Page 24 of My Twin Sister's Extremely Famous and Incredibly Hot Neighbor

My gaze skitters around the large room. Jera said this would be a small party. I’ll have to tell her later what I consider small because this definitely isn’t it.

“I’m…okay I think.” Lie. I’m going to pass out. There’s a buzzing noise in my head, like it’s filled with bees.

“Jera, focus on me.” Dustin pumps my hand until I look at him. “Look at me and nothing else. Pretend we’re the only ones in this room.”

I stare at his face, trying to pull it into focus. I take in his hair, his eyes, and his lips. For some reason, staring at his lips makes me feel better.

“Good,” he says, smiling. “Now tell me what your favorite food is.”

“Macaroni and cheese.” I say it automatically, like I would rattle off my birthdate or my social security number if I were talking to the bank.

He laughs, and not just some polite laugh either. It’s a belly laugh. “Really?”

Embarrassment heats my cheeks, but I don’t try to deny it. “Yeah.”

“I see. And what’s your favorite color?”

I know what he’s trying to do, and I like that he’s being so sweet. It’s actually working a little too. I’m still tense, but he’s helping me breathe better. “Cotton candy pink.”

“Like the food, or is that the name of a tube of paint?”

I smile because he’s getting to know me so well. “Tube of paint.”

He nods. “I like it. Do you have any paintings done with cotton candy pink?”

“I often use it in sunsets.”

“Ah, that would be beautiful. I was imagining a monochromatic one, all cotton candy pink.” He smiles at me, and It reminds me how incredibly good looking this man is. Everything about him screams movie star, from his strong jawline to his brilliant blue eyes. No wonder he’s had an amazing career.

“I’m impressed that you know what monochromatic means.”

“I took an art class once. Back in college. Only time in my life I almost flunked a class.” He grins at me, his perfect white teeth showing.

“No way.”

“Yes way.”

“How can that even be?” I always thought everyone got good grades in art. “Did you skip all the assignments?”

“No,” he says with a laugh in his voice. “I’m just terrible at anything past a stick figure.”

“But I didn’t think teachers graded on skill level. Not unless you’re an art major and want to do it full-time.” I frown at the injustice of his college art teacher.

“Or maybe you sailed through those classes because you had natural talent.” He takes my other hand in his. “How are you doing?”

I realize the buzzing in my head has subsided and I’m not as nauseous. He kept me talking and took my mind off the crowd. “Better.”

He gives me a smile and it warms me to my toes. “Good.”

“Do you want to try some food now?”

I glance at the people crowded around the hors d’oeuvre tables and my anxiety creeps up. The buzzing comes back. “No.”

“No problem. We can stay right here and talk.” He moves to get in my line of sight. “Stay focused on me.”

I stare at him and try to forget we’re at a party. I force myself to breathe. “Okay.”

Several people come over and chat with us. I focus on Dustin, and I’m able to say a few hellos without falling apart. After several conversations Dustin squeezes my hand. “You’re doing great.”

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