Page 41 of Winning Back His Wife
Warning bells sounded in her head. Who was she kidding? She was past the warning stage. Alarms blared.
Best not to travel this road again. Giving in to desire would lead to disappointment and heartache. She couldn’t do that to herself, to her heart. “But it won’t happen again.”
“Definitely not.”
That was fast. Almost too fast. And he had said probably before, but definitely this time. Disappointment spiraled to the tips of her toes. At least they agreed, right?
She pressed her lips together, unsure what to say or do next. That seemed to be standard operating procedure whenever she was around Cullen. So why had she been so eager to see him when she woke up this morning?
He walked into the kitchen. “You mentioned taking a nap. While you sleep, I’ll figure out dinner. I’m sure we have enough leftovers.”
“It’s Taco Night at the brewpub.”
“You’re in pain.”
She didn’t want to stay inside, with him so close and her aching with surprise need. “I want to go out.”
His gaze raked over her, assessing her like one of his patients. “It’ll be too much for you after such a long day.”
“I’ve done nothing but lie or sit around, except for a walk outside with Bill.”
Cullen’s eyes narrowed. “There’s snow on the ground. You could have slipped.”
“We didn’t go far, and Bill never let go of my arm.”
“How gentlemanly of him.”
Sarah didn’t appreciate Cullen’s sarcastic tone, but maybe she could use this to her advantage. “Do you want to go to the brewpub tonight or not?”
“I like Taco Night, but I’m happy to stay home tonight. It’s been a long week.”
She empathized with that. “You must be exhausted.”
He opened the refrigerator. “Let’s go next week.”
“You can go then.” She straightened. “I’m going tonight. I’ll call Bill.”
Cullen slammed the fridge door. “Why do you want to go so badly?”
“I’m desperate to get out of the house.”
He arched a brow. “Desperate?”
Sarah nodded. “I’ve been doing everything I’m supposed to do, but enough is enough. I need to get out and do something. Have...”
“Fun,” he finished for her.
It would be fun to kiss him again. She didn’t dare admit that. “Lying around all day resting is the antithesis of fun. I can sit at the brewpub as easily as I can here.”
“You won’t be here alone.”
That was the problem tonight. She was alone with him. “I’ve enjoyed having people around. Everyone is nice and we’re getting to know each other. But I need to get out, have a change of environment, scenery, whatever you want to call it, or I’m going to lose my mind.”
Or burn with unspent desire.
Kissing Cullen again would send her over the edge completely.
Going to the brewpub made the most sense. The other option—spending the evening at home with Cullen—didn’t seem like a smart idea. Sure, they’d agreed not to kiss again, but they’d also agreed to divorce. Who knew what could happen with the two of them here alone tonight? She didn’t want to take any chances. She couldn’t afford more kisses. She couldn’t lose her heart to him. That would destroy her.
“Leanne told me about the soft pretzels with the house dipping sauce,” Sarah explained. “I love pretzels.”
“I didn’t know that.”
She wished he had made more time for her so they could have gotten to know each other better.
“I didn’t know about your broken arm.” Sarah waited for him to respond. She didn’t understand his hesitation. “If you’d rather stay home, that’s fine. Bill will drive me if you’re not up for it.”
Cullen’s nostrils flared. “I’m up for it.”
“But you said—”
“I changed my mind, okay?”
More than okay. She didn’t care if jealousy was the reason or not, even if it gave her an unexpected rush of feminine power. “It’s great. Thanks.”
“Take a short nap first,” he ordered in that oh-so-strict doctor’s voice of his.
Such a change from the way he’d been kissing and touching her a few minutes ago. She gave a mock salute. “Aye, aye, Captain. Pillows are fluffed and the sheet turned down ready for nap, sir.”
If only he’d join her...
Playful images flitted through her mind. Her temperature rose.
On second thought, napping by herself was better. Safer. Even if she would be...lonelier.
CHAPTER NINE
TACO NIGHT AT the Hood Hamlet Brewpub always put a smile on Cullen’s face. Nothing beat good food, great beer and hanging with friends, but it was the last place he wanted to be tonight. He gripped the steering wheel and turned onto Main Street, trying to ignore the floral scent of Sarah’s shampoo drifting his way.
