A/N Thanks to all who read, reviewed, etc. Mistakes are mine, will re-upload later.

(Aspen)

Regina Mills was almost to her finance's Daniel's home to surprise him. She had taken a few days off from her job as a lawyer to go see him. He had moved to Denver with his job as a graphic designer. They had met towards the end of college and been together ever since. They had gotten engaged a few months ago and were planning a wedding next summer.

That was until, about four hours ago when she had walked into his home to find him in bed….with her own sister of all people!

"Regina!" Daniel had yelled and shoved Zelena off him.

"Oh my god." Zelena said.

"This..can't be happening." Regina stammered out. She had to be dreaming, this couldn't really be happening to her.

"Regina, I can explain…" Daniel said as he stumbled out of the bed, grabbing the sheet to cover himself.

"I think I got it down pat. How long have you two been sleeping together?" Regina asked.

When he was silent, she slapped him. "Tell me!"

"It just happened." Daniel answered.

"Did not!" Zelena said.

"Shut up! I'm not talking to you. You are dead to me." Regina said to her sister before turning back to Daniel. "And you, I trusted you. I loved you, how could you do this to me? We were going to get married."

"We are. This doesn't mean anything." Daniel said.

"You asshole!" Zelena threw a pillow at him.

"If you think I'm going to spend my life, much less another second with either of you, you're mistaken. I never want to see either of you ever again. You two deserve one another." Regina said as she turned and made to leave.

"Regina, wait!" Daniel said as he grabbed her arm.

Regina turned around and kneed him right in the groin. "You bastard!" She then removed her engagement ring and flung it at him on the floor.

Regina headed back to her car and called her best friend Emma Jones on the phone. She answered on the first ring. "Regina, how was the surprise?"

"Life changing." Regina said.

"Excuse me?" Emma asked.

"Never mind. How is Henry?" Henry was Regina's godson, she was like a second mother to him since the moment they knew about him.

"He's holding his own right now." Emma answered. Henry had been diagnosis with Leukemia three years ago and was now waiting for a bone marrow match. He had undergone chemo and radiation, which destroys the faulty stem cells in your bone marrow. It also suppresses your body's immune system so that it won't attack the new stem cells after the transplant. He was on the list for a match for bone marrow, both his parents had been tested but there was no match as of yet. Regina had also been tested and been heartbroken to know that she couldn't help her godson. She would do anything for him.

"Is there anything I can do?" Regina asked.

"A Christmas Miracle," Emma said trying to sound light. Christmas was only three weeks away, and Henry was trying to be excited for the holiday, but being in the hospital so much lately, wasn't helping him keep his Christmas spirit up.

"I'm all out of believing in miracles anymore." Regina said.

"Regina, what is going on? Why aren't you with Daniel?" Emma asked.

"He's too busy screwing Zelena," Regina answered, banging her hand on the steering wheel.

"What?" Emma asked.

"Yes. I walked in on Zelena riding him right out of my life." Regina said.

"Oh, Regina. I'm so sorry." Emma said.

"It's alright. I'm just going to go find a hotel for the weekend. I don't want to be home where any of my family can find me for a few days." Regina said.

"Regina, why don't you come and stay with us?" Emma offered. "We won't be there a whole lot, but you're more than welcome to our home."

"I just don't think I should be around anyone right now. I just need a few days, or weeks." Regina said, not knowing how she was eventually have to be around her family for the upcoming holidays.

"Hey, what about going to our cabin?" Emma offered.

"What about it?" Regina asked.

"It's perfect! It's somewhat secluded and only a few hours away from here." Emma said.

"It's in Aspen right?" Regina asked.

"Yes. Regina, please go there. It will do you good and give you time to clear your head." Emma said.

"But, I can't go. I can't leave you and Henry right now." Regina said. "I'm just being too selfish and-"

"No, you are not. Now, I'm speaking on behalf of Killian and myself along with Henry, and we want you to go and stay as long as you need to. And if you need us, call us or come home. I'll kick Killian out of the bed, and you're more and welcome to stay with us." Emma said.

"Emma, thank you. Thank all of you. If you need me to come and help with anything with Henry, just call me." Regina said.

Emma promised that she would and sent Regina the directions to the cabin. It took Regina about three and a half hours to drive there, as she drove her heart was in all sorts of emotions. She was hurt over Daniel and Zelena's betrayals. But she also felt a small sense of relief. While she did love Daniel, she hadn't been in love with him in quite some time.

But that being said, it still hurt! It hurt that he didn't just end it if he wanted to sleep with someone else. It hurt to have that person be her own sister. Why couldn't people be with the one person that they want to spend their lives with anymore these days? If people want open relationships, that's fine for them, but not for her.

She wanted to be the reason why someone's heart beat.

Regina shook her head realizing how silly she was being. There would never be someone like that for her. Never be someone that she would ever lower her guard to, to trust again. No one that would ever love her back.

"I'll never love again. And no one will ever love me." Regina said to herself as she continued to drive towards the cabin. As she kept driving, Zelena, then their mother kept calling Regina. Regina refused to answer either as she knew that Cora would just make excuses to Regina about Zelena. She kept going over what signs she might have missed with Zelena and Daniel.

It didn't matter. She was through with love.

"Down with love." Regina said as she kept driving.

A few hours later she finally arrived at the cabin. And it was a good thing as the snow was beginning to come down really hard now. She brought her luggage in as she entered the cabin, turning on the lights and putting some wood in the fireplace, lighting it quickly, the room filled with a soft warm glow. She then went upstairs to where two of the bedrooms were and choosing the bigger one, she put her luggage away, before changing into some lounge clothes. She ate a small bite, then opened up some wine and poured her a glass.

"I can't believe they did this to me. Why not just tell me up front?" Regina asked herself as she continued to drink her wine. Pouring herself another glass as soon as she finished the first glass.

"Love is weakness, just like my mother said." Regina said as she continued to drink. An hour later she finally made her way upstairs to her bedroom. She removed her clothes and pulled out a silk camisole to sleep in. Within seconds of closing her eyes she was fast asleep.

A little while later, two people entered the cabin. One was a younger boy and the other was older.

"This place is awesome!" Oliver Locksley said, thrilled to be here.

"It's been awhile since we've been here." his older brother, Robin Locksley said.

"When are Mum and Dad going to arrive again?" Oliver asked.

"In the morning." Robin answered as he looked around the room.

"Hey! Why is there a fire already?" Oliver asked.

"No clue. Maybe one of the neighbors came by." Robin said.

"Cool. I'm going to put my things away." Oliver said as he headed upstairs.

"I'll put something together for us to eat." Robin said as he headed to the kitchen.

A few moments later, Robin heard his name being called by his brother.

"Robin! I think you better come up here!" Oliver called from upstairs.

Robin headed upstairs. "Which room are you in?"

"Yours." Oliver answered.

Robin walked in to see his brother standing there looking down at a beautiful woman in Robin's bed, sound asleep.

"Oliver, go downstairs." Robin said.

"Why?" Oliver asked.

"Just go. I'll be down in a second." Robin said. Oliver grumbled under his breath before heading downstairs.

Robin walked over to the bed, looking down at the stunning woman lying there. He gently put a hand on her shoulder. "Wake up, goldilocks."

She didn't respond, but Robin could tell that she was breathing regularly. He looked over and saw the empty wineglass on the night stand.

"Milady," Robin said a little louder. This time she started to move, waking up slowly.

"Good Morning," Robin said, causing a reaction. Regina snapped up in the bed, and wrapped the sheet around her.

"Who….who are you? Get out of here! My husband will be back and he's got a gun and he'll…" Regina stopped as he started to smile at her.

"Milady, you're alone. I mean you no harm." Robin said.

"Then what are you doing in my house?" Regina asked.

"It's my friend Killian Jones' cabin. He told me I was always welcomed here with my family. Now suppose you tell me what you're doing in my bed?" Robin asked.

"Killian….did you say Killian?" Regina asked. This hangover of hers was a bitch.

"Yes." Robin answered.

"Emma, his wife told me I could have the cabin for the next few weeks if I wanted it." Regina said.

