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

“Yeah, we like to make a big deal out of it. We’re going to shout it from the rooftops. We’ll put your picture up in the store and at the factory. Then we’ll place it on the company website and add it to our monthly newsletter. You’ll be famous by the time this month is done.” He let out a low chuckle.

“It’s going on the internet?” Ella asked, swallowing past the lump in her throat. All of a sudden her heart began beating a fast rhythm within her chest. No! she wanted to scream. She couldn’t run the risk of her face being plastered on the internet. Although it was unlikely the people who wanted to harm her would ever see it, she wasn’t willing to take a chance. If Burke and his cohorts got a lead on her whereabouts, they wouldn’t hesitate to track her down in Owl Creek. The very thought of it made her shudder.

“Maybe. I’m not really sure,” Connor answered. “Hey. What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy about this?”

“O-of course I am. I just don’t like all the attention that comes with it.” She bit her lip as her mind raced with how to explain her sudden wariness about the distinction. She had been over the moon about being employee of the week until discovering there might be online fanfare.

Connor frowned. “You’re confusing me. I hope you understand this is a good thing. You aren’t trying to hide your light under a bushel, are you?”

She shook her head. “In what way?”

“It’s something my grandfather used to say. Basically it means don’t hide your talents or abilities. Let them shine. The Bible verse comes to mind. ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works.’”

She was familiar with the Bible verse, but Isabelle didn’t see herself reflected in it. She wasn’t hiding her light. Isabelle was trying to preserve her status in WITSEC by not being exposed.

Isabelle nodded and continued to nibble her meal. At this point it tasted like sawdust. All she felt was a growing sense of dread. She didn’t know how she could do this for the long haul. Would she ever be able to sit back and relax without feeling as if a dark cloud was hanging over her head? Would she ever not wake up terrified in the middle of the night? And now, just when things had started to solidify for her in Owl Creek, she was being plunged back into fear, doubt and second-guessing herself.

If her picture was plastered all over the internet, would she need to leave town? She felt a pang in her heart at the idea of packing up and leaving. Where would she go? And how could she leave everything behind?

“I hate to eat and run, but I have a conference call this afternoon.” Connor’s comment drew her out of her thoughts. She hoped he hadn’t noticed her inattention. She’d deliberately stuffed down her feelings regarding her commendation going online. She couldn’t afford to make a scene about it or betray her deep concerns. There were already too many instances where she’d acted strangely in his presence. Connor was a smart guy. He’d probably picked up on her odd behavior. It was only a matter of time before he began to question what was going on with her.

She looked at her watch. “Oops. Where did the time go? I need to head back to the shop. Thanks for the lunch invitation. And for giving me such great news.”

“Well, thanks for joining me. And again, congratulations. It says a lot about you that you earned this praise.” Connor seemed genuinely happy for her.

“It means a lot to me. Please tell Beulah how thrilled I am.” Isabelle warmed at the compliment. She did feel proud, and she hoped Connor had been able to see her happiness despite her shattered nerves.

Connor pulled out some bills and plunked them down on the table. He walked with Ella to the exit. As they stood outside, Ella tilted her face upward. Snowflakes were falling gracefully from the sky. If only she could just enjoy this beautiful moment instead of worrying about her status in the Witness Protection Program. She longed to cast all her troubles aside and simply live the way other people did. Without fear or regrets.

“It was very thoughtful of you to come deliver the news in person,” she said. “I appreciate it.” She had been telling herself all this time she couldn’t afford to feel anything for Connor, but at moments like this one her will was being tested. Being with him always made her feel good.

He handed her the bag he’d brought with him. “I like seeing you smile, Ella. It was my pleasure. I hope to see you soon.” As Connor strode off in the direction of the factory, Isabelle paused for a moment to admire him. She liked the proud tilt of his head and the way he carried himself. Once he turned the corner and disappeared from view, her mind began to whirl with worry.

She needed to call Jonah immediately. This was definitely an emergency situation that called for her to contact the U.S. Marshal. Her entire cover could be blown if her picture was circulated online. Isabelle dug in the side pocket of her purse and pulled out her cell phone. Jonah had programmed his number into her phone when they’d parted ways. Isabelle walked to the parking lot behind the chocolate shop and made her way to her truck. Once she was inside, she placed the call.

As soon as she heard the familiar voice on the other end, Isabelle spoke into the phone. “Jonah, it’s me, Isabelle Sanchez. I don’t know what to do! My employer might be uploading my picture online. I might have to leave Owl Creek.”

CHAPTER TEN

Connor looked around the crowded tea emporium and pondered sneaking out the back entrance. He felt a bit out of place with all the frilly lace and velvet cushions.