Page 16 of How Jenna Became My Dilemma

So maybe I’m to blame for the lack of chemistry between us. Maybe I’ve taken my vow too far. I’d already decided before filming even started that I wanted nothing to do with him. When it comes to our working relationship, my walls are so high Cody didn’t even stand a chance.

And now my entire acting career is paying for it.

Fabulous.

Just fabulous.

CHAPTER FOUR

CODY

“Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams hated each other on the set of The Notebook.” Quinton’s fists bang into the table as he enunciates each word. “Hated. Each. Other. I was there, working as the director’s assistant. And look what came of that movie—chemistry for days. That’s what I want here. Chemistry! Chemistry! Chemistry!” He bangs the table again, causing Jenna to jump beside me.

Green screen filming in the studio is supposed to start in thirty minutes, but Quinton had things to say to me and Jenna that couldn’t wait. As the director of The Promised Prince, he can do whatever he wants, including having a private discussion in his trailer. But this is starting to feel more like a drug intervention than a brainstorming session on how to bump up our early reviews.

A vein on Quinton’s forehead bulges. “I want so much chemistry between you two that the United States government asks to convert our set into a state-of-the-art chemistry lab!”

“A chemistry lab?” The corner of my mouth rises. “I don’t think—”

“Don’t speak.” Dallas’s hand presses against my shoulder as he subtly shakes his head. “It’s not helpful.”

Snide comments are never helpful—always amusing but never helpful—so I keep my thoughts to myself.

“Even if these two”—Jenna’s publicity manager gives us a stern side-eye glare—“can figure out how to conjure up some chemistry moving forward, that doesn’t help the bad reviews that have already surfaced for episode one and are sure to come for episodes two and three.”

“I talked with the producers and post-production team about the next two episodes, and we think their lack of chemistry might go unnoticed.” Quinton’s forehead vein relaxes, making it easier to follow what he says. Before, it was like he had a third eyeball staring at me. “These episodes are when Renna discovers Trev is engaged to her stepsister, and her anger and avoidance of him ramps up. So at least the bickering between their characters will feel authentic.”

“See?” I lean back casually, lifting my hands in the air. “I don’t know what we’re all so worried about. There’s no problem.”

“That’s not entirely true.” Tawny (I think that’s her name; I can’t remember, and now it’s been too many months to ask again) shifts her gaze to me. “We still need to do damage control on the criticism from the premiere this week.”

“I thought we looked great.” I consider winking at Jenna but decide against it after assessing the death glare aimed at me.

“You two were a disaster.” Dallas opens a folder and slips pictures of us from the premiere onto the table. There are a few with us smiling and touching, but the touching looks forced and tense. I never would’ve pictured the day that touching a woman didn’t come naturally to me, but Jenna is a whole different ballgame.

I’m attracted to her while simultaneously being scared of her. I don’t care about her opinion of me, but deep down, I desperately want her to like me. I want her to think I’m a good actor, but I can’t seem to open myself up and let go while filming. So yeah, the touching last night was forced and tense.

Dallas drops five more pictures in front of us, all with glares or frowns or both from Jenna pointed at me. I don’t think I’ve ever had a woman dislike me so much—well, at least not when I haven’t kissed her and then ditched her.

“Alright, well, do whatever you have to do to fix this.” I wave the pictures away with my hand before standing. “Now, can we get started with filming?”

“Not so fast.” Quinton motions for me to sit back down. “We’re not filming any scenes with you two in them this weekend. We’ll reschedule all of them for the Calgary location.”

“Uh…” I laugh, glancing over at Jenna, who's been uncharacteristically silent during this whole intervention. “Is this, like, a timeout or something? Punishment because a few critics say we don’t have on-screen chemistry?”

“I agree with those critics,” Quinton snaps.

I actually do too.

It was painful watching the show last night. I cringed during our on-screen kiss, which has never happened to me before. Usually, I’m proud of my acting work, but everything about this project feels different—and not in a good way. I just can’t get in a groove with Jenna.

“Until you two figure out your chemistry, I’m not filming any scenes with you together. Too many important moments are coming up: the ballroom scene, the red dress, the kiss. Your chemistry will make or break the entire show.”

Talk about pressure.

“But I know what we need to do.” Quinton’s expression lightens, although it doesn’t alleviate any pressure. Everyone stares back at him, waiting for the big reveal.

“You two will spend the weekend together at my beach house in Malibu.”

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