"Well seems like Killian and his wife have a problem with their communication." Robin said.

"Who are you?" Regina asked.

"Forgive me, my name is Robin Locksley. And you are?" Robin asked.

"The name's Regina. Regina Mills." Regina answered.

"You're Emma's friend then." Robin said.

"And you're Killian's old English friend from England." Regina said.

"Indeed."

Regina just shuffled in her bed. "Do you mind leaving so I can get dressed?"

"Don't let me stop you?" Robin said with a smirk.

"You're an ass." Regina said.

"Never said I wasn't." Robin said.

"Robin?" Oliver said from the door.

Regina pulled the covers closer to her. "Who's that?"

"He's my little brother, Oliver." Robin said.

"Can you both leave now?" Regina asked.

"You're the one in my brother's bed." Oliver said.

Robin grinned back at his little brother.

"Get out! Both of you!" Regina said to them both.

"Come on, Oliver. Let's leave the lady alone." Robin said. At the doorway, Robin turned back to Regina. "If you need any assistance, just call my name."

"Out!" Regina said, picking up a pillow and throwing it at him. But it was too late as he had closed the door behind him.

She got up and went into the bathroom to take a shower. Her headache was still there, but after the shower, she felt somewhat refreshed. After dressing quickly, she made her way downstairs where Robin and Oliver in the kitchen. Oliver sat at the table, while Robin was cooking them something. Whatever it was smelled delicious.

"Would you like an omelette?" Robin asked as he turned to look at her.

"I'm fine." Regina said.

"They're amazing." Oliver pipped up.

"That's ok." Regina said.

"Come on, let me make you breakfast." Robin said.

"Fine. I have to have some coffee first." Regina said as she headed over to the coffee maker. She watched as Robin started cooking again.

"So why are you here?" Regina asked.

"My family is here for holiday." Robin answered.

"Mum and Dad will be here later." Oliver said.

"Your parents are coming as well?" Regina asked.

"Of course. I said my family," Robin reminded her as he handed her the food.

"I thought your wife?" Regina asked.

Robin smirked as he answered. "I'm not married."

"Oh." Regina said.

"And I take it you're not?" Robin asked as he looked down at her left hand.

"No." Regina said softly.

"Is something wrong?" Robin asked.

"I was to get married in a few months." Regina said.

"And now you're not?" Robin asked.

"No." Regina said.

"Why not?" Robin asked.

"This isn't any of your business." Regina said as she took a bite of her food.

Robin looked at her a few minutes and then said. "My apologies. I meant to offense."

"So what are we going to do about this mix up?" Regina asked.

"I spoke to Killian already and the neighbors next door are away, and he's spoke to them and they are allowing my family to stay there so that you can stay here." Robin answered.

Regina just nodded.

"Unless you would like my company here?" Robin asked with a wink.

And to that Regina rolled her eyes at him.

She continued to eat and listened to Robin and his brother talk. She found out that Robin was a history professor in London. Oliver was an energetic ten-year old who loved to play football, or soccer as it was known here in the states. He liked to be in the outdoors just like his older brother, Robin would often take his brother camping for the weekends that neither were too busy with school. Their parents were both retired, Amelia had been a pre-school teacher while their father had also been a teacher.

As the morning went on, Regina found herself enjoying spending time with Robin and Oliver. Oliver was very inquisitive to her. "What do you do?"

"I'm a lawyer." She answered.

"Do you like to ski?" Oliver asked.

"I've never really tried it."

"Awesome. Then I can show you." Oliver said.

"Slow down, Ollie." Robin said. "Maybe Regina doesn't want to learn how to ski."

"Are you saying that you think I can't learn?" Regina asked.

"Are you saying you are?" Robin countered.

"Try me." Regina said.

"I'd love to." Robin said with a smirk.

Regina rolled her eyes at him. "Can we go now?"

"Our folks should be here in about two hours, so we have plenty of time." Robin said.

"Alright!" Oliver said.

"Grab your jacket and we'll go." Robin said as he grabbed the dishes and put them in the dishwasher. He then turned and leaned up against the counter as he talked to Regina. "And I suggest you get ready as well."

Regina smiled softly and walked up to him, leaning in close to him. "I suggest you prepared yourself, I plan on making sure you land on your ass."

She then turned and started to go upstairs, as she was going she heard Robin say. "If you wanted me to be on the bottom, all you have to do is ask."

And with that Robin was rewarded with a slammed door upstairs.

As Regina followed Robin and Oliver to a spot to where they would start skiing, she regretted her earlier outbursts. While, she had skied before in her life, it had been a very long time. And besides, wasn't she here to relax and forget her troubles right now? How had she ended up here in this cold snow?

"Coming?" Robin called out to her.

Oh yes, that's why.

"Just don't wait up for me." Regina said.

"See you at the bottom, Regina!" Oliver called out as he took off on his snowboard.

"Need any help?" Robin asked.

"Nope, just get going." Regina said as she watched him start down the hill.

She took a deep breath, made sure her feet were locked in and she pushed off. She was doing ok the first few seconds, until a man on a snowboard sort of knocked into her, sending her off her balance. And she's heading at Robin at full speed and they're both tumbling into the snow. Attempting to keep his weight from crushing her, Robin tries to spin them at the last second, but he only manages to turn them to their sides before they land.

Groaning from the impact, Robin looks at her. Feeling her eyes on him, he shakes his head and forces himself out of whatever spell she has him under. "Are you okay?" He asks her. Her eyes move to his lips, and she frowns. "Christ, do we need to get you to a doctor?" He questions, watching as her hand lifts and her finger covers his lips, her brows pulling together. "Do you think you can move, or should I call an ambulance?"

"Uh!" Regina said as she pushed at his chest and stood up. "I was fine until you got in my way."

"In your way?" Robin asks.

"Some moron bumps into me then you have to be there." She says as he also stands up.

"I'll always be there to catch you from landing on your ass." He says smiling.

"Just don't get in my way again." Regina said as she finished going down the hill to where Oliver waited. Once they were done, they headed back to the cabin where Robin and Oliver's parents were waiting inside.

"There are my boys!" Amelia Locksley said as she rushed over to hug them.

"Oh, Amelia, you just saw them two days ago." Jackson Locksley said as he then saw Regina standing there.

"And you must be Regina. I'm Jackson Locksley," he said as he took her hand and bent to kiss her knuckles.

A charmer, like his father, Regina thought.

"Have you eaten yet? Oliver, you did remember to wear your coat and mittens outside didn't you? Robin, you didn't let him do anything dangerous did you?" Amelia asked.

"Amelia, they're boys. There here in one piece they're fine." Jackson said before turning to Regina. "Besides I'm sure this lovely lady wouldn't let anything happen to them."

"Mercy me, where are my manners. I'm Amelia Locksley," Amelia said as she too hugged Regina.

"Regina, Regina Mills." Regina said.

"You're absolutely stunning, just like you said, Robin," Amelia said.

"Mum," Robin let out a warning.

Regina cast her eyes at Robin quickly then back to his mother. "Thank you. I can see where Robin and Oliver get their blue eyes from."

"My grandfather had the same eyes. He fell in love with my grandmother the day that they met. He always said that when he looked into those eyes of hers, he knew those were the eyes he was meant to spend his life with." Amelia said as she looked from her son to Regina.

"Uh, dear. How about we get out of Regina's hair for a little while and go and get settled in." Jackson said.

"Oh, oh right. We hope to see you soon." Amelia said.

"I'm sure we will see one another." Regina said.

"Bye, Regina." Oliver said as he went and hugged her around the waist, his head just above her waist.

"Bye, Oliver. You can come over as much as you wish." Regina said.

"Cool!" Oliver said as he went with his parents out the door.

"Well, if you need anything…" Robin said.

"I won't." Regina said.

Robin smiled at her response. "As you wish." And he turned and walked out of the cabin, closing the door behind him.

Regina let out a deep breath. She walked over to the freezer door and opened it, letting the cool air cool her off. Robin was definitely affecting her. While the cool air helped, she decided a shower would be better.

