Resisting the Campbell

By L.B. Burns

Sean Campbell, grumpy billionaire and youngest son to the Campbell fortune, can't escape the anger and resentment from his late wife's treachery. He'll never trust another woman, and who wants a forced vacation to an island paradise alone? Sean's inability to put his past behind him damages his relationships at home and at work.

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• Language: English
• Publisher: The Creative Saguaro
• Release date: Aug 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798988501121

Book preview

Resisting the Campbell

A Steamy Campbell Family Romance

L.B. Burns

The Creative Saguaro

Copyright © 2023 The Creative Saguaro - L.B. Burns

Copyright © The Creative Saguaro 2023 by L.B. Belle

Published in part on Kindle Vella by Libby Burns

All rights reserved.

ebook ISBN 979-8-9885011-2-1

paperback ISBN

Printed in the United States of America

Cover design by the Creative Saguaro

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact [e-mail]

The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.

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Contents

Title Page

Copyright

L.B. BURNS

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

Books By This Author

L.B. BURNS

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CHAPTER 1

​Damn it, Sean. Natalia pushed open his door. Sean’s teeth hurt from gritting. He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. A smirk started on his lips before he pulled it back. He had known Natalia all of his life, even before she married his brother. She was stunning; her light brown hair was just beginning to get strands of gray, and her silver-gray eyes sparkled when she laughed or was angry, like now. You can’t keep losing your temper at work. She breathed out and stepped farther into his office. She took another breath and stared at him.

​Sean grumbled. Damien didn’t do the analysis the way he was supposed to.

​And that gives you a reason to go off on him in the lunchroom? She stood with her palm on her hip. Come on, Sean. I understand you’re still angry, but it’s been almost six months since Jessica died and you’re not getting any better.

​I’ll try harder.

​Natalia scoffed. You keep saying that and then you have another blow-up. She shook her head. You’re taking a vacation.

​I can’t. The boys are in school.

​We’re happy to watch them or your parents will. She stared at her brother-in-law. You need to get away and get over the drama around losing your wife.

​I’ve gotten over losing her. It’s her lying and cheating that I can’t seem to get over. I’ve got no way to yell at her and tell her how angry I am.

​Natalia exhaled. I realize that, Sean. I’m very sorry for what she did. She approached his desk. She’s gone and you are still here. You can’t be an effective parent if you can’t get over your anger.

​I don’t need to go anywhere, Nat.

​Well, you’re going. I’ve set up the CEI jet to take you anywhere you want to travel.

​Sean grimaced. I don’t want to leave and you can’t make me.

​You sound like a petulant child. That’s fine. She rolled her eyes. Ok, I’ll pick your destination. Don’t worry about packing anything, I’ll just have a personal shopper drop off a bag with what you need. She pointed to his desk. Leave your computer; you won’t need it.

​I want to get work done.

​She laughed. Nope. Don’t bother trying to log in. I’m having IT lock you out until you return from a week-long trip. He started to speak, and she put up her hand. Uh-uh. You could have picked your destination, and you declined. You’ve got two hours and then you’re heading out to the plane.

​You can’t make me….

​She turned and smiled a killer grin. Maybe not, but your brother or your father can. She winked. Feel free to call either and get their opinion. 

​Sean clenched his fists. This is ridiculous. I’m a billionaire, Nat. I don’t even have to work.

​Natalia rolled her eyes and scoffed. Then don’t. She glared and flashed her smile. Being a billionaire who doesn’t have to work doesn’t give you the right to be a jerk. Damien gets it done and if you had your head screwed on right, you wouldn’t have reacted that way.

​Sean grumbled. What if I just don’t want to go?

She inched closer to him. You’re going, Sean. We love you, but we’ve all had enough. He glared, hoping she’d change her mind. Her stare deepened. And when you get back, you’re going to see somebody for your issues. She left before he could blurt the argument on the tip of his tongue.

Natalia Petrov Campbell had been like a sister to him long before she married his second oldest brother. At five years older, Natalia had always looked after Sean and his twin brother, Joseph. Sean smiled at the memory.

Oh, no! You can’t wear that on your date.

Sean smirked at Nat. He turned to peer into the mirror by the foyer at the Manor. He was wearing a black dress shirt, unbuttoned halfway down his chest, tight jeans, a belt with his rodeo buckle and dirty cowboy boots. I look great.

Ha, ha. You look like a cowboy pimp.

Sean grimaced. Why are you here? He pointed to her protruding stomach. Shouldn’t you have had that baby by now?"

Nat sniffed. What the hell do you mean by that, Sean?

Sean heard his brother before he walked into the foyer. Are you being mean to my wife again?

