Page 47 of My Twin Sister's Extremely Famous and Incredibly Hot Neighbor

He raises his eyebrows. “What’s that for?”

“For being you.”

He smiles and leans toward me. “Then I’ll have to be me more often.”

He brushes his lips across mine. I love how each kiss he gives me seems like the first. Tingles cascade over me as he explores my lips. Unfortunately, we arrive at our beach all too quickly.

Dustin helps me out of the car, and we collect our bags from the driver. Dustin had said we were just going to a beach, but this is a resort with a full restaurant and bar, music playing, and beautiful cabanas with lounge chairs. Squint is happy to get out of his carrier, and he runs on the sand.

Dustin was right about secluded. I glance around and only see a few people. “This is lovely,” I say as we find an open cabana and put our things down.

The view is heavenly with palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, the water a bright aquamarine color. I rummage through my bag until I find my sketchbook. “Do you mind if I take a second to get this down?”

He looks over at my small watercolor set. “Not at all. I’d love to see you work.”

I settle in a lounge chair and pull out my pencil. I sketch the beach and pencil in the trees, drawing Squint out by the water, even though he’s settled down by my feet. Then I quickly get some coloring down so I remember the vibrant colors of the sea.

Dustin leans over and looks at my sketch. “That’s amazing. How can you finish a painting that fast?”

I laugh. “It’s not a painting. I’m just sketching the scene so I can paint it later.”

He lets out a whistle. “You’re so talented. Have you ever thought about painting for a living?”

“That’s what I do.” The words came out before I could sensor them. Panic grips me as I realize what I’ve said.

CHAPTER25

“What you do?” Dustin asks quirking one eyebrow.

“I mean,” I say, rushing to fix my error. “I make a little money from the classes I do online. I’d love to do more, but my real job is acting so that takes up most of my time. Of course, acting is what brings in the most. But it is fun to make a little bit of my living from my art.” I’m rambling so I close my mouth and try not to turn red from embarrassment. Squint must sense my discomfort because he jumps up on my lap.

Dustin shifts in his chair. “Have you ever sold a painting?”

I nod. “A few.” Not a lie. I’ve had a few online sales, mostly to people who have taken my classes. The rest of my paintings I either give away as presents, or I stuff them away in my closet at home.

“Have you ever showed them in an art gallery?” Dustin reaches over and pets Squint on the head.

“Oh, no.” The thought terrifies me. Probably because I’d be expected to go to some opening night thing and mingle with people. I can’t imagine doing that.

He seems surprised by my reaction. “Why not?”

I think about lying to him, but I’ve done so much of that lately I don’t want to lie again. I look down at Squint on my lap. “I don’t like the idea of having to schmooze people at some opening night event.”

“You wouldn’t have to do that. I bet I can get you into a gallery with no obligation to schmooze.” He places a hand on my leg.

I stare at him, trying not to get my hopes up but not succeeding. To see my work in a gallery would be a dream come true. “Really?”

“Absolutely. Jera, your work is amazing. I don’t think you realize how talented you are. I could get you into any gallery you want. Everyone would want to see a Jera Davenport painting.”

My elation crashes and burns on the sand. Sure, everyone would want to buy a painting if they thought the famous movie star Jera Davenport painted it. But me? No one would care. I try not to show how disappointed I am. “Cool,” I say. “That would be awesome.”

“Do you have more paintings at home?”

I open my mouth to say yes, but luckily I stop myself before it comes out. My paintings are all at my apartment in Denver. He’s talking about Jera’s home. “No, only the ones I showed you.”

“That’s too bad. If you had more, I’m sure I could get you your own show.”

I pretend to be disappointed. “Oh, darn. So sorry it didn’t work out.”

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