Robin got back to the cabin and realized he still had Regina's cell phone from when he had picked it up after their collision in the snow. He quickly made his way over to the other cabin. He knocked on her door and after not getting a response, he opened it and called out her name.

"Regina? It's Robin. I have your cell phone."

And with that Regina walked out in a towel from the downstairs bathroom.

Robin was speechless. "Excuse me—"

She bit her bottom lip and lowered the towel, to reveal that she was in a very skimpy push-up bra and thong, her hands on her hips, eyebrows raised, mouth twisted. "Now you can have the good look you've been wanting."

He shook his head. "You're really unbelievable."

"Why, that's almost a compliment."

And Robin knew he was having a good look. Again. He could not, to his shame, tear his gaze away from those high, firm breasts encased in a very little bit of white satin. Furious with himself, he reached for a gauzy purple top lying on the floor and tossed it to her. "Put something on."

She glanced at the top and her mouth curled in a feline smile. "If you insist."

He felt another stirring of arousal, much to his annoyance. Regina's mouth curved in a knowing smile.

"I came here," he finally bit out, "to bring your phone back."

She raised her eyebrows, and he sensed her sudden tension. "And it couldn't wait." She sashayed towards him, lifted her knowing gaze to his, and with a cynical little smile she reached down to skim the length of his burgeoning erection with her fingertips. Robin felt as if he'd been jolted with electricity. He stepped back, shook his head.

"What is wrong with you?"

"Obviously nothing, judging by your reaction."

"If I see a fairly attractive woman in her underwear, that I have enjoyed being around since meeting her in my bed, and yes my body will react to her."

She lifted her chin, her eyes still hard. "So is there anything else?"

"I also wanted to make sure you were ok after your fall."

She turned away and, reaching for a robe, pulled it on. "Well, you can breathe a sigh of relief. I'm fine."

And even though he knew he should leave—hell, he should never have come up here in the first place—Robin didn't move. He couldn't.

He stood there in frustration—sexual frustration now, too—as Regina turned back to him. "Still here?"

"I'm here," he said. Robin decided to take the bull by the horns and walked up to her, placed one hand on the side of her face, holding her face as he looked into her eyes. He saw her lick her lips, their bodies were only inches apart as he started to lower his head, he saw the way her body arched towards his, her mouth was ready for his.

He closed his eyes as his lips were mere inches from hers, and as he was about to touch hers, the door opened behind him. "Robin!"

It was Oliver.

Robin pulled back from Regina, who had the same look on his face that he did. One of desire mixed with a little confusion. "Robin, the football game is on. Come on!"

Football. He was stopped from kissing her because of football.

"I'll be right back." Robin said, not turning to look at his little brother. Instead he was focused on Regina.

They stared at one another, neither speaking. Both were thinking very similar in that they had lost something, a missed opportunity.

"You better go." Regina finally whispered.

Robin could see that her walls had come back up for him. He knew not to push her. So instead, he smiled and then moved a lock of hair from her forehead. "Good night then, milady."

He left the cabin, but as he was walking back to the other cabin, he made a promise to himself. One day, very soon, he would know what those lips of Regina's tasted like.

The next day, Regina went into town to get away from the cabin for a little while. She had to admit to herself, she also had to get away from Robin. She admitted that she was attracted to him. Not just in a sexual way, even though there was that, but there was something else. Something about the way he smirked at her, winked at her. He didn't back down from her trying to keep him at arm's bay.

Regina had a cup of hot chocolate as she walked through down, enjoying the peace of mind she had finally managed to get since meeting Robin Locksley. She had been walking for quite some time before she finally came up to the ice skating rink in the middle of town. She hadn't been ice skating since she was little, but she decided to have a go at it. She paid for her skates and after getting her footing on the ice, made a few laps around the rink. There were kids with their parents there, along with a few teenagers having fun on it as well.

She was feeling free on the ice, holding her arms out as she glided across the ice. And right then, she collided with….Robin.

"Whoa!" Robin said as he held her in his arms as they still moved across the ice.

"What the hell?" Regina asked.

"We have to stop meeting like this." Robin said.

"Ugh!" Regina said as she shoved away from him. "Are you following me?"

"No. I came here to pick up a few supplies for breakfast in the morning. Mum is going to fix us a big breakfast and she wanted me to invite you, which is I was planning to do on my way back. Then I saw you here and thought I would join you for a few spins around the rink." Robin answered.

"Great, well the rink is all yours." Regina said as she started to skate off from him.

"Are you scared to skate with me?" Robin threw at her back.

The next morning, Regina was over at the Locksley's cabin, enjoying a homemade breakfast made by Amelia. They had all had an enjoyable time conversing with one another, even though there was a little tension now between herself and Robin.

Sexual tension.

"Why don't you go upstairs and get the Christmas decorations that Killian said were up there?" Amelia asked Robin.

"Okay Mum," Robin said, standing up.

"Can I come too?" Oliver asked.

"No, why don't you help me get some more wood. I'm sure Regina can help your brother, won't you Regina?" Jackson asked.

"Sure." Regina said as she also stood up from the table to follow Robin to the attic.

Jackson Locksley turned to smile at his wife. "You're not the only one who can play matchmaker."

"What's a matchmaker?" Oliver asked.

"It's someone who helps two people destined to be together find their way." Jackson answered.

"Is Robin lost?" Oliver asked.

"In a way both him and Regina are, but not for long." Amelia answered.

Robin and Regina were walking around the attic, when Robin said, "There they are," gesturing to a stack of bins clearly labeled 'Christmas.'

Regina walked toward the bins. "Okay but lift that top box for me because it looks heavy."

He walked past her and reached over her head, lifting the bin easily. She felt a momentary stab of bitterness over the fact that his shirt was covering his arms. It would have been nice to at least get a little peek at how the muscles on his forearms shifted as he worked.

But that was bad and not to be encouraged.

She moved to the bin and pulled the lid off, unwrapping a little glass house with glittering porcelain snow on the delicate rooftops. "A village," she said, turning it over slowly. "I love this." She rewrapped it and placed it down gently, unwrapping the next one, a little church with stained glass windows. "These are really special. I hope Emma doesn't mind that we're using them."

"Killian said we could use them. Probably better you than me. And you know how Emma is. She would say they were meant to be used, not packed away."

Regina smiled, her gaze still focused on the little houses. "You're right about that."

She continued to sift through the decorations, collecting three bins' worth before deciding the house would be overflowing with festiveness if she took any more.

"I think that's enough," she said, surveying her haul.

She started to bend down to pick up one of the containers, and Robin moved at the same time. Their heads collided.

She rocked back, pressing her palm to her forehead. "Ow!"

Robin swore sharply, and Regina looked up as he pressed his palm against the place where she'd crashed into him.

"I'm sorry," she said, rubbing her fingertips over her temple. "Are you okay?"

He grimaced. "My head is a hell of a lot harder than yours. Are you okay?"

"Yeah," she said, ignoring the fact that she felt a little bit of an echo in her brain.

He took a step toward her, his dark eyes intent on hers. "Are you sure? Let me see."

Before she could protest or move away, he closed the distance between them, bracketing her cheeks with his hands and tilting her face upward toward his.

She was so shocked by the close proximity that all of the air rushed out of her lungs and her lips parted slightly. Her heart was racing, her breasts feeling suddenly heavy. She felt... Suddenly extremely conscious of the fact that she was a woman.

"How many eyeballs do I have?" he asked, his brows locked together as he examined her intensely.

She couldn't accurately answer the question because her eyes were now fully focused on his mouth. His lips were beautiful. A strange descriptor to apply to a man like him—a man who was as rough and rugged as the sea he worked on—but they were. In many ways, he was, too.

Or she was delirious. Or both. It could be both.

"Just the two, right?" she asked.

"Last I checked."

"But you hit your head too," she said, unbearably conscious of the fact that he was still holding on to her. Of the fact that his hands were strong. Of how hot his skin was.

Oh, Lord. He was sexy. She could keep trying to forget that. Try to have it not be the number one thing in her mind whenever she was near him. But it didn't change the fact that her body was operating on a low hum of arousal whenever he was around. And right now? Right now it was far beyond a low hum.

