Page 52 of Winning Back His Wife
She shrugged. “I’m not sure I’m the settling type.”
Not surprising. Sarah had always seemed to have a case of wanderlust. When she’d moved into his apartment in Seattle, everything she owned fitted in her car. “How much longer does your postdoc last?”
“It’s hard to say after the accident. I estimate my funding will last a few more months, then I’ll have to find a new position. I’m thinking about applying to the Global Volcano Monitoring Project.”
The word global raised the hairs on the back of his neck. “What’s that?”
“A nonprofit group that sends scientists all over the world, particularly to third-world nations, to set up volcano-monitoring systems and teach locals how to use them.”
A sense of dread took root in his stomach. “Sounds interesting. Important.”
She nodded. “It would be great experience and an adventure. I’d be able to do a lot of good.”
“You would.” So why did this sound like a bad idea to him? Maybe because he would never see her again. But they were getting a divorce. He wouldn’t see her again no matter where she lived.
Cars passed by on the road. Neighbors greeted one another. A woman pushed a baby stroller. A tourist stood in the middle of the street snapping photographs.
“I see why you want to settle here,” she said.
“Yeah.” This was where Cullen wanted to be. So why couldn’t he stop thinking about Sarah living in some remote village in Central America? He realized they’d reached their destination. He stopped and pointed to the wood plaque hanging from the building. “This is your surprise.”
Sarah read the words written in gold script. “‘Welton Wines and Chocolates.’ Two of my favorite things.”
“That’s why I wanted to bring you here.” Chocolate was the second-best way to get rid of Sarah’s frustration. The first way was more fun, but not possible with her. He pulled his hand out of his pocket and opened the door. A bell tinkled, announcing their arrival. “After you.”
Her eyes gleamed like emeralds. “Thank you.”
He followed her inside. “You’re welcome.”
Warm air greeted Cullen, chasing away the cold. The aromas of chocolate and wine made his mouth water. The atmosphere was comfortable yet not too casual. Zoe Hughes had helped with the interior design. Chocolate was displayed to their left. A wine bar was on the right. In the back were black tables and chairs.
“This could be a dangerous place,” Sarah whispered.
Not half as dangerous as her. “Let me have your coat.”
Her eyes widened. “We’re staying?”
“This wouldn’t be much of a surprise if we walked in, turned around and left, now, would it?”
She grinned wryly. “I like your style, Dr. Gray.”
Too bad Sarah hadn’t liked him enough to stick with their marriage. No, that wasn’t fair. Cullen bore responsibility for the breakup, too. He hung up their jackets on the hat tree by the door.
Christian Welton, a firefighter and Leanne’s fiancé, shook his hand. “Good to see you, Doc.”
“This is Sarah Purcell,” Cullen said. “I wanted her to experience one of Owen’s chocolate tastings.”
“Great.” The firefighter looked at Sarah. His easy smile widened. “I’m Christian Welton. Nice to meet you. Leanne’s told me all about you.”
Sarah’s smile lit up her face. “Your ears should be burning. She said you were smokin’ hot, and you are.”
Leave it to Leanne and Sarah not to mince words.
Christian’s cheeks reddened. “Leanne mentioned the two of you had a lot in common.”
“You have no idea,” Cullen said.
Sarah’s lips pursed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Christian’s gaze met Cullen’s in understanding. “It means you and Leanne keep us on our toes.”
The bell on the door jingled. More customers entered.
“Take a seat.” Christian motioned them to the tables in back. “We’re getting set up. The tasting will begin soon.”
Cullen and Sarah sat at a small round table sporting a single red rosebud in a glass vase and a lit votive candle. The flame flickered. Romantic. He hoped she liked this.
She looked around. “This is great.”
The frown on her face didn’t match her words. “You sure about that?”
“I’m a little confused. I thought Christian was a firefighter.”
“He is, but his family owns a winery in the Willamette Valley,” Cullen explained. “Christian and his cousin Owen opened this shop a few months ago and run it together. Owen is also a chocolatier.”
