A/N: It is so great to be back working on this story that quickly became one of my personal favorites that I've written. I'm sorry I've been MIA on my writing. Work and personal stuff have had my attention. But, I'm back and want you all to know that I am going to continue writing for SQ for years to come! :) This chapter as I know the next one will, too- had me smiling. Happy reading!
A quick side note, please DO NOT ask to use this story or any of my other works in other fandoms. I write for SQ only. Thank you.
Chapter 49: Emma
I had caught Regina up on everything that had been said by my mom, including me letting out the fact that Regina was Audrey's mother. I was still fuming from my argument with my mom, but I wasn't about to let that or anything come in between mine and Regina's time together. Regina, ever so humble and understanding, was willing to listen to whatever tormented me on our drive back to Portland.
"Her reaction was normal as a mother, Emma. I'm sure once you've given each other your space, she will come around." Said Regina.
I was counting on that, too. Honestly, I hated being angry at my mom.
"Yeah." My window was rolled down, because I loved the breeze that driving created. My elbow propped along the window frame, my index and middle fingers on my temples while my other wrist casually rested along the steering wheel. Good thing the drive back to Portland was enough time for me to clear my head.
I would have been more than happy to spend time with Regina at the Orchard or anywhere. But taking her back to my hometown was something so overwhelming and exciting at once. I envisioned that when the time came and I introduced Regina to my parents, they would welcome her like they welcomed Lily and Audrey once in their lives. Perhaps they would- especially my mother- once she had more time to think things over. If there was one thing I was sure of, was that she hated staying angry with me, too.
Click! I turn to the sound of what could only be my camera and am surprised when I see Regina holding it up, having just taken my picture. "What are you doing?" I ask, chuckling after.
"Taking your picture. Or what? Don't photographers such as yourself like being on the other side of the lens for once?" As Regina smirks, so do I. I can't help it. Regina looks so beautiful, so happy; it instantly fills me with happiness.
Regina didn't have to worry about anything for these couple of days that we would be together. She never would have to worry about me laying a single hand on her in anger, and/or disrespect. All I wanted was to love this woman and let her know how much I really valued and appreciated her.
But the smile that I had stretched along my lips vanished as soon as my eyes noticed some faint bruising along Regina's forearm. Shortly after, Regina's own line of sight followed mine, looking down at her bruised forearm which she then placed along her lap in an ever-so-calming manner. Her hand reached up for the sleeve of her purple flannel and pulled it down to cover the bruising.
"Sidney stepped in before it could get worse." Regina said this to me as if that was supposed to make her bruising better or by all means, acceptable. It didn't. As my frown deepens, Regina's body shifts a little in the passenger seat. "Come on, cheer up. We're together. Isn't that what's supposed to matter right now and not Chief Irons, as you like to call him?" She reaches for my hand and I can't help but smile again.
It's amazing how the person you love can calm even the roughest of storms happening within you.
Regina was right. Nothing- not even that asshole- mattered right now. All that mattered was that we were together and finally, and most importantly- a couple. I never imagined myself having an affair with a married woman, much less falling in love with one. But here we were. Here I was, unspeakably, remarkably and devotedly in love. And I regretted nothing, because I would be sure to give Regina everything that Leopold White could never give her. I would make her happy, and I appreciate everything about her like no one ever has. And hopefully- if I played my cards right- I would make Regina fall equally and head over heels in love with me.
Regina was mine now, even with that ring on her finger. A ring which I would someday replace with my own. Inside I was smiling at the thought that instantly crossed my mind. Regina and I… Married. With a home of our own, a life together that she could look forward to everyday and not try to run from it. A life where I would spend my hours, minutes, and seconds loving her. Caring for her. I take damn good care of what's mine.
I laced my fingers along with Regina's, intertwining them, feeling them fit just right. Once I replaced my left hand to hold the steering wheel, to be able to hold onto Regina's hand, I brought her knuckles up to my lips, pressing them there, followed along her forearm where her bruising had set. One great thing about my old beetle is that the seats were very close together, enough that I could extend my arm out toward Regina, welcoming her in my embrace which she so happily accepted and snuggled herself up to. And as her smile grows so does mine. I feel the warmth of Regina's body next to mine, followed by her head lying against my shoulder. I kiss the top of her head as I continue to drive.