She was vibrating with it. Down to her core.

He was so close that all she would have to do was stand up on her tiptoes and lean in to taste those very compelling lips. It had been a long time since she'd been kissed by anyone but Daniel. And the last kiss she had gotten from him had not thrilled her to the degree that standing here, just thinking about kissing Robin did.

That was the problem. It was always the problem.

Maybe because fantasy was better than reality. A fantasy of knowing what the taste of him was like.

You could. If you would just lean in...

She looked up, her eyes clashing with his, her heart thundering hard. And she found herself doing just that. Found herself tilting forward slightly, closing the distance between them.

Suddenly, he released his hold on her, taking a step back. She stumbled, and he reached out again, steadying her before setting her upright and putting a healthy bit of distance between them. "Seems like you might be a little dizzy," he said, his tone stiff.

"Yeah," she said, her cheeks heating. She had the distinct impression that he knew what she'd been about to do. And that his sudden withdrawal was a rejection of it.

Great. Just great.

"I'll get the boxes. Why don't you take that one down."

She nodded slowly, turning and walking out of the attic, making her way down the stairs, ignoring the echo of her heart beating in her ears. She was going to pretend this hadn't happened. She had to. If she didn't, she would go crazy.

She didn't have time to go crazy or the luxury of having things be weird with Robin right now. She had to keep it under control. Keep that crap on lockdown. If she really wanted to make out with someone, she needed to find someone else.

Something had changed between them last night. The air around them had gotten thicker. Robin's blood had run hotter and faster because she was close to him. And he'd been unable to take his eyes off her lips. He'd hit heads with her hard enough to give her a concussion, and he'd been obsessing over what it would be like to run his tongue along the edge of her mouth.

He gritted his teeth.

How long was he going to be able to fight his ever growing feelings for her?

He had asked her about going to town with him to get a few supplies for the cabin along with a tree. She had agreed, and now here he was by his SUV waiting on her. He had been waiting for her for a long time it seemed.

Regina chose that exact moment to come tumbling out of her house, her hair barely contained beneath a knitted beanie, a matching sweater hugging curves he was far more attuned to at the moment than he would like to be. She was also wearing mittens. Which were the most ridiculous things he could possibly think of a grown woman choosing to wear. And yet he was immediately obsessed with the idea of pulling the mittens off her hands so he could see the delicate fingers beneath. Actually, all those layers had that kind of effect. Made him feel like he wanted to unwrap her like a present.

He swallowed hard, doing his best to get a hold of his wayward thoughts. That's all they were. They weren't even real, fully-formed desires. Just, rogue, errant thoughts. Some kind of problem with synapses, and blood flow and shit.

She lifted one mittened hand to her mouth to wrench it off with her teeth, revealing slim, elegant fingers that he could easily imagine trailing over his skin. He needed his head checked. And he needed her to put her mittens back on.

Then she reached into her purse, pulled out her phone and tapped away at the screen before dramatically making one final keystroke as she made eye contact with him.

"Ready to go?" Robin asked.

"Of course." Regina said.

And they were off, they kept talking on the way to town. Regina talking about her job of being a lawyer and loving the feel of the excitement of it. She asked him what he did.

"I help a mate of mine run a record producing company." Robin answered.

"You like the music industry?" Regina asked.

"Very much so," Robin answered with a smirk on his face.

They arrived and picked up supplies, then headed to a Christmas tree lot.

She established a quick pace, walking up ahead of him, craning her neck to examine the trees.

"Do you see anything you like?"

"I like that one," she said. "But I think it might be too big. Oh!" She stopped in her tracks. "I like that one." She pointed. "Oh, it might be too small."

"Come on, Goldilocks, are you going to choose a tree or not?"

She reached up and took a lock of her hair between her thumb and forefinger, turning to face him, holding a dark strand out. "Goldilocks?"

"Yeah. This tree is too big, this one is too small. Next thing you know you'll be eating my porridge and sleeping in my bed. Oh, but you've already done that." Robin said, smirking again so much his dimples were clearly showing.

A jolt went through Regina's body, her eyes going wide. And he wanted nothing more than to reach down his throat and cram the words that had just come out of his mouth back in. But it was too late. It wouldn't accomplish anything anyway. The words had been spoken.

"Right," she said. "I didn't mean to sleep in your bed."

"Why not? I don't get any complaints." Robin said, smiling.

"Uh! You're just too…too…"

"Don't get your mittens in a twist."

She held her hands out and looked at said mittens. "My mittens aren't twisted."

He leaned forward and took hold of one knit-covered finger, wiggling it gently. "Metaphorically. Which is how I meant the other thing too." He released his hold on her and walked on ahead of her, taking a deep breath of the sharp, cold air.

"That tree will be great," Regina said, the words tumbling out of her mouth in a rush.

"You heard the lady. We'll take that one." Robin said as he bought the tree.

Regina had to admit to herself that there was some sort of tension between her and Robin. There was definitely chemistry building, he was somewhat easy to talk to, when he wasn't being an arrogant ass.

Oh what an ass he had. She had watched as he had helped get the tree pinned to the top of the car. Watching the way his jeans had hugged him in all the right ways, his ass, and his….

Get it together Regina! She told herself. She had to stop thinking about Robin and sex. Sex and Robin.

Damnit!

"Can you help me with the tree?" Regina asked.

"Of course. I'm not going to leave you to struggle with a giant pine."

Giant pine. There was another one. She was getting kind of prurient. All she needed to do was not say anything about wood. "Thank you," she said, the words stiff, cautious.

"Okay, I guess I can put my muscles to use for you. No one else is using them."

She closed her eyes and tried very hard not to think about how many uses she could find for his muscles. "Yeah, we...we established that. And I'm happy to. Make use of them. To carry heavy things...not...Right."

"You can go ahead inside the cabin, get the tree stand set up. I'm going to have to cut off some of the bottom for the stand for living room, I'm almost sure of it."

Jackson had called his son to let them know that they were going to take Oliver skiing and then go back to the other cabin that they were staying at. And she was going into the cabin. She was not going to stand outside and watch him, engaging in Robin-based lumberjack fantasies that she had no business having.

Anyway, she'd already done that earlier when he'd chopped the tree down in the first place.

"Okay, I'll go put the cider on."

She set to work, setting up the tree stand before putting a blue and white speckled pot on the stove and dumping the jug of cider in, then adding a few cinnamon sticks and some nutmeg. She turned the burner on high and covered it with a dented lid.

A few moments later, Robin appeared with the tree. "You can set it over there, where the stand is," she told him.

He grunted, and she was powerless to do anything but stare as he carried the tree through the living area, his footsteps heavy on the wooden floor. She cursed winter yet again, because it necessitated him wearing all those layers, and covered up what she was certain was a pretty darn good show.

Get a grip, Regina!

She couldn't start anything with Robin. She had trust issues. She had just got out of a failed relationship with a man who slept with her sister, and a sister who was a backstabber.

She gritted her teeth and headed back over to the stove to needlessly stir the cider and try to get a handle on herself. By the time she looked up again, Robin was walking out the door, probably headed out to grab the groceries.

"You're frowning awfully deeply for somebody who's just stirring juice."

She blinked and returned her focus to Robin, who was standing there looking at her like he was afraid she was going to bite his hand.

"I was just thinking," she said.

"About Christmas decorations?"

"About all the work I have do when I eventually go back home." She answered.

"Okay. So you say what you need, and I'll do it. I'm your slave for the rest of the evening."

She swallowed hard, biting the inside of her cheek. She did not need that mental image. "Thanks. Well, some of the Christmas lights and garlands are wound in pretty heavy bundles. If you could help get that sorted, that would be helpful."

"Okay. In return do I get some dinner?"

She treated him to a mock scowl. "I should've known you had ulterior motives."

"Me? My motives are pure. And hungry."

"I have started an apple pie."

"I won't say no to your pie"

Regina couldn't stop the blush that formed on her cheeks. "I'll check on the pie, while you go and set that stuff up."

Ten minutes later, Regina walked into the living room to find Robin had already unpacked all of the bins. The tree ready to decorate, garlands and strands of lights unrolled and laid out across the floor.

