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

myself,” she said, chuckling along with him. “I’m so sorry for being such a mess over a few tree limbs. I can’t imagine Beulah freaking out over something like this.”

“My grandmother is a tough bird, but so are you. There are all kinds of strength in this world. I admire your willingness to pick up stakes and make a new life for yourself in Alaska.”

“Thank you, but Beulah’s in a league of her own. She’s an incredible woman. It’s safe to say I want to be like her when I grow up.” Ella’s voice sounded wistful, and Connor knew she was feeling badly about her reaction to the noises she’d heard. Maybe even a touch embarrassed.

“I think you’re pretty amazing, Ella Perez. Not to mention absolutely beautiful. You don’t need to be anyone other than yourself.”

Ella bowed her head. Her cheeks looked flushed. “You’re being really kind.”

Connor reached out and lifted her chin up so he could look her in the eyes. “I’m being honest. You’re the most stunning woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. And you have a lot of strengths.” He ran his fingers over her lips, tracing the shape of them. “I hope I’m not out of line, but I’d like to kiss you. I’ve been wanting to since the first time I saw you.”

Even though Connor still wanted to know Ella’s truths, he couldn’t deny the deep yearning to kiss her and give her comfort. Hopefully, over time, she would confide in him. At the moment, he felt reassured enough to move forward.

As he moved closer, their gazes locked. Ella’s eyes widened imperceptibly. The flecks in her brown eyes resembled embers. He leaned over and placed his lips on hers. A sweet floral scent filled his nostrils, instantly bringing to mind Alaska’s state flower, forget-me-nots. Her lips were soft and inviting. They tasted like cinnamon and sweetness. She kissed him back with equal measure, her lips moving against his with a tenderness that blew him away. He placed his hand on the back of her neck, anchoring her to him as the kiss intensified. In response, Ella placed her hand on his chest. He wondered if she could tell his heart was beating extra fast.

This was the moment he’d been hoping for over the past few weeks. It gave him confirmation that the attraction wasn’t one-sided. Ella felt something for him! In all of his life Connor had never experienced a kiss like this one. It was so natural and tender. It felt like coming home, as if they’d known each other all of their lives. Was this the elusive feeling he’d been missing out on all this time?

For a few moments they were lost in the kiss. Time seemed to stand still. For the life of him Connor didn’t want it to end. He didn’t want to go back to a place where he still had unanswered questions about Ella. This moment felt so perfect since it came from a place of feeling and not reason. All that mattered was this connection between them.

As the kiss ended and they drew apart, Connor swept his palm against her cheek. She looked up at him, her sooty lashes framing her beautiful eyes. He could stay here for hours just looking at her.

“I should head home. You need to get some sleep, Ella.”

“I am feeling pretty tuckered out,” she admitted. “Now I can sleep soundly and not worry about strange noises from the darkness.”

“I’ve lived here my whole life. I can’t remember a single instance when folks had to worry about break-ins. You’re safe here.”

He watched as her shoulders sagged in relief. Whatever was troubling her, he was happy he’d been able to allay her fears, even though he was still struggling to figure her out. Connor still felt curious about her situation and who was responsible for frightening her, but he sensed that she wasn’t going to open up to him. He had a sinking feeling in his gut. No matter how deeply he wished she would confide in him, only Ella could make that decision. And so far she was choosing not to do so.

As they said good-night by the door, Ella reached up and placed a swift kiss on his cheek. “Thank you, Connor. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t stopped by.”

“I’m glad I did. I actually stopped by to bring you the goody bags from the party. I put them on the table in the foyer.”

“Thank you,” Ella murmured. “That was very sweet of you.”

“I’m here for you, Ella. I’m a good listener and I don’t judge. I can be a strong shoulder to lean on if you need one.”

His gaze didn’t waver as he looked at her. One word from Ella and he would head right back into the house and listen to anything and everything she wanted to tell him. All this time Ella had been an enigma, a puzzle he’d been trying to figure out. Even though they had just shared a tender moment, there were still many pieces missing.

Connor felt a stab of disappointment when she bade him good-night without taking him up on his offer. As he walked to his truck and settled in behind the driver’s seat, he couldn’t deny the confused feelings warring inside of him. The kiss he’d shared with Ella had been exhilarating. But her secrets still stood between them.

He was impatient to finally get some answers about the things she’d been hiding. Until that time, Connor knew he couldn’t offer her anything more than friendship.

* * *

Isabelle woke up the following morning from a very unsettled slumber. She knew her sense of unease had everything to do with Connor’s visit and the kiss they’d shared. It had felt nice in the moment, but her conscience wouldn’t allow her to proceed any further. A man like Connor North deserved truth and transparency, neither of which she could give him.

She had every intention of spending a leisurely Sunday doing a few