Hiding in Alaska

by Belle Calhoune

  But there would be no more rides to and from work with Connor now that her truck had been fixed. Not sharing that special time with him would be a huge loss for her.

  Connor was in a league of his own. He was funny and easy to talk to. He was charming, but not in a cheesy way. He’d made her laugh so hard her stomach hurt, telling her stories about Beulah and growing up in the North family. It hurt to know how badly they must have all suffered due to Sage’s abduction. Although Connor didn’t know it, they’d each gone through trauma that resulted in lasting scars. Connor and his family had already endured the worst kind of pain imaginable as a result of lies and deception.

  It had been heartwarming to see Sage, Hank and their child bonded as a loving family. Although it reminded her of everything she’d left behind and all the dreams she would have to forgo for her own future, it hadn’t made her want to curl up in a ball and cry. It had given Isabelle hope. Maybe one day she could move past all the trauma from having witnessed a murder. Perhaps being in the Witness Protection Program wasn’t the end for her.

  Please, Lord, help me stay positive so I can have the future I’ve always dreamed of having. I need to have faith in You and the promise of a new day. I need to keep believing even when others tell me my dreams are not going to come to fruition.

  Earlier today she had resisted the strong urge to reach out to her family by phone. She’d ached to hear the sound of their voices and to let them know that she was doing all right. Isabelle worried about her parents and the toll the entire situation had taken on them. Her family had no idea that WITSEC had relocated her to Alaska. Disclosing such information would have risked her status in the program and potentially brought danger into her life. It would have erased all the efforts of Marshal Kramer and his team to create a new identity for her in Owl Creek.

  Her loved ones were safer not knowing anything about her location, even though it hurt to feel so disconnected from them. She drew strength from her family and the Lord. God was still beside her even though she was all alone. It didn’t stop her heart from aching, but He sustained her as nothing else could.

  It had taken all the courage in the world not to give in and make the call to her family. All of her life she’d played by the rules. Working at the night club had been her first act of rebellion, one she’d lived to dearly regret. Her parents hadn’t approved of Club Oasis or its drinking and party atmosphere. Now she had to live with the consequences of her decision. It wouldn’t be fair to get involved with anyone and have him bear her burdens.

  Connor’s handsome face flashed before her eyes. Just remembering the way their eyes had locked earlier caused her pulse to skitter. She liked Connor North way more than she wanted to. He was growing on her and she was powerless to stop it. He represented all of the things she had once dreamed of in a romantic partner. But he was off-limits. Connor had already been put through enough turmoil in his life. By becoming involved with him, Isabelle would only be dragging him into another terrible situation filled with half-truths and lies.

  * * *

  The next morning, Connor drove to the factory all by himself. It felt strange not to have Ella beside him in the passenger seat, even though he’d been doing the ride solo for many years before she’d arrived in Owl Creek. Suddenly, it felt like something was missing. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out it was Ella’s sweet presence. The knowledge hit him squarely in the face. His feelings for Ella were growing incrementally each day.

  Connor hit the brakes as a caribou loped across the road roughly fifty feet ahead of him. He took a moment to admire the graceful creature. He hoped Ella didn’t run into any animals on her way into work. The last thing she needed was to have another wreck or be frightened at the sight of an animal.

  It’s not your problem, he reminded himself. Ever since Ella arrived in town, Connor had made it his business to look out for her. As a result, he’d veered way over the line with regards to keeping a distance from her. Despite his gut instincts warning him about the newcomer to town, he’d continued to befriend her. Last night he’d almost kissed her!

  Who was he kidding? he asked himself. Kissing Ella would have been amazing, even if he still harbored doubts about her past. It would have been a moment of discovery between them. Maybe then he could have figured out if his interest in her was reciprocated. As it was, he’d just been left with more doubts.

  He felt a funny sensation in his chest at the thought of merely being friends with Ella. It wasn’t what he wanted, but he couldn’t be anything more than her friend with so many doubts still swirling around regarding the secrets she was keeping.

  He didn’t feel like his usual self as he made his way through the building. Although many employees called out to him as he walked by, Connor could only nod his head. Things couldn’t go on this way. He needed to completely forget about growing their friendship into anything more meaningful.

  Connor closed his office door behind him and settled behind his desk. For the next few hours he focused on work without talking to any of his colleagues. When something was bothering him, Connor tended to go inward. He’d always been this way, going back to childhood. Not even Gabe or Hank could penetrate his mood.

  When a knock sounded on his door, Connor couldn’t stifle his annoyance.

  “Come in,” he said gruffly. He didn’t really care who was on the other side of the door. At the moment he was feeling grumpy and completely out of sorts.

  “Well, good morning to you, too.” At the sound of his grandmother’s voice, Connor lifted his head. She was standing in the doorway dressed in a bright blue pantsuit that only Beulah could get away with. And for the life of him, he couldn’t be aggravated when she was nearby.

  “Morning, Grandmother.” He glanced at the clock on his desk. “It’s almost afternoon, though. I don’t know where the time is going.”

  She was gazing at him with a look of compassion in her eyes. “I can tell you have a lot on your mind, but I won’t pry,” Beulah said.

