Page 108 of How Jenna Became My Dilemma

His kiss is sweet, a tender seal on everything spoken. It’s different than other kisses I’ve had in my life. It’s gentle and sentimental, a physical declaration of all the things Cody promises and, in return, all the things I feel too. A kiss like this is more powerful than any other. It transcends our physical connection, bringing us emotionally closer together than anything else ever has.

Cody pulls back. “Just to clarify, I got the part as the man in your life, right?”

I laugh. “Yes, you got the part.”

He slings his arm around my shoulder. “Good, because I wasn’t going to leave here until you gave it to me. I’m clearly the best guy for the role.”

“Clearly.”

We start walking toward the house.

“You must be exhausted,” Cody says, pulling my hip against his as we walk together. “Being the gentleman that I am, I’m going to take you straight to bed.”

My head falls back with laughter. “Such a gentleman.”

“Yep, I’m going to get you out of these clothes, put you in bed, tuck you in.” His nose nuzzles into the side of my neck as we climb the front steps.

“What about you? You took a pretty hard fall off my gate. Maybe I should put you to bed, nurse your wounds.”

He holds his side dramatically as I unlock the front door and twist the handle.

“You know, that does sound necessary. If you want to play the part of a nurse, I’m a willing participant in any plan you have.”

I turn and face him, grabbing his hand as I walk backward inside my house. “Play the part of a nurse?”

“Role-playing seems to be a strength of ours.”

“No more role-playing.” I laugh, shaking my head. “I’m ready for everything to be real.”

Cody pulls me in. “Then real is what you’re going to get.”

He kisses me again, kicking the front door shut with his foot.

EPILOGUE

FIVE YEARS LATER: HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

CODY

The photographers are aggressive today.

“Jenna! On your left!”

“Jenna, pivot!”

“Jenna, touch the star!”

“Jenna! Straightforward.”

“Ms. Lewis, over here!”

Everyone wants a piece of Jenna. Why wouldn’t they? Being the fastest female actor to receive a star since her debut role is a pretty big deal.

Heck, I don’t even have a Hollywood Star yet. Not that I’m complaining. I’m more than happy to be in the shadows as my beautiful wife kneels next to a star with her name engraved across it on the sidewalk of Hollywood Boulevard.

I’m proud of Jenna and all she’s accomplished in her acting career after The Promised Prince.

Two tiny hands press against my beard, squishing my cheeks toward my mouth in the most unflattering way.

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