As much as I was dying to show Regina around Portland- and I would- I stopped at August's apartment first with the mindset of giving her a chance to rest and give her time to settle before we plan anything out for the day. We had arrived in Portland at a good hour, so there was plenty of time for us to go out and sight see. Not that Portland was anything or even remotely as big as Boston was, but it was still a great town.
I realized that having Regina here didn't make me worry about us running into Audrey as much as it should. Deep in the back of my mind, I did worry about that. But what good would it do Regina if she saw me panic over it? And besides, if Regina was brave enough to decide she wanted to spend time with me here- then I needed to be just as brave. Audrey would never come around to August's apartment. Of that I was sure of, and I knew a couple of places to take Regina where I knew Audrey wouldn't be. Plus, I knew she liked to keep busy with school almost starting up by next week.
I pull open the hood of my car and reach for Regina's luggage before taking her by the hand once again, smiling from ear to ear as I guide her up the familiar stairs that would lead us toward August's apartment.
"I could carry my own luggage, you know." Said Regina with a smile of her own.
I smile, "You're my guest, which means these days that we're together are all about you. Which means, no carrying your own luggage."
Regina grins as I continue through the familiar trail that would lead us to the apartment. I've stayed in his apartment before (never with Audrey, or anyone else) but if there was someone August trusted with a copy to his apartment key, it was me. And I was grateful. One of the greatest things about where August lived was that it was a quiet environment. Plus, the beach was at walking distance, so if Regina ever wanted to go, we could. I blink, trying to vanish every thought of her in a bikini. Right now wasn't the moment to get turned on.
As we reached the second floor, slightly to the right there was August's red door with a bold black letter and number 2B.
"Here we are." I said, bending down and lifting the welcome mat below my feet where I reached for the spare key August left me. I insert the key into the lock and turn the knob.
"Are you sure it's alright for us to stay here?" I turn to Regina as she asks this.
"I'm sure. I figured it was better than staying at my parent's. And here we get to be alone without bothering anyone." I replied.
"What about August?" Asks Regina.
My brow furrows, "What about him?" I ask.
"Well, aren't we bothering him by using his apartment for the weekend?" She asks.
"Nah. Don't worry about that. Besides, he's staying with his father so he's good." I smile, remembering what I promised August. "And I did agree that if I ever need a new lung, I'm using that money to buy him a new Harley, so he owes me this." I push open the apartment door and my hand rests along Regina's back, guiding her to step inside. Once She's inside, I flicker on the light to the entrance and shut the door.
August's apartment was simple and just his style for a man in his twenties, living the single life. I take in the apartment along with Regina, as if I am seeing it for the first time, but really, I am taking in a few beer bottles along the coffee table, followed by a bag of chips that was left open. There were also a few Playstation games scattered along the table and I can't help but shake my head a little. I told this fucker to clean up. Suddenly, I started to wonder if bringing Regina back here to August's bachelor apartment was such a good idea. Maybe I should take her to a hotel, or suggest we go stay at the Orchard.
Possibly after seeing it, Regina changes her mind and decides she doesn't want to have a relationship with me anymore. That we are better off just calling it quits and- no! I blink the thoughts away. I couldn't think like that. If Regina wanted to come all this way here to spend some time with me, this is where we would stay. She didn't strike me as the type to want to call it quits over a simple and small apartment. Besides, one good thing about August's place was the gorgeous view of the beach that you could see throughout the giant window that took you out onto his little terrace.
One of these days, I wanted a place of my own with a terrace of my own. Except mine will be bigger and perfect for two people. But I was getting way ahead of myself. Right now, I had to clean this mess up and probably say something to Regina regarding the apartment. After all, she was used to living in luxury.
"It's nothing like your house, but it's a place to spend the weekend." I said, feeling my cheeks turn a slight pink.
Regina, ever kind-hearted, simply smiles at me and shakes her head. "I like it. It has character." She replies.
Character? August would get a kick out of that one. "Are you sure? Because we can go somewhere else-" I am just about to suggest that hotel room when Regina jumps right in.