Sean sputtered. She was picking on me.

Caelan laughed. He looked his brother up and down. About that outfit, I have no doubt. He turned his head to really evaluate his clothes. No self-respecting young woman is going to go out with you looking like that. And if I were her father, I’d run you off with a shotgun.

Sean scoffed. I feel so sorry for that kid. You guys are going to make his life miserable with your opinions. Sean stomped off, listening to the two of them laughing.

​Sean pulled up and parked at Jacob’s school, seeing his son standing in front of the office waiting. Jacob had the same look of irritation as his mother. Sean sighed. He had hated to do it, but he called to get both boys released early. They headed to the middle school, where he signed out his youngest son. Colin gave his dad an annoyed, questioning look. What’s going on, Dad?

​Hold on. I’ll tell you both. Jacob’s in the car. They climbed into his Audi and both nattered at him. He grumbled. I’m going on a trip. A forced vacation, one might say.

​Colin chuckled. Who did you piss off enough that they’re sending you to improve your attitude? He cringed, and so did Sean.

​Well, I guess your Aunt Natalia was right. I do need to get myself in a better place. He gazed at his two sons. I guess I’m gone for a week and you two need to decide whom you want to stay with.

​Colin answered first. The Manor with Grams and Gramps.

​Jacob complained. It means we have to get up a half hour earlier for school. He growled. It would be so much easier if I just had a car.

​Sean harrumphed. I’ll leave my sedan or you can ask Gramps for one of the ranch trucks.

​Jacob stared with confusion at his dad. Sean had been adamant about not giving Jacob a car to drive regularly, even though he had his license. His mother’s fatal car accident hadn’t helped his opinion about his driving without him. Jacob nodded. "Thanks, Dad.

​You’re more than mature enough to drive yourself and your brother to and from school. This is another example of my grief and anger impacting my decisions. I’m sorry. I was wrong. He laid his hand on his son’s shoulder. Be very careful with both of you, please.

​Jacob nodded.

​They pulled up to the Manor with his parents standing, waiting. His father, Angus, waved and walked to meet them. I hear you’re headed out of town?

​Sean nodded. He felt like a teenager again, being scolded by his dad just seeing the man’s look of disapproval. Yes. The boys want to stay here.

​His mother, Imogen, walked up, putting her arms around her grandsons. Always welcome. She looked at Sean. We’ll see you in a week. She tipped her head at him, work on your issues, Son.

​He nodded and hugged his sons. Be good for your grandparents and call if you need to talk to me. He stared at his parents. I’ll call when I get to wherever I’m going.  His father’s driver pulled their SUV up to his car and opened the liftgate. Sean frowned at the open door. I don’t have anything. The driver looked confused but closed the back as Sean waved at everyone. Sean knew his parents would take great care of his sons.

​Harsh desert surrounded the regional airport that housed the personal and business aircraft for the Campbells. He thanked his dad’s driver and felt weird walking up the stairs without a bag. Good afternoon, Mr. Campbell. I’m Elise. The luxurious eight-passenger plane was the one his father, the former Vice President of the United States, and his mother often used to travel. He had only flown on the jet a few times and appreciated its perks. He smiled at the flight attendant. Please let me know what food or beverage you’d like for the trip. Sean sat down in a deep blue plush recliner accented in beige leather. He looked out the window before offering her a dismissive wave, still feeling irritated by Nat.

​He glanced around the plane, noticing the bar. Elise appeared, and he questioned. I assume I can’t get our destination out of you. The woman was lovely. Platinum blonde hair and super tall. She looked like a runway model wearing a designer outfit made for a size two on stilts. He was just a negative Norman. He needed to find himself and get out from under all the anger and frustration.

​She smiled and ducked her head. I’m sorry no, we’re under strict instructions to take you to your destination without disclosure.

​Sean nodded. He leaned back in the recliner and figured he’d just sleep until someone woke him.

* * *

​Fiona grabbed her bag and headed out to her little Mazda. It was the only thing she had left from her marriage. Her marriage. What a fool she had been. She remembered when the deputy came to tell her about Todd.

Two large knocks sounded on her front door. Fiona opened to find a Denton County deputy standing, looking at his hands. Fiona Ferguson?

Her face fell. I’m Fiona. Before she could inquire, the deputy spoke.

How are you related to Todd Ferguson?

Fiona felt a tear fall down her face. She sobbed. I’m his wife. What happened?

He put his hand on her arm. There was an accident, and he didn’t survive.

Fiona felt her legs wobble. What?

His strong, warm hand wrapped around her upper arm. Let’s step inside.

She looked around their little house as they walked into the living room. I don’t understand. You mean Todd’s dead?

