Harlequin Love Inspired March 2021--Box Set 2 of 2 by Patrice Lewis (best large ereader .txt) 📕

“Students?” Ella asked, furrowing her brow as Sage hustled away.

“Sage is a part-time teacher. Her teaching schedule allows her to help out here and at the factory a few days a week,” Connor explained.

Ella nodded. “I imagine she’s a wonderful teacher. She’s been so patient with me today.”

Connor had no way of knowing if Ella knew his sister’s backstory. It had been front-page news when it had been revealed that the long-lost chocolate heiress had returned to Owl Creek. There was nothing in Ella’s expression or voice that hinted at anything other than pure admiration for Sage. As far as he was concerned, his little sister was the most resilient, loving person he’d ever known.

“So, did Beulah pick out some chocolates for you to take home?” he asked, knowing it was his grandmother’s signature gesture she extended to new employees. Chocolate was Beulah’s love language, and she didn’t hesitate to shower people with it.

“She did. She asked me what my favorites were, and I told her that I love it all. I’m not sure how a person can have an absolute favorite.”

Connor felt his eyes widening. He let out a sharp laugh.

“Did I say something funny?” Ella asked with a slight frown.

“I’m sorry,” Connor said, his tone apologetic. “I didn’t mean to be rude. Let me show you something.” Connor walked behind the counter and opened the display case. He scanned the rows of chocolates, homing in on several before he picked them up and placed them on a napkin. He turned toward Ella and pointed toward the chocolates. “These three chocolates are my all-time favorites. This one here is the purest milk chocolate. I fell in love with it when I was eight years old.” He broke the confection in half and handed it to Ella, who gingerly bit into it. “Now this one here is a chocolate truffle. When I was eighteen, you couldn’t tell me there was a finer chocolate.” Once again he split the chocolate in half. He watched as Ella eagerly popped it into her mouth.

“Oh, this is delicious,” she said, letting out a contented sigh. “So when did you fall in love with the third one?”

Connor held up the piece of white chocolate. “This one has only been a recent discovery. I spent most of my life thinking white chocolate just wasn’t on the same level as regular chocolate. At the advanced age of twenty-seven I fell head over heels in love with white chocolate.” Connor dramatically snapped the piece of white chocolate in half and handed Ella one as he bit into his own portion.

“Sounds like a serious relationship,” she said with a chuckle. The sound of Ella’s tinkling laughter warmed his insides. She seemed more relaxed today. He was beginning to see glimpses of her personality shining through her reserve.

They were standing so close to one another their arms were brushing against each other. A slight awareness flared between them seconds before Ella moved a few steps away from him. A shuttered expression came over her face and he had the distinct impression his close proximity had made her uncomfortable. At the moment, Ella was giving off signs he rarely encountered.

Connor was used to being playful and friendly with the women in Owl Creek. In fact, he had gained a reputation of being a ladies’ man. Just because he’d always had a healthy dating life didn’t mean he was a player. And even if he had been at one point, wasn’t he allowed to evolve?

Suddenly, a bang emanated from outside, echoing in the shop.

Ella let out a scream as her features creased with fear. For a moment Connor was struck by the sheer terror on her face.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of,” Connor said, instinctively moving toward her and placing his arm around her. All of his protective instincts had gone into high gear.

“W-what was that sound?” she asked, her eyes wide, lips trembling.

Connor strode toward the window and peered outside. In a matter of seconds, he turned back toward her. “It was just a truck backfiring.”

“Otis’s truck? Not again! He really needs to get that thing fixed,” Sage called out from across the store. She shook her head and made a face.

“I’m so embarrassed,” Ella said, ducking her head. Her body was still shaking.

“Hey. It’s nothing to feel badly about. You should see me during a thunderstorm,” Connor said, trying to ease the tension.

Ella sent him a smile that didn’t make it all the way to her eyes. One moment everything had been fine, and the next she’d been falling apart. It didn’t make any sense. Was she the high-strung type?

“Is everything okay over here?” Sage asked as she walked back over to the counter.

“Everything’s fine,” Ella said. “Let’s get back to it.” She rubbed her hands together.

“You’ll have to excuse us, Connor. I’m still training Ella, and there’s lots more to go over,” Sage said, gently pushing her brother toward the direction of the door.

He held up his hands. “I can take a hint. I’ll see you ladies later.”

Connor took one last look in Ella’s direction. Although she appeared a bit steadier, there was still an unsettled expression on her face. She seemed wary, as if she was waiting for something bad to happen.

As he made his way back to the chocolate factory, Connor replayed the incident with Ella in his mind. Her reaction to Otis’s vehicle backfiring had been over-the-top. He hadn’t imagined her terrified response to the loud boom. It had been dramatic. What had she been so afraid of? So many possibilities flashed before him. None of the scenarios was pleasant. Maybe Ella had been hurt in the past by someone. And perhaps she’d come all the way to Owl Creek to get away from a turbulent situation with an ex. It chilled him to the bone to imagine Ella as the victim of domestic violence.

Warning bells were clanging in his head. He needed to avoid conflict-filled situations, especially since he was