Page 25 of Hiding in Alaska (Home to Owl Creek 4)

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.

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