"Christmas command central," he said, gesturing to the display in front of her.

"It looks like a reindeer threw up in here."

"I know. Doesn't it make you in the mood?"

"For?" Regina asked.

Robin walked to stand only inches in front of her. "For the holidays. What mood would you be thinking of?"

"Nothing."

"You didn't celebrate Christmas growing up?" Robin asked.

"My father died when I was a teenager, and my relationship with my mother is…well it's hard to get along with her. And my sister, well I just found out that she had been sleeping with my ex fiancée."

"It's a huge adjustment. I'm sure to start your life all over again. But if I know anything after meeting you, it's that you don't let anyone run you over." Robin said walking up to her. "You have so much passion built up inside you it's just waiting for it to be released."

She didn't know what was happening. Sometime in the past few minutes things had changed. He had changed. He could see inside of her, she was sure of it. There was a heat in his eyes that spoke of only one thing. The kind of heat she'd never had a man look at her with.

It scared her. And she wanted it.

"Regina, what are you hiding from me?" His eyes were intense, level with hers. The air felt thick between them again. "I can only assume there's something you actually want to say. But don't want to say."

"That doesn't make sense."

"So, I'm wrong?"

"No," she said, her tone wooden. "But if I say it, I can't unsay it. And you'll probably run away because you think I'm crazy."

He paused. "You don't really think I would do that."

"Okay, I do think you might leave."

He said nothing for a moment, swallowing hard, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down. "If I were you, I would clarify. And quickly. Because you're leaving me a lot of space to make assumptions, and you may not like the conclusions I'm drawing."

"Are they interesting conclusions? Because I might want to hear them before I admit to anything."

"Regina..."

She licked her lips, hesitating a moment before closing the distance between them and wrapping her arms around his neck. He didn't move away, not this time. And she acted before waiting for a response. Then she closed the distance between them and pressed her lips against his.

She tilted her head as their lips met, the shock of heat and arousal that rioted through her intense, unexpected. Yes, she'd known that touching him like this would be amazing, but she hadn't realized it would be so...all over.

Kissing had been to her what was expected. Nothing soul shattering.

One brush of Robin's lips against hers and she felt the impact everywhere.

It took her a moment to realize that he was frozen beneath her. She had to cut through the heat, the fire and flame, to get any sort of sense of his reaction. But now that she had it, she felt slightly horrified. She raised her head, breaking the contact between their mouths. "I'm sorry," she said.

The moment the words left her mouth, Robin's hand shot up, his fingers digging deep into her hair, holding her tight. "Don't apologize for that," he said, his voice almost a growl, a look in his eyes she'd never seen there before.

"Well, you didn't... You didn't kiss me back."

"I need to make sure you know what you're asking for," he said.

"You need to make sure I know what I'm asking for?" she parroted.

"What I need... It's physical. Only physical. And it's not just a kiss."

"Good. That's all I want too. I... I've wanted you since I opened my eyes to see you."

"Being horny means never having to explain why."

She laughed, a short, distressed laugh. "Wow, that's profound."

Suddenly, his arms were around her, and he was pulling her up against his body, letting her feel the evidence of just how aroused he was. She was shaking now, from the inside out, all of the words in her head suddenly jumbled and tilted on end.

"I'm not even sure what I said. There's no blood left in my brain."

"Nothing changes," she said, while she could still figure out a way to form sentences.

"I'm good with that."

"I mean it. Nothing changes. After this we go back to our own lives in a few days and…"

Her words were cut off by the hot press of his mouth against hers, his tongue sliding against the seam of her lips, forcing them apart. She had no idea how they'd gone from never having touched romantically to making out in the living room in five seconds flat, but they most certainly had.

In reality, his kiss superseded the fantasy. Everything his lips had promised to be, they were more. His hands were strong and hot on her back, sliding down her waist and to her hips, gripping her tight as he angled his head and took the kiss deeper, harder.

Robin was the one she'd wanted. His touch. His kiss. It was happening now. And it was everything.

He groaned, walked her back and pressed her against the wall, his body hard and hot in front of her, the surface of the wall unyielding and cool behind her. She clung to him, her fingers fisted into the fabric of his shirt as she learned the surface of his lips and became accustomed to the slick friction of his tongue against hers. As the ache between her thighs deepened, intensified, became a ravenous, hollow hunger that needed only him to be satisfied. She rocked against the hardened length of his arousal, his height making it impossible for her to feel him precisely where she needed him most.

"Robin," she said, tearing her mouth away from his, "Robin... I need..."

"I know."

And he seemed to, because he slid his hands down from her hips to grip her thighs, tugging them apart and forcing her to wrap her legs around his waist. Opening the center of her need to him, grinding the hard ridge of his cock against her as he held her firmly against the wall.

"Oh!" She'd officially gone past the point of all previous experience. But then, she felt as though she'd done that the moment their lips had touched. Kissing Robin was an entirely separate activity from what she'd experienced in the past.

He slipped his hands away from her thighs, using the strength of his body and the wall to hold her in place. He cupped her face, tilted her chin up and deepened the kiss, tasting her, savoring her as though she were a delicacy, and he a starving man.

She was suddenly struck with a jolt, not of nerves, but of extreme excitement. She was finally touching him in the way that she wanted to. Finally kissing him like she had thought about No, it wouldn't end well. But she had accepted that, and she was just free to enjoy now. Everything she could have. Everything he would give her.

Scratch that. Everything she could take. She wasn't passive in this. She refused to be. This was her fantasy come to life. She doubted it was the same for him. For him, this was just a drink of water after a long dry spell. For her, this was the oasis she had always desired after years in a desert. For her this was the fulfillment of a specific fantasy, not a generic need.

She moved her hands down his chest, feeling his muscles through the thin cotton of his shirt. Yes, they were as hard as she'd imagined. Everything about him was all that she'd dreamed of, everything and more. She moved her hands down lower still, pressing her fingertips up beneath the edge of his T-shirt, her hands making contact with his hot skin. He had just the right amount of hair on his well-defined stomach, enough to remind her that he was a man, and she was a woman. She moved her hands higher, to the hard wall of his chest muscles. Oh yes, he was very much a man.

"Off." That was the best she could do. The most she could say.

He said nothing in return, releasing his hold on her to take a moment to take off his jacket, and wrenched his shirt over his head. She whimpered, surveying the perfectly defined lines on his chest and stomach, the V that disappeared down beneath the waistband of his jeans, an arrow pointing to the part of him she most craved.

She didn't know who she was right now, this wild, hungry creature who craved Robin at the expense of everything else. Damn her pride, damn common sense.

Okay, that was a lie. She knew exactly who she was. She recognized this woman. This was the woman she was in her fantasies. The woman she was late at night when she allowed dark, heady thoughts of him to enter her mind. This was the woman she'd always wanted to be.

That thought made a smile curve her lips.

"You like what you see?" he asked.

"That's an understatement."

"It's been awhile for me." Robin said.

"It's been quite a while for me too," she said, ignoring the fact that the statement fudged the truth a bit. "So I'm going to need some time to enjoy the scenery myself."

"Enjoy it topless."

He didn't give her a chance to respond. He reached forward, tugging her sweater up over her head, taking her beanie off with it, leaving her standing there in her plain, white bra. She wished suddenly that she had underwear more befitting of the vamp she felt like she was in this moment.

The underwear wasn't going to stay on for long anyway.

He chuckled, reaching out and brushing her hair out of her eyes. "You definitely seem to know what you want."

"Definitely." She looked down at the very clear bulge pushing against the denim. "Pants off."

He put his hands on his belt buckle, worked the end slowly through, undid the snap, then the zipper. She couldn't look away, didn't want to. She was pretty sure Santa and all his reindeer could stampede through the living room and her eyes would still be glued to what Robin would reveal next.

He pushed the pants down his lean hips, taking his underwear with them, leaving himself completely naked in front of her.

Robin was Naked!

Naked, and erect. Very, very erect!

She swallowed, trying to force her heart back down into its proper place. She looked back up at his face and saw him studying her with an odd expression.

