Page 33 of My Twin Sister's Extremely Famous and Incredibly Hot Neighbor

I take a step toward him, putting my hand on his. “No. Please, don’t take it that way.”

He shakes his head and stares at me with those brilliant blue eyes. “I just don’t understand.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

He pulls back from me. “All right. As long as you’re not mad or anything.”

“I’m not.” I grab the salad and dish it out into our bowls. “Let’s change the subject.”

“Okay.” Dustin sits down and picks up his fork.

I stare at the table, trying to think of something to say. “Do you like being an actor?”

He raises his eyebrows. “Do I what?”

“You know, do you like what you do for a living? If you had a chance, would you do something else?”

“No one has ever asked me that before.” He stabs at his salad.

I wait for him to answer the question. When he doesn’t, I prod him. “Well?”

“I don’t know. I mean, it was sort of just expected of me to take this path.” He shrugs. “I guess I like it. Everyone says I’m good at it. I’ve never thought about doing anything else.” His gaze connects with mine. “What about you? Do you like acting?”

Jera was born to be an actress. She was made for the limelight, the cameras, and all the glitz. I slowly nod, knowing I have to answer as her. “Yes. I love it.”

Dustin cocks his head to the side. “There’s something you’re not saying, though. I can see it.”

Yeah, well, that’s because I suck at lying. But I can’t tell him that. I shift a bit in my chair. Best to be vague. “I mean, the acting part is great. There are other aspects that aren’t so great.”

He gives me an understanding look. “I get that.”

I eat my salad, amazed that Dustin can make even salad taste fantastic. I just need to hold out for a little while longer, until my phone works. Then, I can talk to Jera and everything will be fine.

We finish our lunches and clean up. Then Dustin turns to me. “All right, let’s go power up your phone and see if it works.”

I cross my fingers and my toes and hold my breath as he slips it from the Ziploc baggie.

CHAPTER17

Dustin hands me my phone and I hold in the power button. Nothing happens. Disappointment crashes into me. I try again, holding it in for longer. The screen comes to life and the logo appears. “It’s working!” I scream.

Dustin grins. “Great.”

“I can’t believe it!” My emotions soar as relief floods over me. I didn’t lose my father’s photo. I can call Jera and get the details of the photo shoot. I’m saved.

I’m so excited I grab Dustin and give him a kiss. It’s a quick peck, and I don’t even think about it before I do it, but as soon as my lips touch his, my body responds with an electric current. I let go, startled at what I’ve done.

Dustin’s blue eyes darken. He pulls me to him, his gaze probing. “Don’t do that unless you mean it,” he says, his voice low and growly.

My face flushes, but I don’t pull away. I do mean it. And my heart pounds as I realize that.

His fingers press into my back, holding me tight. His gaze travels over my face, dipping to my lips. “If you don’t want me to kiss you, tell me now.”

For a split second I consider telling him not to. My rational mind knows I can’t have a relationship with him. He lives in Hollywood and runs around with famous people. I live in Denver, and I hardly ever leave my apartment. His world and my world are too different.

But as he stares at me, my soul yearns for him in a way I can’t explain, and I suddenly want this physical connection more than anything. I need him like I need to breathe. I set my phone on the counter and slowly thread my fingers into his silky hair.

“Go ahead,” I say, my voice raspy.

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