Page 48 of My Twin Sister's Extremely Famous and Incredibly Hot Neighbor

“It’s okay. When you have a few more done we can try. I’d love to see your talent on display.”

It’s touching that he has so much faith in me, even if it’s misplaced. I’m sure he’s right. Jera could get a space in a gallery. Me? Not so much. But he’s still being super sweet. I nod in agreement as I slip my sketch paper into my bag.

We sit for a moment before Dustin speaks. “Do you want to walk along the beach?”

“Sure.”

I slide my feet out of my flip flops and carry Squint out onto the sand, which is powdery soft. Dustin and I walk along the water’s edge. Squint wiggles, and I set him down so he can run and play in the sand.

The water is cool but not cold and it feels good on my feet. We walk in silence for a while before I look up at Dustin. I suddenly want to know him better. I want to be closer to him. “What are you thinking about?”

He smiles playfully at me. “I can’t tell you.”

I elbow him. “Why not?”

“I got you a little something. It’s a small surprise.”

“You did?”

He nods. “Yes.”

A tiny thrill goes through me. The famous movie star Dustin Sawyer bought me a present. I can’t even fathom what it could be, but it makes me a little giddy inside to think about. I poke him in the side. “What is it?”

He laughs. “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise anymore.”

I can’t stop smiling. This guy sure knows how to make me happy. Jera’s words come back to me, that he’s doing all of this just to get the lawsuit dropped. A tiny thread of doubt worms its way through me. He could be playing me. This whole thing could be an act to get what he wants with the fence. I shove the thought away. I don’t want to think about that. Dustin and I don’t have a future once Jera gets back, so it doesn’t matter anyway. “When will you give me my present?”

“When we get back home.” He looks far too delighted about teasing me with this.

I try to think of what it could be. “Art supplies?”

“No.” He slips his hand into mine. The gesture warms me to my toes. How can touching skin feel so good and so right? I marvel at the way it makes my heartbeat speed up, like I’m a teenage cheerleader and he’s the handsome quarterback.

“You bought another dog toy.”

His laughter fills the air. “Yes, but that’s not what the surprise is.”

I giggle. “You’re going to spoil him more than I do!”

“Impossible. You spoil that little dog so much. All I’ve done is buy him a dog bed.” A large wave comes and hits our legs.

“And a little doggie bone so you can play with him,” I remind him.

“You made him a hand-painted carrier.”

“That was more for me than him. It was too plain. I wanted to dress it up.”

He raises one eyebrow. “You carry dog treats in your pockets.”

My mouth drops. “How did you know that?”

His grin turns devilish. “I just know. In fact, I would wager that you have some in your pockets right now.”

I do, but I don’t want to admit it to him. “So what?”

“So, if you do, you’re the one spoiling Squint the most.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

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