"You're staring," he said.

"Because I like what I see."

"So do I," he growled, pressing her back up against the wall again, kissing her deep and hard. She wrapped her arms around his neck, losing herself in this, in him, in the rough feeling of his hands on her body, of the heat of him pressed so tightly against her.

Somehow, he managed to get her jeans and panties off, never breaking their kiss. He cupped her cheek, tracing a line along her jaw, down her neck, pausing for a moment, cupping her breast and squeezing it tight. Brushing his thumb over her nipple, he pinched it lightly between his thumb and forefinger before allowing his fingertips to glide over her stomach, down between her thighs. He stroked her there, where she was wet and ready for him. She gasped, letting her head fall back, giving herself over completely to the sensation.

"I don't know if I can take this as slow as I should."

That was fine with her. She'd wanted him for the last fourteen years. In her opinion, slow was overrated.

"Kiss me," she said, barely recognizing the rough, husky voice as her own.

He obeyed, his fingers moving over her clit as he slid his tongue over hers. Then he cursed, pulling away from her sharply. "I don't have a condom."

"Oh no," she said. "I don't have—" Suddenly, she remembered the bag in her suitcase. "Hold that thought."

She extricated herself from his hold to scamper upstairs, completely naked, well aware that his eyes were on her backside.

She opened up the suitcase, and rummaged past a bin filled with ribbon, a few rolls of wrapping paper, until she found the bag. Inside of it were little party favors. And within those party favors, she knew she would find the required protection.

She pulled out one of the pink, iridescent bags, her face heating as she saw the phallic shaped whistle attached to the outside.

"What is that?"

She looked up, and over at Robin. She'd been hoping to pull the condom out of the bag without him having to see it, or any of its other contents.

"A party favor. From a party I went to recently." She pressed her lips to the end of the penis whistle, and blew. "Festive."

He laughed, and at the same time, his cock twitched. "I'm not sure how you can make me laugh, and make me want to ravish you at the same time."

He took the little packet from her hand and tore it open to reveal four individual condoms inside. "They're purple," he said.

She released a heavy breath. "Of course they are."

"I'm fine if you're fine. I don't really care what color it is. It's not what's on the outside that counts, after all. It's being inside you."

"We don't really have an alternative. Except not doing this. And that isn't acceptable."

He smiled, tearing one of the packets open and discarding the rest. And she forgot how ridiculous the situation was. Forgot that they had a living room cluttered with Christmas decorations, forgot that the condom he was currently rolling onto his thick length was purple, and had come out of the bag with a penis whistle.

Nothing else mattered but this moment. But this man and how much she wanted him.

He closed the distance between them, kissing her deeply, devouring her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled, bringing them both down to the floor with him on top of her between her thighs. The floor was cold, and she didn't care. It was hard, but it didn't matter. All that mattered was this, with him. She didn't have time to try and make it to the bed. She didn't have time for anything but this. And she needed this. Needed it more than she needed her next breath.

"Please, Robin."

He shifted, the blunt head of his arousal pressing against the entrance to her body. And that was when the nerves hit. She clung to him, holding onto his shoulders, getting used to the sensation of him being inside her.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice strained

"Yes," she said.

She felt full, emotional. Her heart raw and tender. And that was more intense than anything she had ever felt before.

Then he moved, sliding his hands down the line of her spine and cupping her butt, lifting her hips to push himself more deeply inside. When he did that, it brought his pelvis up against the bundle of nerves at the apex of her thighs, sent a lightning bolt of pleasure through her so sharp, so focused that it stole every thought, channeled all of the sensation that was building up in her chest to pop and crackle through her veins, absorbing her entire being in the pleasure he created with his movements.

He established a steady rhythm, pumping into her hard and perfect, driving them both closer to the peak she knew was up there somewhere. He lowered his head, kissing her neck, his breath coming in harsh gasps as his movements quickened. He tightened his grip on her hips, drawing her up against him each time he thrust home. "Come on, baby," he said, his words broken, jagged like glass. "I can't last."

It was that admission, that hard, rough admission, that broke her. That pushed her to a height she'd never known existed and sent her over the edge. Her heart was beating so hard she thought it would burst through her chest, her internal muscles tightening around him as pleasure exploded in her midsection, flooding through her, overtaking her completely.

She was floating on a white, endless snowdrift. And when it set her back down it was on the hard floor of her hallway. But it was still perfect, because as long as she didn't think about the future, that was enough.

He'd always known that this was their destination. Robin looked into her face, her very well pleasured face and knew from seeing her in his bed that day, that they would one day be together.

His knees hurt. He realized that was because he was still braced on the hard floor of her hallway, still inside her and reeling from the explosive climax they'd just shared. As a reintroduction into sex went, it had been mind-blowing.

He moved away from her, rubbing his hands over his face. "Just a second," he said, pushing into a standing position and walking down the hall, calling on all of his self-control to keep from looking back at her naked body as he made his way to the bathroom. He took care of the condom, then went to stand in front of the sink, remembering what had happened. He came out a few minutes later to find Regina no longer there. He heard her upstairs in the bedroom. He figured he'd give her a few minutes to herself as he too composed his racing thoughts.

Regina walked out onto the back deck of the cabin. She had taken a quick shower and changed into some lounge clothes. Her thoughts were all over the range, while she felt happy, truly happy. But the demon on her other shoulder told her to be cautious, to not open her heart for it only to be crushed again. As she continued walking she came upon Robin getting in the hot tub.

"Enjoying the view?" He asked.

"I didn't know you were going to…that is…I'll leave." Regina said as she started to turn away from Robin.

"Don't leave." Robin said. "I want you to stay."

Regina inched closer slowly. "Why?"

"Why not? You know you want to," Robin said.

Regina couldn't deny that, she also knew that there was more to it just sexual attraction. But before she could think anymore, Robin pulled Regina into the hot tub with him, clothes and all. His hand was on her hip and then her waist, and a fierce stab of excitement shot through her body and pooled in her pelvis.

I love you.

The words flew into her brain but for once she managed to stop her thoughts popping out through her mouth because she knew this one might send him running. She was here. She had now.

Behind them the moon was smiling at them but neither of them noticed. Their focus was on each other. Her mouth was as urgent as his, her hands as desperate to touch and explore. When she ran her tongue along the seam of his sensual mouth he groaned and tried to take possession, but she held back just a little bit, enjoying the feeling of power that came from knowing she was driving him crazy. But holding back only worked as long as he allowed it, and when he clamped his hand on the back of her head and held her for his kiss it was her turn to moan. His kiss was deliberate and unashamedly erotic, each skilled slide of his tongue a tantalizing promise of things to come.

When he closed his hands over her bottom and lifted her she instinctively wrapped her legs around him. Her sensitive skin brushed against his solid, muscular thighs and she realized she was naked—that somehow in the heat of that kiss he'd removed the last of her clothing and she hadn't even noticed. But she noticed now, felt the heat of him brush against her, and the contrast drove her crazy. She dug her fingers into his shoulders, felt resistance and hard muscle beneath sleek bronzed skin. A few snowflakes fell on his skin and she sucked them off.

"I want you." His eyes were so dark they were almost black, his voice a low growl. "Here. Now."

"I want you too." Regina moaned out.

When his hand slid between her legs she gasped against his mouth. The gasp turned to a moan as his fingers explored her with all the intimate knowledge that drove her wild. His breathing was harsh and shallow, tension etched in his features as he turned her mindless.

And then he shifted her slightly and surged into her. It felt so impossibly good that she sucked in air and stopped breathing.

"Regina—' His voice was hoarse, his mouth warm on her neck as he struggled to breathe, too. "You feel—"

"Don't stop. Please, Robin—" The need in her was so primal she could do nothing but move her hips.

With a soft curse his fingers tightened on her, his grip almost painful. "Just—wait—"

"Can't—" Eyes closed, she arched into him, took him deeper if that were possible, and he groaned and gave in to it.