"Emma. It's perfect." Said Regina, and I believe her.
"Really?" I still have to ask, smiling smittingly once Regina nods. But what really stops my heart is every time Regina leans in, presses her lips against mine and kisses me. I turn to face the living room, and groan once I immediately notice the mess August left behind. "August," I murmur, rushing over to clean up the mess, starting with a couple of empty beer bottles. "Sorry. I told him to clean up. You just make yourself at home." I tell Regina.
Regina chuckles, "Boys will be boys." She murmurs, entering the living room.
I came right back into the living room after having tossed the empty beer bottles inside the trash can, which I was surprised to have found out, August actually owned one. I walk past Regina, quickly picking up a couple of video game cases and placed them in their rightful place.
"Okay, well, what should we-" My eyes grow like saucers upon seeing the playboy magazine Regina was silently flipping through. "Sorry-" I feel my cheeks burn with embarrassment as I quickly snatch the magazine out of Regina's hand. "Don't look at that." I search for where to put the magazine and decide to pull out one of his desk drawers, throwing it in.
Fucking August. I am going to murder him when I see him. The least he could have done was get rid of that damn magazine that he keeps around for his own entertainment before I brought Regina over here. I couldn't even imagine what went through Regina's mind while she was flipping through the pages of that thing. And come to think of it, I didn't want to know.
"So…" I make my way back to Regina, rubbing my hands that are surprisingly sweaty along my jeans. Why the fuck was I so nervous all of a sudden? "Are you hungry? We can go out to eat or order in. Whatever you want to do."
If Regina just wanted to sit here and talk the rest of the day away, I'd be open to it. Her desire was my command.
"Not at the moment. Thank you. But, I believe I remember you promising me a date." There's a little smile setting at the corners of her beautiful lips.
"The date. Right." I smile, unable to help myself. "Well, the bathroom's through there." I point to the small hallway that would take Regina into the direction of the bathroom that I pray to God didn't have any of August's underwear on the floor. "There's towels and everything you need. I'll let you shower first. In the meantime, I'm going to step out for a bit. I should be back in about," I look down at my watch, calculating how much time I would take. "Ten, maybe fifteen minutes."
Regina smiles again and I can't help to lean in until our lips meet in a chaste kiss goodbye. I would never get tired of kissing her in any way or form. I've been happy before, but I've never felt so high from happiness as I marched out the door. My feet raced so fast down the stairs and to my car as I drove out to Mrs. Patterson's Flower Shop. If Regina and I were going to have our first official date as a couple, this was going to be done right.
I was going to buy her the most beautiful bouquet of the reddest roses, and suggest to Regina that we go dancing. I know how much she liked dancing now that she was picking it up quite nicely. As I drove through town, my smile widened as I remembered the first night I had convinced Regina to dance with me at that night club back in Boston. And tonight, and hopefully for long years to come, Regina and I would be dancing freely as a couple. Without any worries of Chief Irons or Audrey interfering.
Apart from dancing I thought that maybe some dinner wouldn't be a bad idea; which on the drive to Portland, we both agreed was a good idea. Or maybe I would take her to that drive-in, give her something new to experience that she never had before. Whatever we did, I would make sure Regina had the best time here, with me.
I park right in front of Mrs. Patterson's shop, marching my way right inside and I'm greeted by her bright smile. "Emma! I heard you were back in Portland from your stay in Boston."
"Hi, Mrs. Patterson." I smile, browsing the different selections of rose bouquets that were on display. Mrs. Patterson's shop was small but her business was always booming.
"How was your summer?" She asks me, placing her book along the counter, removing her red reading glasses, allowing them to hang along her chest by their chain.
"It was wonderful, Mrs. Patterson." I grin.
"Wonderful?" Her brow lifts and she makes her way out from behind her counter very quickly, walking toward me. "That's quite the expression."
I lean into the reddest bouquet of roses and take a whiff. It's true what they say. When you're in love everything looks and smells heavenly. But nothing would ever be more beautiful than Regina.
My smile impossibly widens as I turn to Mrs. Patterson. "I'm going to need your best bouquet of roses today, Mrs. Patterson, and possibly for every day of the rest of my life."
