Harlequin Love Inspired March 2021--Box Set 2 of 2 Patrice Lewis (i read book txt) 📖

She’d casually mentioned being a new resident in their small village, but he wondered if she had family or friends here. Had she relocated for a romantic connection? In these parts it was entirely possible. Or perhaps she’d come here for an employment opportunity.

A job! His family’s chocolate emporium. That’s why her name sounded so familiar. Ella Perez was the new manager at the North Star Chocolate Shop right down the street. He’d seen her résumé and offer letter just the other day on his grandmother Beulah’s desk.

When he glanced back over in Ella’s direction, she was sailing out the front door.

He reached into his pocket, pulled out some bills, then plunked them down on the table. “Spending time with you guys was a pleasure, but I have to settle some work-related business,” he said, standing up and pulling on his parka. “Breakfast is on me.”

Before Gabe or Hank could say a word, Connor hustled toward the exit. If he moved really quickly, perhaps he could catch up to Ella and introduce himself as a member of the North family and welcome her to town.

He immediately spotted her heading toward the parking lot. “Ella!” he called out in a raised voice. When she didn’t turn around, Connor called her name in an even louder voice. When she didn’t respond, he picked up the pace, closing the distance between them in a few quick strides. Although he continued to call out her name, she didn’t turn around.

In a last ditch effort to get her attention, he tapped her on the shoulder. Ella whipped around to face him, a look of pure terror etched on her face. Her entire body had stiffened up.

“Hey. I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said, immediately regretting touching her. He didn’t think he’d crossed a boundary, but perhaps he had unknowingly done so.

“You didn’t,” she said, her voice trembling. “You just caught me off guard.”

“Sorry about that, but I had to catch up to you before you left. When we met I couldn’t help but think you seemed familiar to me. And I know exactly who you are, Ella Perez.”

CHAPTER TWO

Isabelle felt frozen in place. Her hands began to break out in a sweat. A wild rhythm began to beat in her chest. A huge lump sat in her throat, making speaking impossible. How on earth had Connor figured out her identity? She’d barely been in town for twenty-four hours. Jonah had assured her that her identity would be secure in Owl Creek as long as she abided by the rules. To her knowledge, she hadn’t broken a single one. How could things have fallen apart so fast? Now she would have to leave this Alaskan village and plant roots somewhere else.

“You know who I am?” she asked, her voice sounding raspy.

Connor nodded as a grin slowly stretched across his face, making him appear even more handsome than she’d initially thought. “You’re the new hire for my family’s chocolate shop. If I remember correctly, you’re starting this week.”

She felt her entire body sag in relief. Phew. Due to her nerves, she’d completely misread the situation. Her status in WITSEC wasn’t in jeopardy after all.

“I guess I should have picked up on your last name,” Isabelle said. She’d been so nervous after she’d caused him to fall that she hadn’t made the connection between him and the North Star Chocolate Company. “My start date is tomorrow actually. I’m really grateful for the opportunity.”

“Welcome to Owl Creek, Ella. I think you’re going to love our little part of Alaska. I know I’m biased, but it’s a fantastic place to live.”

“Well, it’s unlike anything I’ve ever known. Florida never sees snow. There’s a whole lot I’m going to have to get accustomed to, particularly the climate.” A feeling of dread washed over her. She’d just said Florida out of habit. How had she slipped up so early on? “I meant to say Flagstaff not Florida. Though I’ve spent many summers in the Sunshine State,” she quickly added, praying Connor hadn’t noticed anything strange about her statement. Even though she’d practiced reciting her backstory with Jonah a hundred times or more, clearly it hadn’t stuck.

“What made you apply for a job so far from home?” he asked, his brows knitted together.

Her heart began to hammer in her chest. Was he suspicious of her or simply asking normal questions? It was hard not to feel paranoid under the circumstances.

What would Connor North think if she told him the truth? That she’d chosen to rebuild her life in Alaska because it was far away from the danger she faced in Miami. Planting herself in a remote Alaskan town had been about survival. She’d made the hardest decision in her life by leaving everything she held dear in her rearview mirror. As a result, her heart had been completely shattered.

She shifted from one foot to the other. “I needed a change of pace,” she said instead. “Owl Creek seemed like it would do the trick.”

“That was mighty brave of you. Alaska isn’t for the faint of heart, especially when you’re used to a warmer climate.”

Isabelle nodded. “I also happen to really love chocolate, so I’m excited about working for North Star Chocolate. So far I’ve been communicating with Beulah. She’s been incredible. And very kind.”

Connor grinned. “That’s my grandmother. She’s can be quite a character, but she always leads with her heart.”

His grandmother. Her heart ached for her own sweet-faced avo. Carmen Sanchez was the most loving woman in the world. She’d helped to raise Isabelle. It was near impossible to imagine not being in her grandmother’s presence. Due to her grandmother’s serious medical condition, Isabelle had no expectation of ever seeing her again. Her eyes felt moist, and she knew she needed to get in the car before she started crying in front of Connor. That would certainly raise a red flag.

“Well, thanks for the warm welcome. I should head back to the house.