He felt smooth, hard, powerful, and the excitement spread through her until there wasn't a single part of her body that couldn't feel him. She tried to rock her hips but his hands were clamped on her, holding her, limiting her movements, so that he was the one who controlled the rhythm. He was merciless with each stroke until the orgasm ripped through her and she sucked in gasping breaths, only dimly aware that he was gripped in his own fierce climax. And then his mouth was on hers and he kissed her through the whole wild experience, swallowing her cries, her gasps, words she wanted to speak but couldn't until the whole thing was nothing but a blur of sexual pleasure.

And when it was over, when her body finally stopped shuddering, he cupped her face in his hands, staring down at her with a stunned look in his eyes.

"That was—"

"Incredible," she muttered and he lowered his head and kissed her. But it was a gentle, lingering kiss designed to soothe not seduce.

"I don't know what you do to me—"

"You were the one doing it to me—you wouldn't let me move."

"I didn't dare. I wouldn't have lasted." He caught her lower lip gently between his teeth, his eyes fixed on hers. "You are the sexiest woman I've ever met."

He closed his hands around her waist and lifted her easily onto the side of the tub. "Let's take a shower together." He vaulted out of the hot tub after her, water streaming from his bronzed, powerful shoulders.

It was impossible not to stare and of course he caught her staring. "Don't do that." Snatching a towel from the nearest sun lounger, he pulled her to her feet and wrapped it around her. "I have to— I can't think when you're naked—"

She was about to ask why he wanted or needed to think but his hand was in his hair and he was clearly striving for some semblance of control.

"You're incredible." She could say that, surely, without freaking him out? It wasn't what was in her heart, but it was all she dared say at this stage. Apparently, it was the right thing because he scooped her off her feet and carried her through to the bedroom.

"I'll demonstrate just how incredible—"

She giggled and tightened her grip on him. 'You're going to do your back in.'

"It's not my back I'm worried about. It's other parts of me."

"Really? Because I might be able to help you with that.' She slid her arms round his neck and pressed her lips to the damp skin of his throat. Then she lifted her head and looked around the bedroom, with its glorious views over the mountains.

After their shower, which they made love again, they had a nice dinner by the fire with the newly decorated Christmas tree up. Afterwards they went to bed, cradled in each other's arms.

The next morning, Regina woke up and reached for Robin but only found cool sheets. Regina opened her eyes and looked around. "Robin?"

When the only reply was silence, Regina got up and started walking around the cabin. But Robin was nowhere to be found, the only thing she found was a note on the bedroom side table. It had her name on the outside of it. She sat down and took a deep breath, knowing that whatever was on the inside wasn't good.

She slowly opened it.

My dearest Regina,

Forgive me but I have been called away suddenly. I promise that when next we see one another, I'll explain all to you, it's not something I wish to do over the phone.

Yours,

Robin.

Well that was expected. At least he didn't pretend to love her and lie to her. She hurriedly took a shower and started to pack. She just wanted to get back home and forget these last few weeks with Robin.

As she was about to leave, her phone started to ring, seeing that it was Robin, she didn't answer it. It went to voicemail but she just deleted it. She didn't want to hear from him, not now. Not after he just up and left her like that. She quickly finished and left the cabin, the roads were clear and it was now Christmas Eve and she would be home soon.

She called Emma to ask if she could stay with them for the holidays as she didn't want to be anywhere near her family right now. When Emma picked up she quickly told Regina what was going on.

"Regina, we're about to take Henry to the hospital. They found a match for him!" Emma said.

"That's incredible. I'm on my way." Regina said.

"You don't have to drive all the way back." Emma said.

"I'm already on my way back." Regina said.

"But what about this new guy…Robin?" Emma asked.

"It's not important. What is important is Henry. I can't tell you how relieved I am." Regina said.

"Killian and I are so relieved. But we still have to make sure everything goes well." Emma said.

"It will be. I know it." Regina said, promising that she would be at the hospital as soon as she got back. Emma and Killian were on their way and the procedure was to be first thing tomorrow morning. Christmas morning of all days.

Once Regina arrived she found Emma and Killian, Henry was in isolation where it would help him not contact anything during the crucial time. They could see him through the clear glass but there was no contact with him. The donor was also going through the same procedures with being in isolation.

A few hours into Christmas Day and Henry was receiving his new bone marrow, his parents along with Regina paced the waiting room, waiting and waiting, until finally the doctor came out to tell them the good news.

Henry's body had received the bone marrow and was accepting it.

"I knew it." Regina said as Emma and Killian hugged one another. Their son would make a full recovery, all because someone donated their bone marrow.

"Regina, why don't you go home and get some real rest?" Emma asked later.

"I can't go. My family is a mess and I don't want to be around them." Regina said.

"What about Robin?" Emma asked.

"It wasn't meant to be." Regina said.

"Why do you say that?" Emma asked.

"He just up and vanished on me." Regina said.

"He didn't tell you why?" Emma asked.

"Oh he left a note about something coming up. Yeah, he got his wham, bam, thank you ma'am and left." Regina said.

"Regina, maybe you should at least listen to him once. Let him tell you face to face what happened." Emma suggested.

"No. I've been down this road a time or two and I have the t-shirt for it." Regina said. "It just wasn't meant to be."

"Regina, I'm so sorry. I know you were starting to feel something for him." Emma said.

"How?" Regina asked.

"I could hear it in your voice when you talked about him. There was this lightness you had." Emma said.

"Do I need to go find this idiot and punch him?" Killian asked, causing the two women to look at him and smile.

"No. No, it wouldn't serve any purpose and besides we have Henry getting better. That's all that matters." Regina said.

A little while later after they were allowed to visit with Henry, Regina went to get them some coffee, on the way there she saw a familiar face.

"Oliver?" Regina asked as he was getting a coke out of the machine.

"Regina! Are you here to see Robin?" Oliver asked walking up to her.

"Robin? He's here?" Regina asked.

"Yeah. He's had an operation." Oliver said.

"An operation! What happened?" Regina asked, terrified.

"Mum and Dad said he donated bone marrow to some sick boy." Oliver answered.

Regina's heart seemed to stop as she thought of the chances that Robin was the one who donated his marrow to Henry.

"Henry. It has to be Henry." Regina said.

"That's his first name. That's all we know." Oliver said.

"Oliver, what room is your brother in?" Regina asked.

"Room, 1014." Oliver said.

"I've got to see him." Regina said as she turned and started towards the elevators that would take her to Robin. Once she was on the elevators she hurriedly pressed for the tenth floor. The ride seemed to take forever, but soon the doors opened.

Regina rushed to Robin's room, seeing his parents walking out she hurried to them. "Is Robin okay?"

Amelia smiled as she took Regina into her arms. "He's fine. I'm sure he's waiting for you."

"He's high right now." Oliver pipped up. The adults laughed at his choice of words.

"He's been waking up the last half hour. The anesthesia is wearing off," Jackson said. "Go to him. We'll give you some time alone."

Regina nodded her thanks and went to open the door. As she walked in she saw Robin lying on the bed with his eyes closed. "Robin?"

Robin opened his eyes at the sound of her voice. "Regina. You're here."

Regina went to his side and griped his hand in hers. "Of course, I'm here. Where else would I be?"

"Mad at me for having to run out on you?" Robin asked.

Regina chuckled slightly. "Well, I think saving the life of my godchild more than made up for it."

"How is he? They wouldn't tell my folks how he was." Robin asked.

"He's fine. A little sore but doing so much better. His color is returning, and Killian is reading his comic books to him. If you feel like it soon, he would like to meet his hero." Regina said. "And my hero."

"I forgot to tell you something." Robin said.

"What?" Regina asked.

Robin pulled Regina closer to him and brought her mouth closer to his. "Merry Christmas and I love you, Regina."

"Merry Christmas Robin, I love you, you're my Christmas miracle." Regina said.

"And you're mine." Robin said as he gently kissed her lips.

A few days later, Henry was able to meet his hero.

"Thank you, for you know saving my life and all." Henry said as Robin shook his hand. They were in Henry's room as his doctor wanted to keep him a little longer before releasing him. Robin had been able to go home the day after his surgery.

"It was my pleasure, young man." Robin said.

"Will you come and visit me once I get out of here?" Henry asked.

