Sweet Surrender 29

"I've met someone else, I'm sorry."

I stared blankly at the text message, my brain not comprehending the words in front of me. I felt a tear silently roll down one of my cheeks. How could he do this? We have been together four years, and this is what I get? The "it's not you it's me" bullshit?

I slammed the phone down and quietly began to sob.

"Charlotte, your 2:00 is here. Hey, are you okay?"

I looked up through my tears to see my friend Rita in the doorway. She's a nurse and I worked as a physician's assistant at Dr. Peters' clinic in downtown Boston.

I hurriedly wiped my tears away. "Oh yeah Rita I'm fine, no big deal."

She walked over and sat down across from me, taking my hands in hers. "It's Jeremy, isn't it? Charlotte, I told you he was scum."

I pulled my hands from hers, throwing them up in exasperation. "I know, I know. Well, he dumped me now for someone else, so it's over."

"Fucking dirtbag," I heard Rita mutter under her breath.

I stood up and turned away from her, placing my hands over my face and attempting to stifle another sob. "I don't know what I am going to do now. We share an apartment. It's in both our names. And who will get Domino!" I cried in despair.

Rita rushed to me and wrapped her arms around me as I cried again. "Sshh don't worry, everything will be alright. Look, you already had that getaway for you and Jeremy booked, right? For Valentine's Day? Why don't you still go? Alone. You can take that week to clear your head and figure things out."

I began to protest, but she stopped me. "I don't want to hear it. Dr. Peters already knows that you will be taking the time off. Just go. I'm sure you'll feel better if you do." I nodded in silent agreement, knowing it's better not to argue with Rita. She was usually right anyway. Just like she was about Jeremy.

***

I thanked God Jeremy wasn't home when I got back to the apartment later that evening. He was probably out with that new girl. He hadn't told me her name. I didn't care anyway. I smiled when my adorable Boston Terrier Domino ran to greet me. I knelt down and lifted him into my arms, and I giggled as he licked my face. It was just what I needed.

I sat Domino down and headed to the closet to grab my suitcase. I threw in just a few things, sans the lingerie I had bought special for our getaway. "Won't be needing that now," I muttered, half to myself and half to Domino, who tilted his head at me.

Jeremy and I had planned on leaving that night anyway for our weeklong Valentine's getaway. We were going to drive up to the little mountain town of Cedar Peak in New Hampshire. Of course, it was me that had booked the Airbnb we were going to stay at.

Looking back on it now, I realized that for months prior to our breakup it had been me initiating the relationship, and I was getting nothing back. Now I understand why. He had already checked out. I was trying to futilely keep our relationship going.

I gathered my suitcase and Domino into the car and hit the road. The snow was only coming down lightly, and the roads were clear enough to make the drive rather easy. Domino curled up in the backseat on his blanket that I kept back there for him, occasionally shifting his glance up at me with his big puppy dog eyes.

Jeremey had never wanted to get a dog, but when I had found Domino as an abandoned puppy outside Dr. Peters' clinic, I couldn't resist keeping him. He had been so skinny and scared.

Jeremy wasn't thrilled when I brought him home, but he had warmed up to him fast due to Domino's lively personality. Still, Domino was truly my dog, my companion. I was hoping that Jeremy wouldn't want to keep him, but that was yet to be determined.

I sighed as I turned onto the final road that led up to Cedar Peak, and Domino stood up and positioned himself with his front legs against the car door to look out the window. The snow was coming down a bit heavier now, and I hoped that I would be able to find the Airbnb relatively easy.

After only another 20 minutes or so, I got to the Airbnb and pulled into the driveway. It was a pretty log cabin, with a wraparound porch and large windows. Once inside I discovered it was even more beautiful, with a large stone fireplace, a rustic chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and a beautifully crafted staircase that ascended to an upstairs loft.

The kitchen was more basic, which I didn't mind, but there was also a back deck with a hot tub, which I was very excited to relax in. Domino ran around the cabin, sniffing and inspecting everything in sight.

Walking back into the kitchen I noticed a large gift basket sitting on the counter. It appeared to be from my host Ann, and it contained a bottle of red wine, a small variety of cheeses and some chocolates from a local chocolate shop called "Sweet Surrender."

Ha cute, maybe a bit cringey, but cute

, I thought.