Her brow lifts once again, "Emma Swan. If I didn't know any better, I would guess that you are foolishly in love." She wags her wrinkled finger in front of my face.
"Guilty." I've been grinning so much, my cheeks have become used to the slight burn around them.
Mrs. Patterson gasps, placing a hand along her chest dramatically. Her eyes are bright blue and wide. "I knew it!" She grins. "You have that unmistakable glow about you."
I pull out a red rose from one of the solo vases and bring it up to my nose as I continue my journey along the shop.
"So, looks like things between that girlfriend of yours and yourself are moving into a more serious direction, huh?" Her brows wiggle up and down.
I frown slightly, but don't let it sit along my lips for long, replacing it with a gentle smile. "Actually, Mrs. Patterson, Audrey and I broke up." I said.
"Oh, no…" Mrs. Patterson's hand lands on my shoulder sympathetically. "But, Audrey was such a nice girl. What happened? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Mrs. Patterson. It was the right decision. And I couldn't be happier about it." I nod, delivering her another smile that shows off my happiness. "To be honest, I was the one who decided to call it quits with Audrey."
"Oh." Mrs. Patterson's head tilts. "Well, I'm sure you had your reasons."
"And a very big one." I nod. "Named Regina." My tongue would never tire of sounding out Regina's name.
"Regina?" Mrs. Patterson beams. "Emma Swan, are you telling me that finally, one girl has captured your heart?" Her white teeth glare in my direction as her grin widens.
My smile mirrors hers. "It looks that way." I bring the rose up to my nose, taking another whiff of it and automatically think of Regina. I hope she finds her way around the bathroom okay and doesn't have a run in with more of August's playboy issues.
"I can't believe it." Mrs. Patterson's arms cross along her chest. "Emma Swan in love! I never thought I'd see the day."
I chuckle as I walk along the shop, surfing along for the perfect bouquet of roses. "You and I both."
"So, what's this new girl like? Is she pretty? Oh, what am I saying here? She must be! Tell me all about her." Mrs. Patterson follows close behind me.
"All in good time, Mrs. Patterson." I don't think it's fair to Regina for me to spring on everyone that she is Audrey's mom. Regina was my girlfriend, and as such, she didn't have to be introduced as Audrey's mom. She was more than just Audrey's mom to me. Regina was her own person with her own identity and I wanted her to know that.
"Oh, come now! You can't keep her a mystery from me. Besides, who am I going to tell?" Mrs. Patterson waves her hand in the air.
I grin, "All I can tell you is that she is the most gorgeous, kind, smart, and toughest woman on the planet." I sigh dreamily, possibly looking like a fool but I didn't care. "Regina's special. She's been through a lot in her life and I really want our relationship to work. Show her that not everyone within this world is a cruel human being, you know."
Mrs. Patterson nods sympathetically. "She's had her heart broken way too many times in the past?"
"Something like that." I also don't think it's everyone's business to know what she goes through with Chief Irons. That was up to Regina to tell whoever she wanted to tell.
"Well," Mrs. Patterson's hand lands on my shoulder again. "If anyone is perfect for this girl, it's you." Her smile reaches her eyes. "And I hope you two are very happy together."
"Thank you." I smile appreciatively.
"And, who knows? Maybe next time I see you, you'll be coming in here buying flowers for your wedding." Mrs. Patterson gives a wink over her shoulder as she's walking her way toward a fresh-brought-in bouquet of the reddest roses I've ever seen in my life.
I chuckle, keeping my thoughts to myself. Marriage? And to Regina. My mind does wander to the possibility of someday marrying Regina. I know, I know. It's too soon to be thinking about marriage, and under different circumstances with someone else, I wouldn't be caught dead thinking about marriage. But with Regina… I'm surprised to admit that the idea of marriage doesn't seem bad at all.
However, the question remains: Would she want to marry me?
I shake my head, wiping off the thoughts on marriage like an etch-a-sketch board and concentrate on today. "One thing at a time, Mrs. Patterson." I told her.
