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

her head. “I’m eager to explore Owl Creek during my off time. I’ve heard about the wonderful birds that inhabit this town and I’d love to see some of them.”

“This place has a lot to offer. It’s not flashy or grand in any way, but it has a lot of charm. Before you know it, Owl Creek will feel like home.”

A look of sadness crept over her face. As quickly as he’d noticed her expression it was gone, replaced by a serene look. “Thanks for the pep talk. See you later,” she said as she headed outside into the blustery morning.

He stood inside and watched as Ella walked down the steps and headed in the direction of Main Street. Even though he had back-to-back meetings scheduled and countless emails to catch up on, he felt an urge to push past the doors and take a walk with Ella to the chocolate shop. Along the way he could point out interesting landmarks, specialty shops and tell her a little bit about the town’s history. Maybe he could get her to laugh by telling her about the prank he, Hank and Gabriel had played on the townsfolk one Christmas. It had involved a Nativity scene, six roosters and a Cabbage Patch doll. Even though they’d gotten in trouble for it, the Three Amigos still chuckled about it to this day.

There was something about Ella that made him feel the need to be carefree and seize the moment. She had the type of beauty that wasn’t just on the surface. It seemed to come from deep inside of her. His grandmother certainly seemed drawn to her, judging by the expression stamped on Beulah’s face. That had to mean something about Ella’s character, he told himself. His grandmother didn’t suffer fools gladly, and she had a knack for sniffing out insincerity. So was Ella the real deal after all?

Connor shook off the notion of leaving the factory and catching up to Ella. Regardless of how she made him feel, he knew there was way more to her than met the eye. Every instinct was warning him to tread lightly. He wasn’t a man who took chances. And something told him that Ella Perez was a risk he couldn’t afford to take.

CHAPTER SIX

Once Isabelle made it back to Main Street, she found herself slowing down as she passed by Tea Time. The elegant shop beckoned her to go in and treat herself to oolong tea and a plate of cucumber sandwiches and scones. It would be such an amazing indulgence. If she hadn’t already spent hours at the factory, she would have gone inside and basked in the lovely surroundings of the tea emporium. As it was, she really needed to scoot.

“If you’re wondering if you should go in, I would highly encourage it.”

Isabelle spun around at the sound of the familiar voice. Sage was standing behind her with a wide grin etched on her face. She radiated a pure joy that caused Isabelle to yearn to find such serenity in her own life. What would it feel like, she wondered, to experience life in this amazing town with nothing to hide? She envied Sage’s seemingly blissful life while at the same time acknowledging it couldn’t have been granted to a kinder person.

“Hi, Sage. You caught me in the act. It isn’t the first time I’ve looked longingly through this particular window,” she admitted with a chuckle. “This place looks so appealing, although I’ve never had a chance to go in.”

“Well, now you do. Come on inside with me. I have business with the owner, Iris Lawson. I’d love for you to meet her.”

Sage bit her lip. “I really should head back to the chocolate shop. I’ve been at the factory all morning.” She took a quick look at her watch. “This morning has just flown by.”

“Just for a few minutes. I promise,” Sage said, taking her by the hand and leading her through the doorway. Isabelle didn’t put up much of a fight. Her curiosity to see the interior of Tea Time had been pricking at her for days now. She would check out the establishment, but she wouldn’t linger for long.

As she trailed after Sage, Isabelle soaked in all the details of the tea emporium. The first thing that drew her attention was the vintage chandelier shimmering from the ceiling. Intimate tables were adorned with beautiful tablecloths and lace doilies. Flowers sat in a small bouquet on each table. Beautiful gold curtains and lush velvet chairs added an air of refinement. Peering in from the front window didn’t do this place justice.

“Isn’t it magnificent?” Sage asked.

Isabelle nodded. A sweet smell hovered in the air. She inhaled deeply as she tried to pin down the scent. It wasn’t a single aroma, she realized. It was a myriad of tea scents all floating in the air. This, she thought, was paradise. If only she had time to partake in the experience.

“It feels like we’ve stepped into another era. Those drapes remind me of something from the Jazz Age,” Isabelle remarked. She loved reading historical novels set in the 1920s. Tea Time would fit right into the setting of one of her favorite books.

Suddenly, a tall woman with brown skin began making a beeline in their direction. With her animated features and an almost regal bearing, she exuded pure elegance. “Sage. It’s great to see you. I’ve been wondering when you would stop by.”

“Hey, Iris. I’m sorry it took me so long to circle back. Things have been crazy lately. I wanted to check in with you regarding the wedding shower Rachel and I are throwing for Piper.”

Iris clapped her hands together. “Rachel has been finalizing some of the details, so I think we’re really in good shape.” Iris turned toward Isabelle, shooting her a curious look.

“Oops. Where are my manners? Iris, I’d like to introduce you to Ella Perez. She just relocated here from Arizona.” Sage grinned. “She’s working at the chocolate shop. Ella,