Love -n- Heal: Breckon House, #3

By Tressie Lockwood

Ishawna's feeling a little lonely. Her friends are pregnant and involved with two of the hottest triplets she's ever seen. Finding someone special was always secondary to building her career. She can't deny the longing in her heart seeing her friends' happiness.

 

In walks dark horse Urien—the third brother. He's not what Ishawna had in mind when she dreamed of the perfect lover. Urien is rude, nosy, pushy, unforgiving, and a whole host of other negatives.

 

But when Ishawna gets a stalker because of a mistake that could end her career, Urien is there. He's protective even when she tells him to get lost. He's gentle and thoughtful at times she needs him to be. Resisting Urien's love is turning out to be a losing battle, but Urien might be the man she's been looking for all along.

 

Ishawna must help Urien heal because of the secret he's kept from his family. But she had no idea he would bring the same to her and her family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tressie Lockwood
• Release date: Jan 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201337711

Book preview

Chapter 1

H ey, where are you going? The deep, sleep-thickened voice came from behind Ishawna. Come back to bed. I’m not done with you.

Ishawna cringed. She drew her robe together and knotted the belt at her waist. Guilt assaulted her—and fear. She was wrong to have slept with him, and she knew better. If anyone found out, she’d lose her license.

God, what was I thinking? I know better than this. And he’s the last guy I should have allowed to seduce me.

Ishawna. His voice held a note of censor.

She forced a smile and looked back at him. Mistake number two was to bring him to her place. I’m going to the bathroom, if you don’t mind. Damn, can’t a girl pee?

He laughed. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if you did that here—on me.

She stared at him wide-eyed as bile rose in her throat.

He snorted. I was joking. Go ahead, but hurry back.

That’s gross. I’m not into kinky stuff. She pushed her hair over her shoulder. Look, we shouldn’t have done this. It was fun, but you should go.

He laid on his back in her head, naked, legs splayed everywhere. The sheet had slipped to the floor during all their acrobatics. He didn’t seem to mind because he had a nice body, somewhat muscular and decent abs. Not to mention the thick cock with a good length. She’d noticed the fact that he was easy on the eyes the moment he walked into her office six months ago.

And almost from that day, he pushed to get into my panties.

He sat up. What, now that we’ve fucked, you want to dump me?

Come on, Odell. It’s not like we were dating. You’re my client. We fell into this, and it was a mistake. It might be better for you to find another counselor.

He growled in anger as he surged to his feet. You were going to help me get my wife back. But you fucked me instead!

She took a step back. Odell had never been violent. That wasn’t his issue. "Your ex-wife."

As if that made a difference. She was ashamed of herself for the weakness.

Odell, please don’t make this harder than it needs to be. We had a good time last night, but in the light of day, you have to agree it’s better that we don’t see each other again.

Worry kept her from thinking clearly about what to say to calm him down. This situation left her feeling vulnerable, and she hated being in that position.

He grabbed her arm and dragged her to his chest. I love you.

She gasped.

I’m not ready to let you go.

"What about your ex-wife? You love her. You said she’s been coming around lately. She noticed the changes you were making."

You weren’t worried about her when you sucked my dick last night.

Ishawna swallowed. Let me go, Odell.

His hand slid down her back, and he squeezed her ass. The desire she felt before turned to revulsion. He didn’t even tempt her now. The gentle sweetness he’d shown for months disappeared, and she started to wonder if it had all been a trick. Could he have fooled her the whole time? Normally, she spotted manipulation tactics a mile off. More than one of her clients had pretended to be something they weren’t. She always cut through the act with counselling. Maybe with Odell, she saw what she wanted to.

Come on, sweetheart, Odell coaxed her. Don’t be mean.

She flashed back to Merrick calling her mean and how it had hurt her feelings. Merrick brought out the worst in her for some reason. Regardless, she didn’t need Odell accusing her of something she wasn’t.

I’m not being mean. I’m just saying I made a mistake, and it’s better to move on.