  “I’m just having an off day,” he said. There was no way he was going to talk to Beulah about Ella. The last thing he needed was to have his grandmother meddling in his personal life.

  “All right,” she said. “I’ll take what you’re saying at face value.”

  “What’s up? You look like you’re about to burst. Has something happened?” Connor asked. He knew this woman well. She was overjoyed about something and it showed.

  “We’ve picked our latest employee of the week,” she announced. “We printed up a certificate of distinction, and we’re giving her a gift card and flowers.”

  “Who got it? I’m sure it’ll brighten their day.”

  “It’s Ella. I was wondering if you wanted to stop by the chocolate shop and tell her in person. She’ll be thrilled to hear the news, I imagine, and get the recognition.”

  Hearing that Ella was being hailed by the company uplifted Connor’s dark mood. It gave him a kick just thinking about her reaction to the news. But he didn’t want to be near her right now. It was still confusing trying to figure out how he was going to stay solely in the friend zone with Ella. Steering clear of her might make it easier.

  “Uh, I actually have a call later on. I can’t do it, although I know the award will make her really happy.”

  Beulah appeared crestfallen. Her smile vanished and her brows knitted together. “I thought you and Ella were getting along like a house on fire, judging by last night.” She fluttered her eyes.

  He should have known his grandmother wouldn’t let what she’d witnessed last night go by without a comment. It wasn’t in her nature. She had a tendency to meddle in the lives of her family members. He knew it came from a place of love, but at the moment it only added to his frustration. “I’m not even going to respond to that. There’s nothing romantic between us. We’re just friends.”

  Beulah arched an eyebrow. “That’s even more re
ason to be the one to tell her the good news. It won’t be the same if I send one of my employees over there who doesn’t know Ella. It won’t be as meaningful.”

  “It can’t be helped,” he said tersely. With every word Beulah uttered, Connor felt his willpower faltering. He would love to head over to the chocolate shop and surprise Ella with something encouraging like employee of the week. Was he being selfish by only considering his own feelings? Truthfully, he was protecting himself. He was getting in way too deep with his feelings for Ella.

  “It might be a nice pick-me-up,” Beulah said. “Not just for Ella, but for you as well. Get outside, take a nice walk in the fresh air. Give someone some good news. It might cheer you up.”

  Connor let out a sigh. He knew when Beulah sounded like this she wasn’t going to give up until she got her way. He might as well save himself a colossal headache and agree to do as she’d requested. No matter how he tried to stay away from Ella, forces kept pushing him in her direction. He just had to stay strong. Connor would present the news to Ella as a friend. Nothing more.

  “All right. I’ll swing by the shop. Happy now?”

  “I’m always happy when people do the right thing,” she answered in a singsong voice. “Let me go back to my office and bring you the certificate and the goodies.” Beulah sailed out the door with a spring to her step. She returned a few minutes later with a canvas bag. The bouquet of flowers was poking out of the top.

  Before he changed his mind, Connor put his coat and boots on in preparation for the walk to Main Street. As he strode along, he had to admit that getting a dose of the crisp Alaskan air was good for him.

  When he entered the store, Connor immediately noticed a commotion going on inside the normally orderly place of business. Kids were scattered everywhere. Connor’s gaze immediately settled on Ella. She was bent over at the waist talking to a little girl whose lip was stuck out in a dramatic pout. Ella was speaking in a low voice, and although he couldn’t hear what she was saying, he knew it was soothing. The little girl leaned in for a hug and wrapped her arms around Ella before darting off to join some pals. When Ella stood up, their eyes met across the shop. A hint of a smile played around her lips at the sight of him. That simple act buoyed him. Connor made his way to her side.

  “Connor! What brings you here?” Ella asked. “As you can see, this place is jumping today with first-graders. Sage arranged a tour for her students.” Ella’s eyes twinkled. “Giving chocolate samples to six-year-olds is a bona fide way to make them happy.”

  Connor looked around the shop at all the happy little faces. He let out a chuckle. “Sage might regret giving them candy before they head back to class.”

  Sage and another teacher were doing their best to quiet the kids down to a dull roar. His sister looked over and sent an apologetic look in Ella’s direction. In return, Ella simply smiled.

  “Only one piece of chocolate per child,” Ella said. “That’s the rule.”

  “A wise decision,” he said. “I’m a big fan of the stuff, but too much of it can make children bounce off the walls.”

  Ella grinned. “That’s what my sister always says.” Once the words were out of her mouth, Ella’s expression changed. All the light faded from her eyes, replaced by a somber expression.

  Connor could see the sadness emanating from her eyes. He knew the source of it was homesickness. Braden had left Owl Creek for three years as a self-imposed penance for the accident that had killed Piper’s father. He’d later confided in Connor about the deep sense of isolation he’d experienced due to missing his family members and friends. Connor imagined Ella felt the same way. He didn’t want to ply her with questions about her sister or do anything to accentuate her sorrow.

