Page 12 of Hiding in Alaska (Home to Owl Creek 4)

Connor and Isabelle joined in on the laughter. It was impressive to see such a distinguished businesswoman have the ability to laugh at herself. Connor was blessed to have her as his grandmother. Isabelle felt a burst of gratitude that she’d secured a position at Beulah’s company.

“I’d like to show you some behind-the-scenes areas of the factory. It’s a rite of passage for new employees,” Beulah said, gleefully rubbing her hands together. “I might even share some trade secrets.”

Connor leaned in toward Isabelle, speaking in a loud whisper as he said, “But then she’d have to make you disappear.”

Connor’s close proximity caused her pulse to quicken. A rich, woodsy scent hovered around him. Although Isabelle had met men like Connor before, she’d never met anyone who appeared to be the whole package. His dark hair and blue eyes combined with chiseled features and a rugged build made him one of the most attractive men she’d ever seen. He was smart and confident, with a loving family by his side. And judging by the lack of a wedding ring and local chatter, he was still single.

Beulah swatted her grandson. “I’d do no such thing. Follow me, Ella. There’s plenty of intriguing aspects of this operation.”

Isabelle nodded and walked over to Beulah. The CEO was a font of information and she couldn’t wait to hear more from the older woman about the craft of making chocolate. She would be the perfect tour guide.

“I’m going to head back to my office and make a few phone calls,” Connor said, glancing at his watch. “I’ll see both of you in a little bit.”

Isabelle felt a stab of disappointment. She loved Connor’s whimsical side and the factory seemed to bring it out in him. She couldn’t deny that Connor was quickly becoming a distraction. He tempted her to think of quiet nights by the fire and snowy walks on the town green.

What was it about Connor that brought out this side of her? She’d already decided to steer clear of any romantic entanglements in Owl Creek, knowing it would only serve to complicate her life if she became involved with anyone. But time after time her thoughts kept veering toward Connor.

For the next hour, Beulah walked Isabelle around the factory. There was so much to see behind the scenes. Isabelle was fascinated by the process of making such delicious chocolate from a simple cocoa bean. After seeing her keen interest, Beulah invited her to put on a uniform and take a turn on the assembly line. She was intrigued by the entire operation and the history of North Star Chocolates. Beulah rattled off so many details as they continued the tour, providing her with so much information that Isabelle’s head was spinning.

Along the way Isabelle was introduced to numerous employees, all of whom appeared to hold Beulah in high esteem. Even though she was the CEO, Beulah was down-to-earth and likable. She treated everyone in the factory as if they were as important to the company as she was.

At the end of the tour Isabelle was treated to a new product that was being rolled out in the factory. It was the most delicious white hot chocolate cocoa created by Connor and his siblings. Beulah even tucked a few packets in a little pouch for Isabelle to take along with her.

As Beulah accompanied Isabelle back to t

he corridor where they’d started, she stopped in front of the office that Isabelle now knew belonged to Connor.

“I’m going to leave you here with my grandson. I hope you enjoyed the tour.”

“It was truly wonderful,” Isabelle said. “Thanks for making time for my visit. It means the world to me.”

Beulah reached out and squeezed her hand. “It’s impressive that you came all the way from Flagstaff to work for our company. I have a really good feeling about you, Ella. And I don’t say that often.”

Isabelle’s heart sank. Guilt pricked at her. Beulah believed in her. The CEO of the North Star Chocolate Company had no idea that she’d hired a person who didn’t actually exist. Ella Perez was a creation of WITSEC. Beulah’s kindness made her feel like a complete and utter fraud. All she could do was stuff down the feelings of worthlessness and plaster a placid smile on her face.

“I appreciate the vote of confidence,” Isabelle murmured.

“Thanks for coming, my dear. Don’t be a stranger. I hope to see you at some of our town events, starting with this weekend’s festivities,” Beulah said as she strode down the corridor. Isabelle knew she was referring to the dog mushing event that Connor had briefly mentioned. Signs promoting the event had been plastered all over Main Street and the town green. She didn’t plan to miss it. It would provide her with a bona fide Alaskan experience.

Isabelle called out a feeble goodbye. Guilt threatened to swallow her up. She wished there weren’t so many things about herself that she was hiding. Spending time with Beulah would be so much more rewarding if she could truly be Isabelle Sanchez. Beulah North was such a genuine person. She liked to think they had that in common, but at the moment, Isabelle couldn’t credit herself with that attribute.

“Are you all right?” Connor asked, concern threaded in his voice as he came to his office door.

“I... I’m fine,” she murmured. But she really wasn’t. Isabelle didn’t enjoy feeling as if she was earning praise under false pretenses. The North family had treated her warmly ever since she’d arrived in their small Alaskan town. Beulah felt like an old friend, and she didn’t want to ever let her down.

“You look a little shaken up,” he said as he ushered her inside. “Can I get you anything? Perhaps some ice water?”

“No, I’m okay. Just a little headache,” she said, pressing her fingers against her temple. She swung her gaze around Connor’s office. It was a bright and airy space with colorful decorative touches. The tall bubble gum machine told her a lot about the man. It was a fun and imaginative touch. Maybe he was a kid at heart.

Connor followed her gaze. “That’s my own homage to Willie Wonka. As a kid I always wanted a machine like this one in my bedroom.” He flashed her a smile. “Clearly, my parents knew that it wasn’t a good idea back then. I would have eaten them nonstop.”

Isabelle grinned at the idea of a pint-size Connor yearning for a bubble gum machine. She could easily imagine a mini version of him. “Well, you finally made it happen. Good for you.”

“Hey! Before I forget, I need to take your picture. HR usually does it for new employees, but I’m filling in for them this week. Let me grab my camera,” he said. Connor turned toward his desk and began rifling through one of his drawers. After a few moments of fumbling around he located it.

Her picture? Her heart began beating a wild rhythm in her chest as her mind buzzed with questions.

“Why do you need to take my picture?” she asked. Isabelle could hear the panic in her own voice.

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