But he really is beautiful. Beautiful? Yeah, I suppose that could describe him. Charming, dashing, brilliant. Right in front of me.
"Did you enjoy the lasagna? I made it myself," Robin joked and she cleared her mind to focus on him. They laughed and she even rolled her eyes slightly at his comment.
"Compliments to the chef," she chimed, raising her empty glass toward him.
"Would you care for a refill?"
"Oh no, I couldn't. I really should be going. Henry will be home soon and I'm sure you need to tend to that sleepy little boy," she nodded her head toward the couch were Roland was curled up, staring off into another world as he yawned and hugged his Superman action figure close.
"Yes, I suppose I do," he said with an affectionate smile directed at his son. She began to walk toward the door and heard him hurry his pace to escort her out. With her keys and phone secure in her pockets, she exited his apartment and turned to face him when he said, "Thank you for the lasagna. It was very kind of you to think of us."
"Oh, it was my pleasure," she smiled.
"I believe the pleasure was ours. It was delicious, Regina," he said and she blushed, accepting his compliment politely. "I'll be sure to return the dish once it's clean."
"You promise?" She questioned, eyebrow raised.
"On my honor," he stated, lifting his right hand and placing his left over his heart, resembling the way a witness is sworn in to testify in court. It was clever and Regina grinned acknowledging the reference.
"Thank you for inviting me. I had a wonderful time," she said, fidgeting with the keys in her pocket.
"Thank you for accepting. Until next time," he held his hand out for her to shake. She sighed with relief that he didn't try to hug her or kiss her in some way. She wasn't sure she was ready for that. Her body would melt into a puddle at his feet if he got any closer to her.
She shook his hand briefly and looked into his deep, blue eyes. Her heart tightened in her chest. This was the feeling she was describing during their discussion; the excruciating, torturous pain caused by the beauty of another human being.
Robin Locksley may be the cause of my imminent death, she thought and released his hand from her grip.
"Goodnight, Robin."
"Goodnight, Regina," he replied with a gentle smile, watching her turn and walk gracefully back to her home, admiring the way her hips swayed in her jeans.
She was restless; tossing and turning the entire night. Her thoughts were racing in her head, her heart pounding in her chest, and her desire for Robin's toned body pressed against hers throbbing between her legs.
This is ridiculous, she let out a frustrated groan as she kicked the blankets away from her now overheated body. Just ask him out for coffee or something. He clearly feels it too. Why does the man have to do it? You can do it. Maybe if you ask about coffee, he'll be more comfortable asking you out for dinner. Oh Regina, stop making yourself sick about this. You negotiate million dollar deals and you're awake at night over a man? This isn't you.
She sat up abruptly and flicked the switch of the lamp on her bedside table. She opened the drawer and pulled out the bag of dark chocolate candies.
Stress eating? What has become of you? She popped a truffle into her mouth and yielded her chewing when her thoughts shifted. Why does my subconscious sound so much like my mother?
Regina shook her head to clear the overwhelming amount of thoughts from her mind. She squinted her eyes in an attempt to read the time on her iPhone without struggling to find her glasses in the dark.
5:36. Might as well get up and shower. You can make Henry breakfast before school and, who knows, you might actually be on time for once.
Robin Locksley, you are a doctor of English at a prestigious American university. Why on Earth are you nervous to ask this woman on a date?
He couldn't sleep. Every time he felt even remotely close to drifting, he would wake with a start at the notion of propositioning Regina for a private, romantic dinner for two at Bella Notte in Central Park. He sat at his kitchen table with a glass of water between his hands to keep them from shaking. His body was warm from the anxiety of his reeling mind and the unbelievable, overbearing sexual fantasies he would picture every time he closed his eyes.
