Page 245 of The Perfect Wrong

“Why not?”

“His security company’s really taking off. He's a busy dude. Enguard, remember? That's the name. So, he’s away on jobs most of the time. He’s had a few beach bums and prowlers squatting on his property, I guess, and he said he needs to take care of the cats and make sure kids don't mess around. Really, you’d be doing him a favor. Keep an eye on the place, do a little writing, and soak up the beach without paying a dime of rent. No big scary neighbors from the past up in your space.”

I make a noncommittal sound under my breath.

I can’t possibly be considering this, but I have to admit, it does sound tempting. Life rent-free, a place to get my head together, away from the too-familiar rush of L.A.

If it’s possible to get cabin fever from an entire city, I’ve got it.

Still, it'sLandon.

“What do you say, sis?” Steve presses.

I sigh. “Give me time. I'll think about it, okay? It’s not really as easy as packing up and taking off. Let's talk later.”

Except itisthat easy, if I want it to be, I realize as I hang up the phone.

It’s exactly that easy.

It’s not like I haven’t done it before, only this time I’d be doing it without hungry landlords nipping at my heels. Hell, half my stuff is still in boxes from the last move. I never bothered unpacking because I didn't feel secure.

I can’t possibly be considering this. But the opportunity is too good to ignore, and maybe...

Maybe I need closure.

Maybe he does, too.

I owe Landon an apology, at least. A few words to clear the air. I can tell him I’m sorry, purify the bad blood between us, promise him I’ve kept his secrets, be an adult and hope he’s willing to be one, too.

As I go to bed, I tell myself I'm not doing anything on heartbreak and cheap wine.

But by morning, I’ve already left notice for my landlord that I’m terminating my lease, and I’ll be back in thirty days for my things.

The next thing I know, I’m packing.

Sun, sand, and some time alone to screw my head on straight.

All I have to do is write the perfect book, and I’ll be back in the game and able to take care of myself again. It’s not like, if things go wrong with me and Landon, I have to deal with him very much.

Okay.Okay,I tell myself as I stuff a sports bra and yoga pants into a duffel bag.

Let’s do this.

No hesitations, and no regrets.

I'm going to get over Landon and everything dark in my life, or else.

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