Odell whipped her around and shoved her onto the bed. He followed her down, extending his big body over hers. Terror choked off any further words as she realized he might be planning to force her. This situation turned from bad to worse. She had to think fast.

He played with the belt on her robe but didn’t undo it. Debbie doesn’t matter to me anymore. I realize it’s you I love. Talking to you every week, seeing how you look at me, I couldn’t help falling for you.

I’ve remained professional the whole time, Odell. I didn’t look at you any particular way.

Lies! I hate when women say things they don’t mean!

I don’t normally, and I’m not now. She spoke in as calm a tone as possible, maintaining eye contact. Every instinct made her want to shut out his face and pretend this wasn’t happening. I like to be honest with my clients.

I not just your client! We had sex.

I have an idea. Why don’t you come to the office with me, and we can sit down and talk?

We can talk here.

I have clients to see this morning.

They don’t matter.

Now he sounded petulant, like a child. God, she’d made a huge mistake. She’d be kicking herself for years over this mess, maybe while working behind a counter at a fast-food place. Okay now she was being dramatic. She needed to focus on getting Odell out of her apartment.

Swallowing, she set a hand against his chest and then smiled. I’ve always enjoyed how sweet you were to your ex-wife and toward even strangers over the last six months. The experiences you told me about, how patient you were in the face of helping her to care for her mother…

He moved his hand from her belt, and the feverish light in his eyes died down a bit. Yeah, and after all that, she fell for another man.

Right, but you’re still a good man, a great person.

He rolled off her and sat on the side of the bed. She took the opportunity to put space between them.

Odell, I need some time to get my head on straight. You understand, don’t you?

He sighed. Yeah.

Good, so can we—

I’ll call you later. He grabbed his jeans from the floor and jammed his legs into them. She didn’t bother telling him he’d forgotten to put on his boxers first. In a few seconds, he was dressed, and he swept the boxers from the floor to stuff them into his pocket.

Soon her front door opened and closed. She rushed out to the living room to lock the door and sagged against it, forehead against the cold panel. A deep breath escaped her, and the tension drained from her body, leaving her legs feeling wobbly.

I should have known better. That’s what I get for wanting someone in my life so bad, I made idiot choices.

In the bedroom, her cell phone dinged. She took her time shuffling back to check it. The text came from Noelle.

Hey, girl. How’s it going?

Ishawna winced. She had no intention of telling her friend what she’d just gotten herself into. While she shared most everything with Noelle, she couldn’t share this. Noelle would think she’d lost her mind. Ishawna might even lose some of Noelle’s respect. Her friend looked up to her as someone self-assured and smart, as someone who had it all together. Ishawna knew better, but she liked having Noelle feel that way about her.

Same old thing, Ishawna texted. How’s it going in New York?

The phone rang, and Ishawna hesitated to answer. It was too late to pretend she didn’t hear the phone. Hey.

I miss home, Noelle moaned.

Rhys’ mom isn’t treating you well?

She’s spoiling me rotten. Well, not me as much as the baby. She insists on emptying out every baby store in the area. I told her I’m only six months preggo. Besides that, how does she think we’ll get all this stuff home?

Ishawna laughed. Not listening, huh?

No, she just buys more. I’m scared she’ll go broke. God knows I don’t want that because she might move to Summer Grove to live with us. I’d go stir crazy.

It sounds like your relationship has improved and she accepts you.

Good idea. I should think on the positive. Noelle sighed. I’m dog tired every day. This city is way too fast paced. Everybody is in a hurry. Never mind about me. How’s Urien and Awbry? They haven’t killed each other, have they?

I don’t know. I haven’t been to Breckon House since you left town. And I assume since she’s just as pregnant as you are, Merrick wouldn’t let his brother come within ten feet of her to upset her.

