Page 18 of How Jenna Became My Dilemma

Winnie follows, towing my suitcase. The wheels hit each step with a hard thud, making me glance behind to confirm she’s not dragging a dead body. Nope. Just Louis Vuitton—luggage, not the French designer.

“I have your moisturizer and your new eyelash serum.”

“What about The Promised Prince script?”

“I thought this wasn’t a work weekend.”

I stop walking and turn to look at her. I’m still getting used to Winnie’s auburn hair. It’s usually a light-brown shade, but I had my stylist dye her hair darker last week. It’s a good look, complementing the light spray of freckles that covers the bridge of her nose and cheekbones.

“It’s not a work weekend, but since I have nothing to say to Cody, I thought I could fill a bit of time by memorizing my lines.”

“Got it. As in, I understand why you need your script, and also, I already packed it.” My assistant’s attention to detail is lifesaving.

“Thank you.” I lead the way to the parking lot, where I’m supposed to meet Cody and his car.

Not only do we have to spend the weekend together, but we have to drive to Malibu together.

The theme of this nightmare is together.

Everything is together.

If Chris Evans was my co-star in The Promised Prince and I was forced to spend a weekend together with him, I wouldn’t complain. I’d say, ‘Sign me up!’ with excitement and vigor. I’m not an unreasonable person. I love a Malibu beach house as much as the next girl.

Just not with Cody Banner.

“Make sure you ask his assistant what flight to Calgary he’s booked Cody on, and then find me something different. The last thing I need is to spend the entire weekend with him and then tack on a three-hour flight on top of that. With my luck, we’d be seated next to each other in first class.”

“Yes,” Winnie says, taking a lot of short little steps to keep up with my long legs. “I’ve already made a note to get you on a different flight.”

“Perfect.” I breathe easier.

But my expression sours when I catch a glimpse of Cody up ahead. He’s in the same white T-shirt and gray shorts he wore in our meeting with Quinton forty minutes ago. He leans against the side of a golf cart, casually crossing one leg over the other while he talks on the phone.

“He’s so handsome.” Winnie’s words come out reverent, causing me to frown at her. “Oh. Sorry.” She shakes her head. “I know we’re supposed to hate him.”

“I don’t hate him.” I glance at Cody, noticing the easy way he laughs as he talks on the phone. I can admit his genuine smile is cute if you’re into straight teeth and perfectly shaped lips that mesh into his beard with sexy charm—which I am into but pretend not to be. “His personality just rubs me the wrong way.”

“So this weekend is a big waste of time?”

“No, I’m sure I can find something redeeming about him. I have to if I want my acting career to go beyond this one show.”

Cody’s gaze shifts to us as we approach. I give a slight smile out of civility. See, I can be mature.

He straightens, looking right at me as he continues his phone conversation. “So you’re going topless, huh?” There’s a flirty quality behind his smile. “I’m a sucker for topless.”

My eye roll is so dramatic it mimics the complete arc of a rainbow.

“All the way naked is my absolute favorite. It’s fun when everything hangs in the wind.” He wags his brows at me as he speaks.

“Ugh!” I groan. “Can you please tell whatever topless bimbo you’re talking to that you’ll have to discuss her naked body hanging in the wind later because we need to leave for Malibu?”

Cody’s smile hitches upward as if my comment amused him. “See you in a sec.” He ends the call with me staring back at him.

“See you in a sec?” I repeat. “Did you invite your topless bimbo friend to Malibu with us?”

He takes a step closer, invading my space with his destructive smile. “Are you nervous you’ll have a little competition for my attention?”

“Hardly.” I turn my head and avoid eye contact. “I’d rather you be her problem than mine.”

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