A small note accompanied the basket, just saying "Happy Valentine's Day Jeremy and Charlotte, enjoy your stay!"

The realization hit me again, and I slumped down into one of the kitchen chairs and started to cry. Here I was all alone, on what was supposed to be a romantic vacation with my boyfriend. Domino, I think understanding my distress, ran up to me and I scooped him into my arms.

"You know Domino, I think I'm really starting to hate Valentine's Day."

The next morning, I headed into town to get some supplies for my stay. After picking up a few groceries at the General Market and struggling with Domino's popularity with every person in town, I noticed that chocolate shop, Sweet Surrender, was across the street. I decided to go check it out.

Before I could step another foot, Domino bolted, surprising me and I lost my grip on his leash. He darted for the other side of the street, and into the path of an oncoming car. I screamed for him in horror, certain I was going to watch my dog be killed in front of me.

Appearing out of nowhere and quick as lightning, a man darted into the street and speedily snatched up my precious Domino, making it to the other side before the car could hit either of them. I slammed my hand over my chest in relief, my heart pounding.

I ran over, taking Domino out of the man's arms and thanking him profusely. When I looked up at him, I could see he was young, probably close to my age, with chestnut hair and a dark beard. What struck me the most were his eyes.

They were big and soulful, hazel in color, a swirl of forest green, whiskey brown and just a slight hint of blue. They were the most gorgeous eyes I had ever seen. He smiled at me, and his smile was just as beautiful.

"You're very welcome," he said, his voice deep. "I'm just glad I got to him in time. I'm Sam by the way."

I held out my free hand for him to shake. "Oh, I'm Charlotte, Charlotte Milton. And this is Domino."

Sam shook my hand slowly, staring into my eyes and smiling. I was blushing so hard I thought he would be able to feel the heat from my cheeks.

"Lovely to meet you Miss Charlotte Milton, and Domino. I hope to see more of the two of you around here. Although hopefully in less dramatic circumstances."

Sam let go of my hand, and I felt a strange sense of disappointment when he did. He turned and walked into the Sweet Surrender shop. I followed a few seconds later, and as soon I walked in the smell of fudge and other delectables filled my nostrils.

There was a large assortment of truffles, chocolate clusters, fudge, chocolate covered strawberries, and even candy apples. I could see Sam was behind the counter. Evidently, he worked here.

He looked up when he heard me come in, and his beaming smile returned. "Ah so we meet again!" he teased. He gestured around the shop.

"You see anything you would like?"

"Uh no, or wait I mean yes," I stammered, feeling incredibly silly all of the sudden. "I would like some of the chocolate covered strawberries please. The six count."

He chuckled and put them into a pretty gold box for me and tied it with a red bow. "I have never seen you around here before, are you on vacation or something? We do get a lot of skiers and such up around these parts this time of year."

I nodded. "Yes, I am here on vacation, with my..." I trailed off, remembering I was not here with Jeremy. Yet it probably would be best to not tell a strange man that I was here alone. "With my boyfriend. A romantic getaway you know, for Valentine's Day."

"Nice. Your boyfriend is one lucky guy." I couldn't help blushing at his words. "Hey, would Domino like a treat too? I have some special treats for the canine Valentines."

I laughed, telling him that Domino would love that. Sam ran to the back quickly and brought out a treat for him, coming around the counter to give the treat to Domino personally.

"Here you go Domino. I have a dog too, his name is Teddy, and he is a goldendoodle."

Domino speedily gobbled up the treat and of course instantly started sniffing around for more.

"Your treat will be on the house Domino, and so will the strawberries, Miss Charlotte."

"Are you sure you don't want me to pay? Won't you get in trouble?"

Sam waved his hand dismissively. "No no, I own this place. I make the rules," he said with a laugh. "Don't be a stranger now!" He disappeared again into the back.

I stood there stupidly for a moment, finding myself struggling to leave. What was wrong with me? I finally managed to turn and walk out the door, pondering what it was I was feeling exactly. There was something about him, but I couldn't figure out what.

***

Sam,

I thought as I laid my head back in the hot tub. The hot water and steam enveloped me, creating a sort of bubble around me that shielded me from the winter cold. I kept thinking of ways I could go back to his chocolate shop to see him again, but I didn't want to seem like a creep, especially when I was supposed to be here with my boyfriend. I didn't have a boyfriend though, and I couldn't get Sam out of my head.

