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

As all the dog mushers crossed the finish line, loud applause broke out among the crowd. Isabelle joined in, clapping enthusiastically.

“That was really incredible,” she said.

“There’s nothing quite like the first time you see it.” Connor flashed her a smile. “It’s the official sport of Alaska. Cool, huh?”

“I had no idea,” she admitted. “But it makes sense. I can’t think of a more thrilling event to watch.”

“It’s pretty cool seeing it through your eyes.” Connor’s own eyes twinkled as he looked down at her. His voice injected a feeling of coziness into their conversation. For a moment she almost forgot that they were at a public place and surrounded by an entire community. Everything else faded away.

Was Connor flirting with her or simply being nice? Did it even matter, considering the albatross hanging around her neck? For all intents and purposes she wasn’t a free woman. Her past in Miami shadowed her every single day. It never let her forget her limitations.

“I’m really happy to be here,” she said lamely, wishing she could simply let loose and go with the flow. But she couldn’t, and anger rose up inside of her. She had witnessed a brutal murder that had put her own life in jeopardy. And now, because of it, she had to steer clear of the one man in all of Alaska who made her feel as if good things might be coming her way.

Connor stayed where he was, mere inches away. “If you’re hungry we can check out the food truck. They serve a mean gumbo if you want to ward off the chill in the air. There’s also a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate bread to satisfy even the biggest sweet tooth.” His smile served as an invitation. “What do you say?”

She should make an excuse and get as far away from Connor as possible. Perhaps she could tell him she needed to check in with Lissa about what time she wanted to leave the event. But she was hungry and the fare sounded scrumptious. A myriad of thoughts raced through her mind. Before she could rein herself in, Isabelle blurted out, “I’d love to check out the food truck. I haven’t eaten since this morning and my stomach has been grumbling so loudly it sounds like a grizzly bear.”

“Well, that sounds serious. We better do something about that right away,” Connor replied. He held out his arm, and she looped hers through it as they headed off in the direction of the food truck. Although Isabelle knew she was heading into dangerous territory by spending time alone with Connor, she couldn’t seem to help herself. He drew her in with the force of a magnet. Just for tonight she was going to enjoy herself with him, secure in the knowledge that it was only a moment in time. When tomorrow morning rolled around, Isabelle would revert back to her plan to stay away from him.

Getting close to a man like Connor would only make her life in the Witness Protection Program way more complicated. As it was, Isabelle felt as if she was trying to keep her head above water with one arm tied behind her back.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Connor tried to avoid the curious stares and whispers of the townsfolk. He could feel dozens of eyes focused on him and Ella as they dug into their food. His love life had always been the subject of much speculation in Owl Creek. Since Ella was a newcomer to town, it added a whole new dynamic to their gossip. While a part of him wanted to shoot them dirty looks, he knew taking the high road was more practical. All of his life Connor had been aware of his position in Owl Creek as a member of the North family. As the future CEO of the town’s main industry, it was his responsibility to act in a dignified manner.

“Do I have something on my face?” Ella asked him. A frown line marred her brow.

Connor studied Ella for a moment. She looked pretty perfect as far as he could tell. “Not that I can see. Why do you ask?”

She darted a look around them. “Quite a few people are gawking at me. I thought maybe I had chocolate on my nose or something.” She took another bite of the sweet treat, emitting a satisfied sound as she munched on it.

Connor stifled a chuckle. She really had tucked into the chocolate bread, and he relished watching her enjoy it so enthusiastically. Ella seemed to have no idea that the two of them were the object of the town’s curiosity. “They’re not staring at you. It’s the fact that we’re together that interests them,” he acknowledged with a grimace. “It’s kind of a town hobby.”

Ella’s eyes widened. “Oh. I see,” she said in a surprised voice.

“I’m sorry. I know it must be a little awkward, but certain folks in a small town love to speculate if they see two people hanging out.” He tamped down his irritation. Connor didn’t want Ella to feel uncomfortable or to think that the townsfolk were small-minded gossips.

“I get it,” she said. “I grew up with a Brazilian grandmother.” She ducked her head and giggled. “She and my great-aunts put me under the microscope my whole life. If I was even spotted with a boy, he was automatically my boyfriend. I understand how this all works, even though it can be frustrating.”

“I know they don’t mean any harm,” Connor said. “Much like your grandmother and aunts, I imagine. Because you’re new in town, they want to know more about you. And—” he paused dramatically “—the whole town wants to marry me off.”

Ella let out a surprised sound. “Wow. So they’re trying to march you down the aisle, huh?” The corners of her mouth were twitching with amusement. He liked seeing this lighthearted side of her. Perhaps he’d simply been picking up on her nervousness about relocating to Alaska