Mrs. Patterson grins wickedly at me. "Here," she hands me the bouquet she picked out, cradling them in my arms. "Give her these. They just came in a few minutes ago. She will love them."
A smile stretches across my lips as I take a whiff of them. They smelled heavenly, too. Even better than the others. "I'll take them." I reach for my wallet, feeling Mrs. Patterson's hand wrap along my wrist.
"Oh, no. Please. On the house." She beams at me.
"I can't do that, Mrs. Patterson." I shake my head.
"Yes, you can. Now, go," she grabs me by my shoulders, rotates me and shoves me in the direction of the door. "Don't leave her alone. Women hate waiting."
I chuckle, pushing the door along with my shoulder. "Thank you, Mrs. Patterson. It was great seeing you."
"It was wonderful seeing you, Emma." Mrs. Patterson stands by the door, waving goodbye to me. "Say hi to your mother for me. And tell David I expect to see him back here real soon."
"I will." I march happily to my car. Mrs. Patterson's right. I shouldn't keep Regina waiting. I move over to the passenger door, hear it creak as I pull it open. I bend down, laying the bouquet carefully along the seat. Regina will love these.
"Emma." I rise up, whirling around to the sound of the voice behind me.
"Lily?" My eyes are wide, surprised to see her standing before me. "What are you doing back in Portland? I thought you were in Boston."
"I still am. But I came back to visit my dad. He's been restoring our old house." Lily smiles.
"Oh. Well, that's great." I reply.
Lily's eyes look down, inside my car, into the direction of the bouquet. "Beautiful roses."
I turn my head towards them before shutting the door. "Thanks." I look up at Lily.
"Who's the lucky girl? Anyone I know?" Lily asks.
"No. No, not personally." I keep my cards close to my chest around Lily.
"It's not that woman I saw you with in the bookstore and then the club the other night, is it?" Lily asks.
"Regina." I replied.
Lily's brows skyrocket. "Wow. I never pictured you with an older woman." I remain quiet, and Lily frowns. "Listen, Emma. I'm glad I ran into you. I want to apologize for Neal's stupid behavior that night at the club. That was… Well, we can both fill in the blank on that one, can't we?"
I chuckle softly, "Yes, we can." I look down at my shoes for a minute before looking back up at Lily.
"I really am sorry, Emma. And not just for… For Neal, but… Well, I guess I never apologized for High School-"
"Lily," I held up my hand, halting her apology that I found myself no longer needing. "Don't worry about it. It's ancient history. I was angry at you for what happened for a long time, but I'm done with that. I mean it, we're both adults now and I'm with a great woman. You are living your life, and everyone's happy." I give her a little smile for comfort.
Lily's eyes brighten, and a smile stretches across her lips. "Wow. Well, this Regina must be really something for you to have let this go."
My smile grows. My chest puffs out as I draw in a deep breath and let it out sharply. "She is."
"Well, she's certainly lucky to have someone like you. I mean, I should know." Lily chuckles, her hands tucking within her pockets. "You are definitely one in a million, Emma."
"Thanks, but, I don't know about one in a million." I try not to let a blush creep up my cheeks.
"No, believe me. I do." Lily is serious this time, and I can tell from the sparkle in her eye. "There wasn't a day I didn't regret losing you over such a stupid thing."
"Ancient history, Lily." I shake my head. We are silent for a moment before I look down at my watch. "Well, I'm sorry to rush off, but I really should-" I swing my thumb over my shoulder.
"Yeah, of course." Lily brushes back a strand of hair, taking a step back as I pull open the driver's seat door and make my way inside my car. She leans over my open window, along the passenger side door. "Listen, Emma…" My eyes meet with hers. "If you ever want to have a cup of coffee or lunch sometime, I'd like very much if we could catch up."
I face forward before I turn back to Lily, "Maybe. It won't be any time soon to be honest, but… Sure. Lunch would be great."
Lily smiles a little, "Great." Her eyes look down to the roses again. "She really is a lucky woman."
I smile a little. "I'd have to disagree. I'm the lucky one."
"Of course." Lily grins. She stands upright and waves at me. "See you around?"