There was silence on the other end of the line. Ishawna went over what she’d said in her head, trying to determine if she sounded jealous. She didn’t want Merrick, but she saw how great he and Awbry were together. Not to mention the fact that she was having his baby. Ishawna wouldn’t be a woman if she didn’t feel a little sad that things couldn’t turn out differently between her and him.

You okay, Ishawna? Noelle asked softly.

I told you I’m fine. Don’t I sound like it?

I’m not sure. Look, girl, you know you can talk to me about anything, right?

Of course. There’s nothing to discuss. I’ve been so busy at work. My caseload has picked up. That’s a good thing for the success of my business.

Hmm. Noelle didn’t sound convinced.

I’m so sorry to rush you off the phone, Noelle, but I have to get into the office. I woke up late, and I have a client in less than an hour.

Okay, I won’t keep you. Just wanted to check in. Call me later, k?

Sure. Say hi to Rhys for me.

Will do. Love you.

Love you too.

Ishawna hurried to shower and dress. She didn’t have much of an appetite, but unless she wanted to be sick later while listening to someone else’s problems, she better get something on her stomach.

After breakfast, she headed out. Thoughts of Urien and the bar came to mind as she climbed into her car. How were he and Awbry getting along? She recalled he was a bit immature and crass. Not like Merrick but similar in some regards.

The guy was weird even down to his spiky blond hair. Ishawna saw the dying of his hair at thirty-five as a sign he wasn’t ready to grow up. He might even be running away from something.

No, Ishawna, don’t analyze him. You don’t have the energy for that mess. Let the Breckons take care of themselves and leave you out of it.

She laughed and pulled out onto the highway. As she drove downtown to her office, she glanced into the rearview mirror. The black SUV looked like it was headed everywhere she went, changing lanes when she did.

You’re nuts, girl. Calm down. Everybody’s headed this way in the morning. It’s called the nine to five.

She sighed. While she loved her job, today her heart wasn’t in it. Regardless, she needed to suck it up. Her clients needed her, and in a way, she needed them too—to distract her from the loneliness lurking inside. Time to earn her keep.

Chapter 2

Acramp formed in Ishawna’s neck. She stretched her arms over her head and bent first to one side and then to the other. Her feet were asleep, so she walked barefoot around the office for a few minutes. For years she kept her weight somewhat manageable and her mind sharp by exercising an hour each morning. Over the last few months, she’d let the habit go, and her hips were showing the evidence.

Maybe she should get back in the flow with some jogging or something. The motivation just wasn’t there, and she regretted it. For days, she had filled up her calendar and kept her head down as much as possible. This afternoon, she’d paused long enough to get her notes and files updated. Her eyes hurt. Her muscles ached, and she was hungry.

She frowned at the empty pizza box on the ledge beneath the built-in bookcase. After devouring the leftovers from the day before at lunch, she shouldn’t think about food. Unfortunately, her body didn’t work that way. It was greedy.

Why can’t I be like those people who don’t gain an ounce without doing exercise?

Her hips and thighs mocked her. It was this loneliness. The self-satisfied feelings faded at some point and left her wandering. She put it down to watching her friends get involved and married, while she couldn’t find Mr. Right for anything.

Noelle wasn’t married yet, but a few nights ago when Ishawna talked to her, she let Ishawna know she and her future mother-in-law were already planning the wedding. Mrs. Breckon wanted the knot tied before Noelle gave birth. Noelle would have her hands full dealing with that dominating woman.

Her secretary knocked and stuck her head in the door. It’s happened again, boss.

Zella, give me a break, please. Don’t call me boss.

I like it. Zella grinned and carried in a stack of mail to hand to Ishawna. It makes you sound like a mob boss.

Ishawna rolled her eyes. Should I tell you what I think of your thoughts veering in that direction?

Zella held up her hands and laughed. No, no. I’ve got issues. Everybody knows it. Anyway, here’s the mail. The mailman left everybody in the building’s mail in Suite 100 again.

Ishawna sighed. And they didn’t bother letting us know until the end of the day?

Yup.

