Resisting Love: Black Hollow, #5

By Cassidy K. O'Connor

Living with her brother is one thing; living with her brother and his new husband is something else entirely. Now, Nerissa Falkenberg is eager to give the lovebirds their own nest, while she drafts the plans for her dream home.

When Pascal gets the call to build Nerissa's new home, he leaps at the chance. This is the lady Pascal has loved from afar for longer than he will admit and now is his chance to build more than just a home.

However, while Nerissa's brother is away on his honeymoon, all hell breaks loose at their restaurant throwing her plans into chaos. To compound matters, secret relatives she swore to never see again show up. Will this nightmare ever end?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Celtic Hearts Press
• Release date: Sep 23, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215625286

Cassidy K. O'Connor

Cassidy K O'Connor is a born and raised Floridian who loves to travel but never forgets where her roots are. She married her high school sweetheart, they have 3 kids and a crazy dog. Travelling and reading are her two favorite hobbies. Cassidy loves all things Ireland and has been lucky enough to visit twice. Her first book 'The Evolution of Sam' was published August of 2014 and she has plans for many more.

Book preview

Chapter One

Nerissa Falkenberg stood at the edge of the living room and stared at the mess taking up every surface and most of the walking areas. Her twin brother Tristan and Cailean’s wedding had been beautiful and emotional. The rainbow squad had done an amazing job but when it was over, they dumped everything at the house and disappeared. Tristan and Cailean had left for their honeymoon in Scotland and she’d been stuck staring at the aftermath for the last couple of days. She loved her brother and her new brother-in-law but it was time for her to get her own place. 

She and Tristan had lived together since they’d come to Black Hollow more than a century ago. Having their own sides of the house with a common area in the middle had worked well for them. Now that he was married though, she had no desire to be a third wheel. 

Ollie, Tristan’s Otter familiar squeaked as it ran toward the door. Who needed guard dogs when Ollie was around? She checked herself in the mirror by the door before opening it. She smiled at her guests and stepped back to let them in. Toussaint, Pascal, thank you for coming. The gargoyle twins were architects and owned the only construction business in town. Sorry for the mess. I’ve decided I’m leaving it for the lovebirds to figure out when they get back.

Pascal reached down and scratched Ollie between the ears. I thought Adam and Sarah’s wedding had been beautiful but theirs was quite the spectacle.

Toussaint chuckled. I feel bad for whoever gets married next. Saroj now sees himself as the official escort of brides and grooms. I can’t imagine anyone is going to crush the big guy's dreams if he asks them.

Cuddles, Nerissa’s crab familiar popped out from under her long, blonde hair and made several clicking noises.

Nerissa nodded at the crab before turning back to the guys. He’s still bitter Ollie got to be a part of the ceremony and Cuddles didn’t. She rolled her eyes, then continued on. How about we take a walk and I explain why I asked you here.

She led them outside and started walking around the lake. When they were a good distance from the house, she held her arms out wide. I would like to hire your company to build a house for me right along the lake here.

Toussaint smiled. Already tired of hearing the lovebirds?

She grimaced. I heard enough in the short time before the wedding to last me a lifetime. I love them but I don’t want to be that involved in their relationship.

Pascal nodded. I totally get it. As soon as Ivy moved in I started looking for a place; then when baby Wyatt came along, I knew it was time to go.

Nerissa chuckled. I forgot you hadn’t moved out right away, you went to the apartments, right? I thought about going there but I can’t be that far from the water. If I don’t go for a swim every night, I get pretty cranky.

Pascal shrugged. They aren’t bad but I don’t plan to stay long. I’ve been looking at houses for sale but nothing has caught my eye yet.

Toussaint pulled a tablet out of his backpack. On that note, why don’t you tell us what you want your house to look like. 

Nerissa bounced on her toes, excited to get the process started and see her dream home take on life. I’ve actually been planning this in my head for a while so get comfortable; this may take a while.

Chapter Two

I think an in-ground hot tub in the spa room would make everything perfect. Nerissa clasped her hands together in front of her smiling at them.

Pascal’s eyebrows had been stretched halfway up his forehead for the last half hour as they typed up and discussed Nerissa’s plans. She was probably the most detailed client they had ever worked with. Some of her wants were lavish. He struggled to think of how they were going to make her ideas work.

Toussaint studied the tablet for a second then handed it to Pascal. I’m going to walk the area and make sure there won’t be any surprises when we start digging.

Pascal walked over and stood next to Nerissa on the edge of the lake. She set Cuddles down and watched as he scurried into the water to play with Ollie. 

Pascal rocked back on his heels, trying to ignore the butterflies in his stomach at his proximity to her. So, are you all set to open the restaurant tomorrow? I can help out if needed.

She waved him off. I need you here building my dream house. Plus, I have Asald. Well, I have him as long as Penny keeps that baby inside. She’s due any day now, so if she pops before Tristan gets home, I might have to take you up on that offer.

Pascal rubbed the back of his neck. So, I was wondering... He stopped as he saw the look on her face. Nerissa, are you okay?

She’d lost all color. Her eyebrows were drawn together as she studied something far off in the water. 

She shook her head. No, no, no, this can’t be happening. Ollie, Cuddles, come now. She bent down and picked them up quickly. I’m sorry, I need to go.

Pascal whistled to Toussaint and took off after Nerissa. She ran toward the house while looking over her shoulder, never taking her eyes off the water. 

Toussaint sprinted to catch up to Pascal. What’s going on?

Pascal shrugged. I’m not sure. She saw something out in the water and took off. 

He called her name a few times, but she ignored them. As they reached the top step of the porch, she made it through the front door. She spun around and made eye contact with him. Her eyes were rounded, her gaze darting around the area wildly.

She stood there visibly shaking. I’m sorry, you guys should go now. I’ll talk to you soon.

She slammed the door. He listened as she locked the handle and the deadbolt. 

Toussaint grunted. Well, what the hell was that about?

Pascal paced back and forth across the porch. I don’t know but in all the years you’ve known her, have you ever seen her act like that?

Toussaint shook his head. 

Pascal studied the door for a second. I’m going to mention it to Sebastian. Maybe it's nothing but Tristan would have our asses if we don’t look out for her while he’s gone.