The deputy nodded. Yes, Ma’am.

Fiona didn’t remember much of what the deputy said and she definitely didn’t remember driving to Gwen’s.

She punched the codes on the gate keypad and drove up to the house. She staggered out of her little car and crashed into the front door, beating her hand against it.

Fiona? Gwen was Fiona’s oldest friend. Fiona? What happened?

Fiona sobbed. He’s dead.

Who’s dead?

Todd. Fiona gasped for breath. The deputy said he died. She held on to Gwen, on the floor of their foyer where she had collapsed. We were so unhappy, but I didn’t want him dead.

Gwen held her and rubbed her back. Of course, you didn’t. Fiona heard Gwen’s husband come through the house.

In his upper crust British accent, he inquired from around the corner. Is that Fiona’s car?

He walked to find them on the ground and sat down next to them. Fiona laughed at seeing the big, polished, three-piece suited man sitting cross-legged on the ground. Laughing at me is not cool, Ms. Fiona.

Fiona laughed with tears streaming down her face. Todd’s dead.

Malcolm’s head swung to his wife, who nodded. She just got here.

Fiona wiped her face with the back of her hand. He and another woman were coming back from Phoenix on a small plane and it crashed. The airport in Lubbock called the sheriff’s department. Fiona caught the look between them. Yes, I think they were together. He told me he was flying for the airline today.

Malcolm placed his hand on her shoulder. You’ll stay here.

Fiona shook her head. I should go…

He tsked. No. You’ll stay here and keep me company. Gwen’s on call delivering babies tonight so we can watch some horrible telly and eat food we shouldn’t.

Someone honked and jolted Fiona out of her head. She ran her hand across her neck. Gwen had offered her a vacation for her birthday. She’d waited until then to figure out when to go and where to stay. She breathed out. Todd’s plentiful miles had been transferred to her after his death, so she had miles to fly anywhere she wanted. After discussions with Gwen, she chose Turks and Caicos.

Fiona thought about her late husband and how he didn’t enjoy traveling with her. She gritted her teeth at the memory. It wasn’t the first time he’d traveled with another woman and used his job as an excuse. She breathed out a deep breath. No more. She wasn’t going to dwell on her past. She was going to embrace her future, and that was going to start with a solo vacation to an awesome beach locale.

* * *

​The flight attendant woke Sean and handed him a bottle of water. He nodded in appreciation as he chugged it down. He looked out the window to see that it had just past dusk and glanced back at the attendant. Welcome to Turks and Caicos. She smiled. Sean looked around and remembered he didn’t have a bag. He caught Elise’s smirk and waved his thanks. We’ll be here in seven days to take you back to Dallas. She smiled and waved like a cartoon penguin, and he laughed.

​A driver opened the back door of a sedan and popped the back. He motioned like he was going to grab a bag and realized Sean was bagless. Sean smirked. My bags are already at the hotel. He glanced at his phone to see a text.

​Nat: You’re stuff is in your hotel room.

​        Enjoy yourself and relax.

Good evening, Mr. Campbell. I’m John. I’ll be available to drive you during your stay on the island. The concierge mentioned that you have been signed up for most of the activities. Please let me know if you need anything else outside of the itinerary.

​Sean rolled his eyes. Thanks, John.

​They turned onto a lighted path leading to a well-lit, expansive hotel. The front looked more like a cross between a plantation and a chateau with tons of windows, some with balconies and large, breezy palms framing the building. He could see what looked like a bonfire to the right of the hotel as they made the curve coming up to the reception area. The concierge opened the door to the sedan and smiled at Sean. Good evening, Mr. Campbell.

​Does everyone know who I am?

​Well, of course, Sir. Sir Malcolm made the reservations himself.

​Of course, he did. Sir Malcolm was almost his brother-in-law. Sean thought of his late brother, Duncan. He had died leaving four sons, a crotchety ex, and a wonderful wife whom Sean adored. Duncan’s widow, Gwen, met Malcolm when he brought Duncan’s remains back from Paris. It had surprised everyone when the two of them married two years later. Natalia obviously enlisted Gwen and Malcolm to fill his stay with things to do. As though doing stuff alone would be relaxing.

​Sean stopped complaining to himself when he stepped inside. The hotel was magnificent. Gold and crystal chandeliers hung down from the ceiling all over the lobby and he saw them through the doorways to the open ballrooms. The floor was massive slabs of tile or marble that made the area look even bigger. People milled around and looked at him as though they were expecting him to be some celebrity or dignitary. Staff stood waiting to be of service to someone. The soft, jazzy Muzak filled the expansive room with comforting sounds, and Sean groaned internally. The registration area was opulent, with a beautiful wooden counter that had inlaid blue epoxy and exquisite stones under a smooth sealer. Sean naturally ran his hand over the surface, expecting to feel the difference in textures. He smiled. The clerk looked up through long black lashes and offered a slow, full smile. Good evening, Sir. Welcome to the Campbell Luxury Resort in Turks and Caicos.