This woman is my Kryptonite, he sipped his water and shook his head in disbelief. I am Superman and she is some evil villain, forcing herself upon me to destroy me with her Kryptonian sex appeal. Christ, Robin. Keep it together, mate. Although I imagine that is an incredible feeling: to die mid-orgasm. That would quite literally be the physical manifestation of exactly what Regina spoke about tonight. A brilliant theory into Poe, I must say. Damn this blasted woman.
He glanced over at the clock on the stove after he finished the last of his beverage, wiping the corner of his mouth.
5:42. Get ready for work, Robin. Henry will be here in a little over an hour and you don't want to be late. He stood up and started toward the bathroom when his thoughts interrupted him. Perhaps you'll catch Regina on the elevator. You can ask her then. Or take her against those hand rails...
"Mom, I'm heading over to Robin's to pick up Roland. And don't forget it's Monday so I'll be there late tonight. I might bring him by for dinner, is that okay?" Henry called down the hall to his mother as she raced to get her hair and makeup finished.
"That's fine, honey. Can you do me a favor and put a K-cup in the coffeemaker for me? I'm running late," she called back.
"As usual," Henry muttered to himself shaking his head and doing as he was asked before calling back to her, "It's in. And I used a travel mug so you don't have that same incident on the subway."
A few months ago, Regina stumbled onto a busier subway car than she was used to (mostly because she was running later than she should have been) and couldn't find a seat. A particularly handsy and distraught homeless person grabbed her by the waist and she spilled the hot liquid all over herself. Luckily it was crowded so a good samaritan stood to help pry the man from her while another handed her a pack of tissues to dry her blouse.
"Thank you, Henry," she was finally hurrying her way down the hallway to meet him in the kitchen. "Text me when you get Roland and let me know what you guys want for dinner."
He nodded and she waved to him as he opened the door.
"Have a good day, sweetie," she said as the door closed. She rolled her eyes and muttered, "Teenagers."
Henry knocked on the door of the Locksley residence and heard a very excited Roland on the other side shouting, "He's here! He's here!"
It opened and Robin gestured for the teen to let himself in while he finished packing Roland's lunch. He closed the door behind him as he laughed at the seven year old, jumping up and down and pulling on the older boy's jeans.
"Okay, Henry. His lunch is here on the counter and his book bag is hanging on the other side of the closet door in the foyer there. He has to be at Central Park East Elementary for the last bell at 7:45 and school lets out usually around 3:15, but sometimes they run a bit late."
"Oh I remember. East is where I went to school. It's a bit of a walk, but worth it. One of the best schools in the area," the older boy said with pride and Roland smiled, feeling special for attending the same school as his friend.
"Do you attend Central Park High?" Robin asked as he gathered his briefcase.
"I was going to, but I was accepted to the Hunter College High. Now I can just attend Hunter when I complete the 12th grade free of charge. It's an awesome program."
"It sounds that way," he said and turned to talk to his son. "Be good for Henry and be sure to hold his hand and mind your manners. I'll try to be home to tuck you in."
"Okay, Dad. Love you," Roland smiled up at his father who was smiling back, matching dimples on their faces.
"I love you too, son," he kissed the top of his head and turned back to Henry. "There's money on the island for takeout if you don't feel like leftover lasagna later. I'll keep in touch about when my lecture gets out. Thank you again, lad."
"I'm happy to help," Henry said and followed Roland to his room as Robin walked out of the apartment.
Regina rushed to place the cover on her travel mug and carried it to the island, placing it down beside her phone when she remembered her lunch was sitting in the fridge. She released a frustrated groan and muttered to herself when she reached inside.
"You wake up an hour early and you're still late."
She held her lunchbox and kicked the refrigerator door closed, hurrying to the front door with her purse and leaving the apartment. Her hips swayed with each quick step she took down the hall toward the elevator. She pushed the button and waited impatiently for it to arrive. For a moment she contemplated taking the stairs, but decided against it when she looked down at her pumps. She reached into her purse to text August that she was on her way.
Shit, she huffed and started racing back down the hallway. She left her phone and coffee sitting on the counter. She knew she should slow down so she wouldn't fall, but the only concern she had was grabbing her iPhone and making it back to the elevator before it left.