"See ya." I nod and turn the key in my ignition. As I do, Lily finally walks away. My phone rings, I reach into my pocket to get it and see David's name flash across the screen. I swipe my thumb along the answer button. "Hello?"
"Hey, kiddo. How's it going?" He asks me, calm as ever.
"Hey, David. Pretty good. I'm heading over to August's apartment right now. Regina and I are going out for the day." I tell him, driving out onto the road and in the direction of August's place.
"That's wonderful, kiddo."
"What's up?"
"Well, funny thing… I was talking to your mother just a few minutes ago, and don't ask me how, but she was wondering if maybe you'd like to bring Regina over for dinner tonight. She's making her famous pot roast."
My brows rise. My mom wanted to invite Regina and I to dinner? I already know David must have convinced her, and maybe calmed things down. "Dinner would be great. I'll have to check if that's something Regina would want to do, though. I'm not going to force her if she isn't ready for something like that." I said.
After what happened between my mom and I, I wouldn't blame Regina if she didn't want to accept her invitation to dinner. And I wouldn't force it upon her.
"That seems reasonable to me, kiddo. We'll see you tonight, if anything changes, just call and let us know."
I turn right at the end of the street, "Alright, I will. Bye, David." As David says bye, I hang up and tuck my phone back into my pocket.
My mom means well, and I know that her heart is in the right place. I would love nothing more than for her to give Regina a chance and get to know her. But also that made me just a bit nervous. Not that I would show that in front of Regina.
I am able to park in the same spot once I arrive back at August's apartment building. I reach for the bouquet of roses, cradling it in one of my arms. I shove my keys inside my jacket pocket as I walk back up the stairs. I reach for August's spare key and insert it into the lock, poking my head inside carefully, "Gina?" I called out.
"I'm nearly ready!" I can hear her reply coming from down the hallway, and I could assume she was in August's bedroom. I shut the door once I enter and hide the bouquet behind my back as I wait for Regina to enter the living room.
I couldn't wait to give her these flowers that were beautiful. No more beautiful than Regina, but they still got the job done.
"You'll never believe what happened on my way back over here-" my voice is lost in the abyss, or somewhere behind my throat as my eyes take in Regina's beautiful figure standing before me. She was dressed in a casual long skirt that formed part of a sleeveless white top. It was a casual dress that was perfect for an out-and-about type of day. She was fucking perfect in every way. Very perfect that my heart exploded as soon as it was near her. Her skirt fell gracefully along her legs, ending right at her calves, past her knees. The neckline of the dress was shaped like a V, exposing her collar bone, still keeping her cleavage well hidden. Good. Because the last thing I wanted was for some creeps' eyes wandering in that direction. Although, I wouldn't blame any wandering eyes swinging in her direction. To complete her look, Regina wore her denim jacket that I once saw on Audrey, and I had to admit, it looked way better on Regina. She took my fucking breath away and I couldn't complain about it.
"Oh, wow." I breathe out, so sharply my chest aches in a good way. Not that I didn't know this before, but in the moment I realize even more how lucky I am to have someone like Regina in my life.
Having her stand before me like this, looking absolutely breathtaking made me realize just how in love I was and continued to become with her. How can anyone not want to take care of a woman like Regina? Keep her by their side? That asshole Leopold was a lunatic for not enjoying his wife. And I was the luckiest to have the pleasure to just stand in front of her.
Hell. Just because I didn't want to ruin the surprise bouquet of roses behind my back, if not, I would neglect them along the floor and drop to my knees right in front of Regina right now and bow at her feet. If my legs could even remember how to move.
"What is it?" Regina looks over herself with slight panic in her eyes. "Is this too much?"
"Too much?" I huff out a chuckle. Was she kidding? "Regina, nothing that you wear could ever be described as 'too much.'" I let out a sigh that allows my spirit to re-enter my body. "In fact, I don't even think that's something that should belong in our day to day vocabulary. You look so fucking gorgeous."
Regina's cheeks turn crimson red. A color I don't mind seeing on her either. "Thank you. I wanted to look my best for you." She said.
Mission accomplished, my queen. "Oh, you do. Believe me." I smile like an idiot in love, forgetting all about the flowers behind my back. "Oh, I bought you something." I hold the roses before Regina and love how bright her eyes become at the sight of them.