​Sean smiled. Hello. I’m Sean Campbell.

​Yes, Mr. Campbell. You have a fourth-floor suite overlooking the beach. Our concierge has you registered for all the activities over the next six days. Please, just attend whichever events appeal to you. She picked up the packet of events for the following day. Tomorrow there is scuba diving. She looked concerned. I assume you’re certified if you’re signed up for it. Sean nodded. Excellent. She handed him the packet. Each evening, you’ll find the next day’s packet available for your perusal. Sean took the folder and nodded. If you’re hungry, all of our restaurants are open and we are currently grilling surf and turf in the blue cantina. She flipped her hand at the double doors to the right. Out those doors.

Sean took the keycard from the receptionist. He entered the elevator, and a couple ran in behind him, out of breath, thanking him for holding the door. He nodded. It was obvious that the couple couldn’t keep their hands off each other. Sean saw the man brush across the woman’s breast and she blushed. He rolled his eyes, realizing that he and his late wife had never had that type of relationship. They liked each other, and the sex was good, but they lacked that certain passion. The couple stepped off the elevator and before it closed, Sean saw the man pull her close and ravage her. He walked into his suite and shook his head; the suite was ridiculous. Sean was used to extravagance. His family was extremely well off. He was raised at Campbell Manor. There was nothing Sean couldn’t afford, but man, this room was insane. The living room had a phenomenal television and audio system. It overlooked the large infinity pool and the beach. He couldn’t see the ocean, but he assumed he would see it offset by palm trees and dotted with cabanas. The bedroom had a king-size bed, along with a sitting room that led to a huge balcony, like the living room. The bathroom had a massive walk-in shower and a large jacuzzi tub. What am I going to do with a tub? He laughed out loud. Wow! He pulled up his bag and laid it on the luggage bench to open it. Inside, he found shorts and shirts, along with multiple bathing suits, new sandals, beach hats, and dress clothes for dinner. Natalia wasn’t kidding. She actually had the personal shopper, include whatever he needed. He grabbed the overnight kit and walked into the bathroom. He was going to give that gargantuan shower a whirl.

* * *

Fiona arrived at the hotel, and the clerk presented her with a packet of activities. She smiled. Gwen had added more stuff for her to do. She couldn’t complain. After a horrible year, she was ready to get back to living. Gwen had insisted she take the trip, and she was going to enjoy it. Fiona spun around the reception counter, watching the people and soaking in the atmosphere. A gorgeous dark-haired man smiled at her and Fiona felt the color rise on her face. She smiled back at the handsome man, ducking her head and peering up through her lashes. The bellhop cleared his throat and smirked. He led her to the elevator. The cab was framed in glass on three sides and it overlooked the open lobby area. He handed her the keycard to her suite, and she offered him his tip. The door closed and Fiona looked around the suite and smiled. Her phone pinged with a text from Gwen, reminding her to shake off the imposed celibacy and find a gorgeous man for an island fling. Fiona muttered to herself. I’m not sure how to even go about finding a man for a fling.

She walked into the bathroom and gasped at the luxury. She looked in the mirror and scoffed. The flight had added frizz to her red curls, and she needed a shower. The year had toned and thinned her. She didn’t look half bad if she said so herself. She stripped her clothes and stepped in. The multiple shower heads were divine. She finished and got ready to check out the surf and turf being offered by the beach.

CHAPTER 2

Fiona woke slowly, looking across the bedroom to the balcony. Bright blue peeked through the six-inch gap in the curtains. She walked to the window and separated the curtain panels. Fiona gasped when the window revealed a brilliant blue sky laid over a glorious surf with multiple hues of blue and flowing palm trees. It was beautiful. She opened her closet and drew out a bright green coverup and selected a blue and green bikini. She was in the best shape of her life. Every morning she ran or weight trained to drop the pounds she had picked up after the shit hit the fan in her life.

Fiona walked down to the beach, oblivious to the lustful glances she was receiving from the men watching her. She found a chaise closer to the beach, under an umbrella, and pulled out her book. The waiter offered her a mimosa, and she accepted. She was on vacation, after all. She looked around and smiled at the live artwork before her. The azure blue sky covered the sparkling water. The waves were enough to move the water, but not enough to be loud or rough. There