Page 19 of The Best Wrong Move

“It’s you.”

I look away and sink deeper into the couch, not saying a word. Bracing myself for whatever quip is about to come next.

“You’re that news anchor from the proposal video. And all the memes. That . . . GIF, too?”

My anonymity on this island has lasted less than twenty-four hours. First Rex. Now this.

“In the flesh.” I splay out my arms, then grab another tissue.

“Shit.” He sits back on the floor, pulling his legs up toward his chest. “You didn’t mentionthatdetail on the phone.”

I cross my ankles and push my big toe against the coffee table between us. “I’m not here to be recognized.” My voice sounds bitter, which I don’t love, but I can’t seem to rein it in.

“Is that why you’re here? To get away from all that viral stuff?”

I nod.

“I’m so sorry you’re going through that.” There’s genuine kindness in his voice, softening my reserve a little. Usually people laugh, or tell me I shouldn’t have tried to propose at all. A little show of compassion is rare.

“And you had no idea that he was here, too?” He points a thumb to the shared wall beside us.

“Of course not.” I sigh.

“I’ll install these, but, if I were you, I’d keep these windows wide open and let him see me walk around here like I own the place. After what he did to you? Shit. He doesn’t get to steal this view too, or your vacation.”

“It’s not really a vacation,” I clarify, scrunching my nose. “I’m here to work. I’m writing a film script.” If I start thinking of this like a vacation, I’m never going to finish it. Then everything really will be a waste. “My story is based in Hawaii, so I figured immersing myself in this place would help me make the script more realistic. You know, get me in themood.”

“You write film scripts?” He sets his tools down to give me his full attention, looking instantly focused, and a bit sharp, though I’m not sure why. “Since when did UBN get into film scripts? I thought you were a news anchor for the network?”

It’s amazing what complete strangers know about me from working a job in the public spotlight.

“I am now, yes, but I have plans to be a scriptwriter. Movies, if I can swing it. I have an eight-week break from work while things cool off at the station. I want to get my script finished while I’m here. It can take a while to get one picked up by a production house, so the sooner I can finish it, the better.” I lie back across the couch, throwing both arms over my eyes.

“Why did you pickthisrental?” His voice has turned to gravel, and his jaw’s locked in place, like I hit a nerve, or something worse.

“Because it was cheap. And available. And I thought it was a single-family unit, not a shared townhouse.”

“Is that all?” He leans in, studying my face as if he’s a human lie detector. His green eyes narrow into slits.

“Is there another reason besides that to pick this place?” I tilt my face and study him back, confused about why this conversation seems to have taken a sudden turn.

Chapter 14

Where did this tension come from?I’ve about had it with men for today. First, Rex acts like I shouldn’t be here, because I’m infringing on his brand-new fling, and now the Airbnb guy, who’s apparently the same guy I’ve been fantasizing about for the last twelve hours, seems to be confused about why I chose his rental. The rental he didn’t even know that he owned until now.

“This place was less than half the cost of other Airbnbs and sits directly on the beach. I booked it on a whim after my boss gave me a two-month sabbatical while I took a break from the show.”

He sits back cautiously, still watching me closely.

“I checked in with Phil right after we talked,” he admits, slowly. “He’s at his niece’s wedding in Alberta.”

I sit up, feeling vindicated. I knew it was a good move to speak straight to Dom yesterday.

“Phil let me know that his new assistant added my name and number to this rental listing accidentally. That’s why you got me on the phone and not him.”

“Oh, well, it was nice of you to speak with me for, um, for so long yesterday—”

“I’ve already had him fired for making that mistake,” he continues coolly.

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