Later that evening I decided to go into town to get something to eat and just take a walk to explore Cedar Peak with Domino. Eventually, I found myself back at Sweet Surrender. Looking through the window I could see Sam inside behind the counter. He was alone, and there didn't appear to be any customers in the shop.

I hesitated, just watching him, usure of what I should do. My heart was pounding. I looked down at Domino, who was beginning to whine and pull towards the door of the shop. My smart pup knew he had received treats inside there and wanted more. "Alright, alright we'll go in," I said.

The little bell on the door jingled as we entered, and Sam turned to see us. He smiled wide. "Miss Charlotte, how good to see you again! Back for more strawberries?"

"Actually, it was Domino who wanted to come back in, but yes the strawberries were very delicious."

Sam chuckled. "Well perhaps I need to get in the dog treat business rather than candy if those are the actual draw to my shop," he joked. "Let me go check and see if I have any more treats in the back."

He went in the back and then returned a few moments later with another treat. He handed it to Domino and then looked back at me. "Would you like anything? Some more strawberries or something else?"

I didn't want anything other than to see him again, but I froze and said I would take a bit of the chocolate fudge he had. I also inquired about how he made it.

"Would you like me to show you?" Sam asked. I wasn't expecting that.

He took me in the back and proceeded to show me how he made Mackinac Island fudge. Sam explained that he had taken a trip to Michigan once and had gotten the recipe from a friend there, so he started to make it special for his shop.

"You need to stir it constantly here," Sam instructed.

After a bit, he asked me the question that I knew was bound to come up. "So, where is your boyfriend?"

I sighed, knowing I couldn't really hide it much longer.

The truth is, I don't have a boyfriend. I only told you that at first because I didn't want a strange guy to know I was up here alone. My boyfriend just broke up with me, and I am actually up here on a vacation that we were supposed to take together for Valentine's Day. Pathetic right?"

Sam gave a half smile and shook his head. "No not pathetic at all. It's time for yourself, you know, to figure things out. I know the feeling; I have been dumped too. I mean, you would never guess by looking at me, but..." he burst into laughter.

"Wow you're so humble," I jested back, shaking my spoon at him.

"Well Charlotte you and Domino are not helping my ego by telling me how great my dog treats are and how much you like my chocolate strawberries. Plus, a beautiful woman accepting my offer to make candy with me boosts it too."

I knew I was blushing again, not sure what to say next. "So how did you get into the chocolate business?" I asked.

"My grandpa actually," Sam said smiling. "He had been a chocolatier in Manchester, just like his father. When my grandma died, he decided to get away and come up here to Cedar Peak and start one here. It was a more relaxing environment for him, surrounded by nature. So, when I was a kid, I used to help my grandpa out during the summers. It just seemed to catch on, and once I was old enough my grandpa handed the business over to me. He told me we have chocolate in our blood."

Sam chuckled then and I giggled too. "I sure do miss him, making chocolate isn't the same without him, but I try my very best to keep his legacy alive. Here you need to beat this with the spoon until it thickens."

I attempted to do as he asked, but I wasn't strong enough, and Sam positioned himself behind me, helping me stir the fudge. I held my breath, my heart pounding again. He even smelled like chocolate.

"There," he stated when were finished. "Now we just need to put it into a pan and let it cool." After he did so, Sam asked me if I would like to take the fudge we had made together home. I said yes, and he still insisted that I didn't have to pay.

"Okay, okay. You can pay me for the dog treats, but nothing else. Instead, let me take you out tomorrow. If you join me for dinner at the Golden Stag, that can be payment."

I laughed and agreed, although shocked that he had asked me out. "It's a deal then," Sam said, shaking my hand, and I realized after a moment that neither one of us wanted to let go.

I left Sweet Surrender ecstatic, and as Domino and I walked away, I heard Sam call out to me. "Remember payment tomorrow at 7:00!"

***

I wanted to dress up for Sam, but I hadn't brought anything really dressy to wear, since I had come up there single and not planned on going on any dates.

I threw on a corset top and some jeans, topping it off with a cardigan sweater for warmth and some short high heeled boots. It didn't look too bad just for a casual dinner.