  “I came to ask you if you wanted to grab lunch.” Connor blurted out the invitation. The words had poured out of his mouth like water from a faucet. Lunch? Where had that idea come from? All he’d been planning to do was to deliver the good news to Ella and then head back to the factory. It wasn’t like him to veer so wildly off course. Evidently, this woman brought it out in him.

  “I’d love to go to lunch,” Ella said, smiling at him as she answered. “If you can wait fifteen minutes or so until Sage’s class leaves.”

  “I can wait,” he said with a nod. “I’ll get out of your hair until the kids clear out.” Connor beat a fast path to the door, stepping outside into the frosty air. As a cold breeze whipped across his face, Connor let it wash over him. All of a sudden he had no actual clue as to what he was doing. He wasn’t used to acting so spontaneously. He’d always thought things out and acted in a deliberate manner.

  What am I doing? Sharing a meal with Ella wasn’t taking a step back as he’d vowed to do. He was getting in deeper and deeper without an exit strategy.

  * * *

  Sitting across from Connor at the Snowy Owl Diner was an unexpected development in Isabelle’s day. To say she’d been surprised by his unannounced appearance at the chocolate shop would be a major understatement. Try as she might, Isabelle couldn’t convince herself that she should have turned his invitation down. Being around him made her feel good. And it was flattering that someone like Connor would ask her out to lunch when most of the women in town would jump at the chance. Working at the shop gave her an opportunity to listen to the chatter of the customers and her staff members. Connor North was a hot commodity in Owl Creek. From the sounds of it, he had dated prolifically, yet he hadn’t ever had a steady love interest.

  Frankly, his romantic history in town was none of her business. He was free to date half the town if he so desired. This wasn’t a date! It was merely a simple lunch between friends.

  Isabelle focused on the menu, even though she knew exactly what she was ordering. The salmon cakes with a cup of crab stew would make for a divine lunch. Looking at Connor across the table was akin to falling into the void. Why did he have the most piercing blue eyes? And the steadiest gaze. It always made her feel as if he could see straight through her. She shivered at the idea that he knew she was a woman harboring secrets.

  By the time the waitress had arrived at their table and taken their orders, she and Connor had started up a conversation about the best places to spot rare species of birds in Owl Creek. Isabelle was really intrigued by the idea of bird-watching in Alaska. If anyone had told her a year ago she would be contemplating such an activity, she would have laughed herself silly.

  Isabelle took a long sip of her hot cocoa. It felt nice to be inside and away from the cold. She still hadn’t gotten used to being bundled up all the time and the frequent snowstorms. Perhaps years from now she would be acclimated to Alaska.

  “So, I actually brought you out to lunch to celebrate.”

  “Celebrate what?” she asked. He’d completely piqued her curiosity. It was flattering to think he’d chosen her as a companion to revel in good news.

  He reached into his bag and pulled out a folder. Connor handed it to her with a flourish.

  “Congratulations,” he said. “You’ve been chosen as employee of the week by Beulah. That’s your certificate. I’ve also got flowers and some goodies you can take with you.” He handed her the bag he’d carried in. “She’s really proud of the hard work and extra hours you’ve put in.”

  “Me?” she asked, feeling incredulous. “But I haven’t worked for the company for very long.”

  “Well, what can I say? Beulah makes those distinctions and she really sang your praises. It isn’t easy working for the North Star Chocolate Company when you don’t have a background in chocolate. You’ve made a tremendous effort to learn your craft. It hasn’t gone unnoticed.”

  Warmth flooded her cheeks. It was an exhilarating feeling to know that she’d made a difference. She had always been a hard worker, but she hadn’t always been proud of her work environment at Club Oasis. This was different from any other job she’d ever held. Isabelle felt a deep sense of pride in wor
king for such a prestigious chocolatier.

  “I... I don’t know what to say.” Her eyes moistened with emotion. This time the tears stemmed from a joyful place. It was a wonderful feeling to finally be happy about something after a long period of being fearful and uncertain. Perhaps this was a milestone. Maybe she was finally stepping out into the light.

  Connor reached over and placed his hand over hers. “Savor the moment. You’ve earned it.”

  Isabelle nodded. It was hard for her to toot her own horn, but she knew that the recognition from Beulah was a game changer. Ever since she’d arrived in Owl Creek, she had been afraid to be herself. It was almost as if she’d been walking around with a costume on this entire time. The employee of the week distinction was an acknowledgment of her strong work ethic. Even though she’d been raised to be humble, Isabelle wanted to bask in Beulah’s kudos for a few moments. It made her feel as if she was on top of the world. Something told her it might not last, since her life under the Witness Protection Program was stressful and unpredictable.

  She was feeling a bit emotional after Connor’s news about her employee of the week award. All of the employees she worked with at the store were hardworking and diligent. Compared to the late nights she’d spent working at Club Oasis in Miami, her position at North Star Chocolates was delightful. She was now working normal hours as opposed to heading into work at night and not getting off until the wee hours of the morning. And she always felt safe.

  When the waitress returned with their food, Isabelle found her appetite had lessened due to her excitement. She took a few bites of her salmon cakes while Connor voraciously tucked in to his pollack, french fries and coleslaw.

  “You better pinch me because it feels like I’m dreaming,” Ella said.