From now on, if we don’t see it before ten, run down there just before break to get it.

Will do. So do you need anything else before I head out? Zella parked on the edge of Ishawna’s desk."

No, I’m good. Thanks.

Got a hot date tonight? Zella wiggled her eyebrows.

Ishawna had never invited Zella to be so friendly with her, but that didn’t stop the woman. Zella was super social. Ishawna didn’t mind. Zella put the clients at ease. Ishawna’s previous secretary hadn’t been a good fit, and Ishawna was glad to find Zella. She wouldn’t give her up for anything.

"I bet you have a date," Ishawna responded. She wouldn’t admit to going home to an empty apartment.

Zella’s eyes brightened. He’s so sexy. I can’t believe he agreed when I asked him to dinner. Trust me. I’m going to have a good time this weekend.

"Well be careful. Just because he looks good doesn’t mean he is good. Know what I mean?"

Zella rolled her eyes. You’ve got to live a little. I told you whenever you say the word, I’ll hook you up with a guy I know.

Um…

I know a lot of guys.

Ishawna couldn’t help asking, If they’re so great, why aren’t you with any of them?

Zella wasn’t offended in the least. Not right for me could mean right for you. And hell, if they’re hot…

You don’t mean that.

Zella snorted. No, I’m teasing—sort of. Sometimes you just want to have fun and leave the serious stuff for later.

Ishawna would have agreed before the incident with Odell in her bedroom. Just having fun could get a person in trouble. No matter how one looked at it, common sense had to weigh the risks.

Have a great weekend, Zella.

Thanks, I will. Zella threw her bag over her shoulder, wiggled her fingers in a wave, and left Ishawna’s office.

Ishawna had seen her last client and done all the paperwork she cared to do that day. The sun slid slowly beyond the horizon, and she’d had enough. A man didn’t wait for her at home, but she planned to stop at the grocery store on the way and grab something to snack on while watching a movie. Maybe a better idea would come up for a more exciting weekend tomorrow night.

The floor Ishawna worked on was silent as a tomb when she reached the elevator. From her position, she noticed the dark interiors through the glass doors of the other suites. Good Lord, she wasn’t leaving that late that the place should shut down. Everyone must be in a hurry to start their weekends.

The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open. She stepped forward and almost barreled into the chest of a man stepping out.

Oh shoot, excuse me.

With her mind full of plans, she didn’t look up, but moved to the side. A hand shot out to grasp her arm.

Ishawna.

She froze. Odell, what are you doing here?

I came to pick you up to take you to dinner.

She tugged her arm free of his grasp, surprised he allowed it. I already set you up with another counselor, Odell. And I told you when you phoned me last week that we can’t see each other anymore. You agreed.

He checked his phone, dark lashes lowering over hazel eyes. Smooth caramel skin extended over perfect cheekbones and a strong jawline. Her senses no longer stirred with attraction, but she recalled Zella’s excitement over a handsome man. Letting a physical reaction control decisions could get one into trouble.

Let’s see. Do you like Italian? There’s a great place a couple miles from here.

She clutched her bag on her shoulder and tried not to let anger take over. "Don’t pretend you don’t understand the situation. You’re perfectly capable of getting how I feel. We’re not going to dinner."

He looked up, eyes narrowed. The hand stroking her cheek made her flinch. Offense radiated off him, and he frowned. It would be a shame if I called the State Board and let them know about us. I have a feeling they wouldn’t like it.

You’re trying to blackmail me? That’s a funny way to treat a person you claim to love.

He dropped his hand from her cheek to drag her closer. She resisted, but his thick fingers bit into her arms. "I do love you, sweetheart. I’m just trying to get you to see the intensity of my feelings. You’re the one who’s always told me to own up to them. I’m doing it. I’ve gotten better because of you."

This isn’t better, Odell. You’re trying to control me. You’re trying to force me to feel a certain way about you that’s not healthy.

Why can’t I tell him to get his damn hands off me