"What do you think Domino?" I said spinning around in front of him. He just stared at me for a moment from his spot on the bed, and then laid his head down and sighed, as if to say, "What are you getting yourself into Charlotte?"

"Oh, don't you be so judgy," I playfully scolded him. I checked my phone to see the time was 6:45, time for me to go. I fidgeted with my hair again quick and put on some lipstick before bidding Domino goodbye and reassuring him I would be back soon.

The restaurant wasn't too busy, and Sam was already there by the time I arrived. I could see him right away as I walked through the door, he was chatting up the pretty blonde hostess. I could feel a strange rush of jealousy surge through me for just an instant.

I stood there for a moment, suddenly feeling very self-conscious. Sam turned toward the door and saw me standing there. He smiled and waved me over. I slowly and sheepishly walked over to him; he was still chatting to the hostess.

"Katie, this is Charlotte, the one I was telling you about. Charlotte this is my friend Katie."

I shook Katie's hand, exchanging pleasantries. She sat us down, and we began to chat after the waitress took our drink order. We found out we both loved hiking and reading mystery novels. And of course, our shared love of dogs.

After dinner, we took a stroll through the town. The sky was amazingly clear. "You can't see these many stars in Boston," I said, "It's beautiful."

Sam began to point out the different stars and planets, explaining that his friend Fred who also helped run the shop was sort of an amateur astronomer and had taught him a little bit.

"Would you like to meet him? He's at the shop right now." I nodded and we walked over to Sweet Surrender. Fred was a bit older, in his early 50's, with graying brown hair and warm brown eyes. He smiled when he saw Sam and I.

"Hey Sammy, I thought you were taking off tonight."

"I am but we thought we would stop in for some dessert. So, what do you got here Freddy?" Sam winked at me, and I giggled.

"Well, I had heard somewhere that this little lady liked chocolate covered strawberries. Is that correct?" Fred held out an already prepared box, smiling widely. I giggled again, taking the box from him and thanking him.

Sam offered to carry the box for me, and he surprised me by taking my hand in his as we walked out the door. It emboldened me to ask him to come back to the Airbnb with me. I scrunched up my face after I said it, in immediate regret. He laughed, noticing my hesitancy. "Only if you really want me to," he said.

"So do you and Katie have a thing or what?" I asked Sam as I handed him a glass of wine. My questions were becoming bolder due to the alcohol I had consumed at the restaurant and now back at the Airbnb.

"No, we don't have a thing," he retorted. "Katie and I have been friends since we were kids. Now I will admit she was my first kiss when we were like eleven, but that's as far as it ever went. She's married to one of my best friends."

Sam took a sip of the wine, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Truthfully, I haven't been in a relationship in a long time. My last girlfriend cheated on me, and I kind of swore off dating after that. I have my shop to run, so that keeps me busy anyway. And it's a small town, so not too many women to choose from," he added laughing.

I plopped down heavily on the sofa next to him, tucking my feet up underneath me, propping my head on my hand. Domino, who had been very excited to see Sam, was curled up next to him on the sofa, his two front paws placed on Sam's thigh. Sam didn't mind.

"What about you?" he asked, nodding his head towards me. "How long were you with this last guy?" I shook my head, not really wanting to talk about Jeremy.

"Too long," I said quietly. "Four years. Everyone warned me about him, they said that I couldn't see any of the red flags. I guess I couldn't until I was slapped in the face with them. He met someone else and that is that."

"And you came up here alone to get away, to clear your head?"

"Yeah." I shrugged. "It's not really working though."

"No? And why is that?"

I leaned in closer to him, laying my head on the back of the sofa now, staring into his eyes. A big smile spread across his face.

"Because of you. Ever since I met you at your shop, you have been distracting me. I keep thinking about you. I have no idea why since I don't even know you."

I went for it then, the couple glasses of wine I had drank making me bold. I leaned in and kissed him, wrapping my arms around him and pulling him back toward me. Sam reciprocated, his tongue parting my lips and invading my mouth. I moaned softly, and that encouraged him as he kissed me deeper.

For a moment I thought I would melt into him, but he pulled back without warning, staring down at me. "What is it?" I asked breathlessly.

His breathing was ragged, and he ran one hand through his hair. I sat up now too, worried I may have done something wrong. Again, I was feeling totally foolish. I stood up to go to the kitchen and let him have some space, but he grabbed my hand before I could move away.