And yes- I realize I said bought instead of mentioning that Mrs. Patterson practically gave them to me. My mind was blinded by Regina's beauty.
"For me?" Regina's smile grows once I nod, and God smite me if she doesn't look more and more beautiful. She reaches for the bouquet. "They're beautiful. But, Emma you didn't have to-"
"I know I didn't have to. It's not a 'have to' kind of thing." I cut in, grinning from ear to ear. My eyes don't dare to look away from how beautiful my girl is. "I want these days to be perfect for you, no matter what's ahead."
Regina steps before me, closer and places a daring but chaste kiss along my lips. Her lipstick always feels so good as it rubs off on my lips. "It already is perfect, Emma. Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet." I chuckle. "I have to tell you something. So, while I was out, David called me and told me that he had a long chat with my mother. And now it turns out she's come to her senses and has invited us over for dinner tonight."
"Dinner?" There's a small shock in Regina's tone of voice. She takes a step back. "Oh."
"Don't worry," I held out my hand, quick to reassure her. "I told David I would see how you felt about it first. So, if you say no, that's totally fine. We can always go out to eat like we had planned."
"No," Regina shakes her head, and a crease forms in between her brow like she's deep in thought. It was sexy to look at. Her lips thin out but she gives me a smile that I can tell was created by nerves. She was nervous. And who were we kidding? I was, too. "I'd love to have dinner with your parents, Emma." She said to me. "I really would. Even though I must confess, I am caught by surprise here."
"Yeah, no kidding. Imagine my surprise." I said.
Regina lets out a nervous chuckle, "Yeah."
"Gina," I move in, reaching for Regina's free hand and my eyes lock onto hers in the most gentle and loving way possible. "You don't have to do this." I assure her.
Regina gives me a gentle but nervous smile and her hand cups along my cheek in a loving manner. "Ever since we decided to give us a try, you've given me so many choices to choose from, Emma. Something I've never been able to do. And I thank you for that. A million times over, I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you." I feel the gentle caress of Regina's thumb along my cheek. "And if your mother was kind enough to reach out and invite us over to dinner. Who am I to deny her of that? As terrified as I am that I'll be meeting your parents as your… Girlfriend."
I laugh a little at the way Regina says the word girlfriend. There was a cringe in her voice that just made it adorable. I reach for her wrist and press my lips on the inside of it, giving her skin a soft and loving kiss. "You better get used to calling yourself that, because that's what you are." I stare deeply into Regina's eyes as I say, "You're my everything, Regina. And tonight my parents will see just that." I smile. "You have absolutely nothing to be nervous about because I'm going to be beside you all night. And I promise you, my parents will love you. Because I love you."
I would never get fucking tired saying those three words to Regina.
Regina's and my head tilt mutually, our lips meeting in not one, but two soft and mutual kisses. I swear to you, every single time I kissed Regina that way- or any way- my heart was ready to jump out of my chest like a living horror movie.
"I'm going to go shower and get ready, you put those in water and then we can leave." I nod and smile. I place another slow but quick kiss along Regina's lips, never having enough of kissing her, before I head into August's bedroom to gather some of my clothes for a shower.
I needed a shower alright. A cold one. After kissing Regina like that, and feeling what a spectacular kisser she was, plus sight seeing that spectacular outfit she was wearing, my mind began to wander about so many possibilities with Regina. It wasn't a surprise how much Regina turned me on, but I had to remind myself to be good around her and on my best behavior. I couldn't screw this relationship up, by any means.
But I couldn't stop thinking about when we would take our relationship to the next level either. How beautiful and perfect Regina would look naked. Like a work of art that was only for me to appreciate. Fuck me. Not even the cold water that rained over me succeeded to brush away the thoughts of naked Regina.
I reached for the bar of soap and allowed the spuds to begin coating my naked and wet body. I pass the bar of soap along my breasts and along my stomach. I hear a thud clank along the tile as the soap slips out of my hand for me to continue its journey down to my throbbing sex. I slip two fingers inside of me and it's all over.
The things a woman like Regina does to me was beyond earth shattering.