Page 76 of The Best Wrong Move

I smile and shrug. “No need to focus on the past.”

That gets a laugh out of him. “Pru, you said? That’s her name?”

“I thought she looked like a mashed-up prune.”

I walk over to him and stroke her long back, down to the tip of her tail. It ticks back and forth like a metronome, counting down the seconds to his verdict. His eyes crinkle up at the edges when he laughs, and that dimple in his chin I’ve grown to love deepens.

“The whole place is tile,” I say. “She really can’t do that much damage. I’ll let her outside again before I go anywhere, so she isn’t left alone, if it makes you feel better. And I’ll keep an eye on her when I’m home.”

He mulls this over while she purrs and nuzzles into his neck, like she knows this is her only shot. I have no idea what I’ll do with her once I’m back in New York. Toby is the man of the house — I don’t think he’d like the idea of a sweet little stray from Hawaii taking over his home turf. But I’m sure I could find another home for her here before I go back. Anything it takes from keeping her out of the local animal shelter or, even worse, the streets.

“Please?” Our hands brush between Pru’s fur, and I lean in to kiss him.

“I can’t believe I’m going to say this . . .”

I grab her out of his arms. “Pru! You hear that!” I hold her up and dance around the tiny bathroom.

“If she’s that important to you, I’ll just replace the whole interior of this place if I need to.”

I beam at him.

“You wouldn’t do anything to hurt Dom’s rental, would you, Pru?” I hold her up to my face — she licks my nose. “He’s going to let you stay!”

Chapter 50

A few weeks later, I’m putting the finishing touches on a scene between my two main characters, waiting for Dom to pick me up. It’s Hazel’s third birthday party tonight. Isla and Benny invited us both to come celebrate with the rest of their friends at a beachfront barbeque. I’m excited to see Dom’s group of friends again. They’ve started to feel like real friends to me too over the last couple weeks.

Just as I close my laptop, there’s a knock at the back window. I glance up to see Rex standing outside.

I shove myself away from the table and slide the door open, already annoyed.

“Dom is picking me up any minute,” I tell him. “Where’s Juju?”

“Working. I was just hoping we could talk.” He looks annoyed at the mention of Dom’s name. “Alone.”

“Honestly, Rex, there’s nothing left to talk about. You’re with Juju now, and I’m more than happy with Dom. Unless you’re wanting cat custody of Toby back in New York, which you’re very much not allowed to have, then we don’t have anything left to say.”

“You haven’t returned any of my texts lately.” He has the audacity to look hurt.

“Why would I? And I never pegged you for a cheater, so you better stop whatever this is you’re trying to do before you become one.” He’s sent me three more texts telling me that he misses me. I haven’t replied to a single one. “Emotional cheating is still cheating, so knock it off.”

“Can we just find a time to talk then?” He sounds a bit desperate.

“No, Rex. I’m not interested in talking anymore. Sorry.”

He looks like I’ve just slapped him across the face.

“Hey there, guys!” We both spin around toward Dom, who’s walking into my front door.

“Hey, man,” Rex says when he reaches the lanai. Then he gives Dom a firm hand-slap, handshake bro-thing. “I hear you’re taking my girl out tonight.”

My girl? What the fuck, Rex?

Dom clears his throat, frowning, as an awkward silence follows. “I don’t think there’s anything about Liv that could be consideredyoursanymore, Rex. No offense.” He sounds calmer than I feel.

I laugh louder than I should to break the tension Rex has just created. I want to say,Oh fuck off, Rex,but I’m smart enough to keep the tension low. Dom has a long fuse, but it seems to be running out when it comes to my ex.

I punch him on the arm. “I think the whole world knows I’m not your girl anymore. Most specifically this guy here.”

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