Page 45 of My Twin Sister's Extremely Famous and Incredibly Hot Neighbor

I hadn’t thought about it before, but Dustin is right. There’s a stigma against rich and accomplished people with mental illness. There shouldn’t be, but there is.

He lowers his gaze. “I was in bad shape when I finally went for help. I should have gone in much sooner.”

“I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

He presses his lips to my forehead, then leans down to look at me. His gaze holds sadness. “I just don’t want you to go through the same pain I did.”

My throat swells shut. I know he’s coming from a place of concern, and it touches me. My anxiety has affected me more than I want to admit. I’ve been dealing with it as best as I can, but Dustin is right. I’m making major life choices based on my anxiety, and that isn’t good. If going to see someone would help, I should do it.

“All right,” I say, my voice cracking. I didn’t realize I would get so emotional admitting I need help. “I’ll go talk to someone.”

Dustin pulls me to his chest in a hug. “You’ll benefit from it. I know you will.”

I reach up and brush a lock of his hair off his forehead. I’m so touched that this man would care enough about me to bring up a difficult subject like this. I struggle with my emotions. “Thank you for caring,” I say, my heart pounding.

His gaze softens. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’ve started caring quite a bit about you.” He brushes his knuckles across my cheek. I don’t quite know what to say to him, but I love his touch, so I lean into it.

“You are amazing,” he says, his voice so low I can barely hear him.

I’m so touched by him. I want this moment to last. I press my lips to his. He responds, capturing my lips and pulling me closer.

His kiss feels like sunshine on a cool morning, and I bask in its warmth. The world around us melts away, and I’m left with Dustin, the two of us alone. I deepen the kiss, enveloped in a sense of comfort and security. I trust this man.

I don’t know what is going to happen in the future. All I know is I need Dustin right now, and I’m going to do everything I can to hold on to him.

CHAPTER24

The next day I wake up to a text from Dustin.

Do you have anything pressing to do today?

I sit up in bed, and Squint lifts his head to look at me. I should film another watercolor video, but if I do it tomorrow, I can probably get away with procrastinating today. The photo shoot is the day after tomorrow, and then Jera will come home. I can’t believe this week has gone by so quickly.

I don’t have anything. What’s up?

He texts me right back.

You up for a day trip?

Sure. Where do you want to go?

I thought we could take a helicopter to Catalina Island. I know a beach that’s pretty secluded. We could go snorkeling, or swim, or just spend time together. Sound good?

I look at Squint who yawns at me.Can I bring my dog?

Yes. I already checked.

Warmth spreads through me. He is so thoughtful.

I’d love to go.

Great, pack a bag. I’ll pick you up in an hour.

I rush to get ready. As I’m picking out my outfit, my phone rings. The screen says it’s Jera.

Nerves shoot through me, and I hope she doesn’t want me to do another audition. I swipe my finger across the screen. “Hello?”

“Hey,” Jera says, her voice chipper. “I wanted to let you know I didn’t get the part. But don’t worry, it’s okay. I heard Dustin Sawyer got the lead, and I’d rather not work with him.”

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