Robin looked over at Regina and smiled. "I think the odds of that happening are very good."

Henry looked from Robin to Regina. "Are you going to marry Regina?"

"Henry." Regina said quietly.

Robin could only smile and then reply. "I'd say the odds of that happening are also very good."

The wedding took place on the day before New Year's Eve at a quaint chapel in the mountains in Aspen, the owner was delighted to marry the handsome couple, as it was quite evident how in love Robin and Regina were. It was a very private affair, but no less charming for that.

Oliver was Robin's best man, and Sophia as the matron of honor. Jackson was very proud to be the one giving the bride away. Emma and Killian, along with young Henry were there, well, in the form of video chat. As Regina walked down the small aisle with Jackson, her mind was on the tall, dark blonde-haired man waiting for her. Her eyes were filled with the love she felt for this man, who had come into her life and changed it, changed her. He had brought her heart back to life, literally.

Robin had pulled every string he had to get the paperwork finalized in time for their wedding. Robin squeezed her hand and she looked into those blue, blue eyes and the world righted itself. And it always would be with him by her side.

As Regina turned in Robin's arms in their private cabin, the enchantment of the moment making her voice tremble as she whispered, "Come to bed."

"Have you no shame, milady?" he smiled, kissing the top of her nose. "It's barely seven o'clock."

"Okay, then." She smiled back, sliding her arms round his waist and snuggling into the hard male body. She knew he had been impatient for them to be alone. "We'll have dinner first."

"The hell we will," he murmured softly. He whisked her up in his arms and carried her into the bedroom.

"Careful," Regina protested. He had just been released from the hospital only days before.

"I'm fine," Robin said. He gently sat her down, holding her tight against him, she could feel anticipation had already made him hard as a rock.

He touched her eyelids with his lips, one after the other, before moving to her mouth. Her lips parted and his tongue took the territory within. There was a fire inside her, spreading to every nerve within her as the taste, the touch, the smell of him spun in her head. She felt she couldn't get close enough to him, and as he undid the zip of her dress her skin was alive from the tips of her toes to the crown of her head. Finally, she stood revealed in the lacy underwear which, considering it was mere wisps of nothing, had been costly. It was worth every penny for the look on Robin's face.

"My beautiful, beautiful, wife," he said, the wonder in his voice making her blush. His hands moved to her breasts, stroking delicately until her nipples peaked beneath his exploring fingertips and her breath came ragged and fast.

She tugged at his shirt and undressed him as he peeled the last remaining slips of material from her body, and then they were naked at last. He was magnificent. She looked with something approaching awe at his chest and shoulders and lean thighs, the hair on his chest narrowing to a thin line bisecting his flat stomach and then becoming thicker again between his legs. He was hugely aroused.

He drew her over to the bed, kissing and caressing and stroking her as he laid down on the scented linen, and then he took her to a captivating place she'd never been to before. Nothing she had experience before could have prepared her for being was it was like to make love with Robin. And that was what it was, being made love to. Her wants and needs were all-important to him, and instead of the quick satisfying of his desire he had begun to touch and taste every inch of her skin with delicate skillfulness, bringing her to the brink over and over again. Sometimes playful and teasing, other times tender or lusty, he admired her with his eyes, his hands, his mouth, and with such erotic finesse she thought she would die from the pleasure he was creating.

"I love you, my darling. I love you more than life itself." In the moment before he finally took her he breathed the words against her mouth. "And this is just the beginning of a lifetime of love that will get better with each day that passes."

"I know." She clasped him to her, feverish in her desire that they come together at last. "And I love you, so much."

A few years later.

"Mommy," Roland says, tugging at Regina's arm, "Come on, let's go! I'll be late! I can't be late!"

Regina checks her watch and see that they are at least fifteen minutes early. "We won't be late, sweetie."

It's his first day of Kindergarten, and they are walking him to school.

"Daddy! We're going to be late!" he says to Robin.

"We're early, Roland," he says.

That reassures him. He nods, then tugs on Regina's arm. "We're early, Mom."

"Oh, really?" Regina asks, rolling her eyes at Robin.

He smirks back at her and takes her hand.

A crossing guard gestures for them to keep going, and they cross the street while she blocks traffic. There's dozens of other kids walking to school, the older ones are mostly going by themselves, while the other kids Roland's age all have parents with them as well.

They smile and wave at some of the other families, most of them are people they recognize from around the neighborhood.

"Big day," one of them says to Robin.

"You have no idea," Robin says, squeezing Regina's hand even tighter.

When they're out of earshot of him, Regina whispers to Robin. "What did that mean?"

"You know," he says, "With Roland in school, we finally will have some alone time again."

He gives her a look that tells her exactly what he means, and her heart pounds.

Roland didn't kill their sex life. Far from it. The occasional babysitter and hotel combo managed to keep the flames of love fully fueled, while Roland finally sleeping through the night allowed for some more back-to-basics sex.

Not that Roland hasn't been the biggest joy of their life. Watching her grow and raising her together has strengthened their relationship in ways Regina never could have imagined. She's seen sides of Robin that she never even thought would exist. Seeing him shirtless, holding Roland in his arms as a newborn, and singing softly to him in his deep voice was one of the happiest moments of her life.

They hadn't exactly talked about how Roland going to school would affect their sex life, as she'd mostly been excited to see her baby so grown up, but it seems as if Robin has been planning something.

"I hope we can do coloring," Roland says, "And drawing."

"I hope you do lots of reading," Robin says.

"We always read at home!" he says. "I think we've read all the books! All of them!"

"I'm sure there will be more books you haven't seen at school, sweetie," Regina says.

They get to the school, and a lot of parents are taking pictures of their kids with their little backpacks on the lawn in front of the main entrance.

"I guess that's us," Robin says, pulling out his phone.

"Yeah!" Roland shouts. "Picture! I'm gonna make a funny face!"

Regina leans in toward Robin. "Get at least a few of him between funny faces."

He nods, "I know."

Roland gets in front of the sign for the school and the entrance, and Robin holds up his phone. He snaps dozens of photos, and Regina's elated to see that he gets some great ones of Roland giggling between shots of him tugging at his cheeks, sticking his tongue out, and making weird hand gestures on top of his head.

He flips to one of the best ones, zooms in on his smile, and gives her a thumbs up. "Great faces, little man."

"Thank you, Daddy," he says in a high-pitched, almost too-sweet voice.

They ask someone to hold the camera for them, and they get a picture of them all together. One of Roland standing between them, another of him hoisted up into Robin's arms.

"You'll be too big to hold soon," he says.

"You're strong Daddy, you can always hold me."

Regina laughs, and she feels a tear streak down her cheek.

"Don't be sad, Mommy," she says. "You aren't strong enough to hold me, but I still love you."

They both laugh, and soon some teachers come out and show the new Kindergarteners—including Roland—the way into their classrooms. They left standing outside with the other parents. All of them seem like they're in shock. The kids are really in school, and they're really…alone? Free? Maybe a bit of both?

"Come on," Robin says, "This way."

They walk back toward their house, but soon he takes a seemingly random turn.

"Where are we going, Robin?" Regina asks.

He pulls her around the next corner, and as they clear a wall covered with vines, a black limousine is parked alongside the road.

He opens the door to the limo, and she slides into the backseat, her heart pounding just as hard as the first day that they met.

"Now that school is in, we can play." Robin says as he pulls Regina's onto his lap as the limo driver puts the car into motion.

"Robin, where are we going?" Regina asks.

"Shhh." He says as he kisses her neck.

"Robin, we can't be late to pick him up." Regina says as she closes her eyes.

"We won't be. I wouldn't dream of being late." Robin says as they head to their destination. A nice little cabin about an half hour from the city.

"Robin…" Regina whispered into his ear.

"Hmmm…" Robin said as he kissed her neck some mire.

"Take me to bed." Regina said.

Robin called out to the driver. "floor it."

"I've had her in my bed."

Regina is not liking Christmas, Robin is going to show her the true meaning of Christmas

Robin is a famous singer in England, off with his family to spend the holidays, hoping to cheer his little brother up.

You were in my bed the day we met.