Her breath was caught in her chest as she ran into a hard surface. The impact left her breathless as she gasped for air. She picked up too much momentum when she was running that she went tumbling forward and landed on top of the culprit with a heavy thud.
Her head was pounding, not realizing she smacked it as her neck whipped forward against a particularly tough surface. Did she run into a door? No, those opened inward. Did she smack her head on the floor? Not the floor. It was too soft to be the floor.
"Regina? Regina, are you alright?" Her eyes were closed until she realized she recognized the voice through the ringing in her ears. They shot open wide and her heart pounded in her chest at the sight below her, still fighting to catch her breath.
"Robin?!" She leaned her hands on either side of him and tried to stand, but winced in pain.
"Regina, just take a minute," he pleaded.
"I'm late for work. I forgot my phone," she was rambling, the lights burning her eyes and the pounding in her head increasing. "And I'm on top of you, Robin."
"I'm rather comfortable so please," his voice was nearly a whisper now, "don't rush."
There was a stirring in her core that made it even harder to breathe than it already was.
"What hurts?" He asked from below her. From below her! Regina couldn't believe it. She was bright red with embarrassment. She ran right into him. They were on the floor in the middle of the hallway of their apartment building. It was clearly not her day.
"My head," she buried her face into his shoulder to block out the light. His shoulder! That's probably what was responsible for this massive headache. "And my chest."
He wrapped his arms around her hesitantly, but when she didn't protest he ran his hands up and down her back hoping it would soothe her and help her breathe. He couldn't help himself; he smiled. The feeling of holding her in his arms, soothing her, was indescribable. He didn't realize how much he longed for this, for her, until this very moment.
"Did I hurt you?" She asked, her voice muffled by his shirt bringing him out of his daze.
"A small sting in my shoulder and I'm sure I'll be feeling it in my back later. Nothing I can't handle," he replied. Regina nodded and started to lean up, but he added quickly, "But, I could fake a broken bone if it means we can stay like this for a moment longer."
Regina wanted to kiss him. She was able to tolerate the light and focus her gaze on his face finally. He was smiling. His arms were around her. As mortifying as the situation was for her, she was comfortable with him. Something about this, about them, felt right. She could have kissed him too, but something inside her led her down a different path.
"Do you want to grab a drink with me sometime?" The words were out before she could stop them and at this point, she didn't want to. She was tired of flirting. She was tired of the game. She wanted to be with him, get to know him. She wanted to allow herself to fall in love again. Maybe it was with him. Maybe it wasn't. But this is how she would find out.
"My lecture gets out at seven tonight. Meet me at the university?"
"Sure," she smiled, relief washing over her that they were going to make this happen.
"How do you feel?" He asked, reaching his hand up to her face and rubbing the bump on her forehead softly with his thumb.
"I've been worse," she said and Robin laughed. When she was able to sit up, he stood and held his hands out for her. She looked up at him and took his hands, allowing him to help her to her feet. She misjudged his strength and put too much effort into standing that she ended up falling against his chest.
They froze, Robin's arms wrapped around Regina's waist and her hands resting on his chest. Their eyes locked and nothing else existed, but the person in front of them. Regina could hear her heart pounding in her ears, her eyes getting lost in the sea of blue she stared into with an obvious expression of longing.
"You better get going. Don't want you to be late," he whispered softly, never allowing his eyes to leave hers. She nodded, realizing she was going to look like a fool arriving to her meeting this late, but she couldn't avert her gaze. He released his arms from around her and bent down to pick up their belongings. He held out her purse, "See you tonight."
She took her bag and started walking toward her apartment. Robin walked to the stairs, needing to take them in order to make it to campus in time for his first class. At the end of the hall he turned to catch one last glimpse of her and caught her looking back at him from her apartment door, both smiling before disappearing into the reality of their busy days.