Page 39 of How Jenna Became My Dilemma

“Tell me about it,” Jenna breathes out the words.

My lips quirk. “You play men too?”

“No!” She swats the back of my neck, and I’m disappointed it breaks the tickling I’d grown to love. “I just like playing someone different than who I really am.” Jenna’s voice changes, and my breath stills a little, as if we both know the conversation is taking a vulnerable turn. “When I model, or even when I act, I get to be something more exciting. In real life, I’m boring and structured and not special at all. But when I step on a runway in a custom-made dress or pose for a picture, I become the sexiest woman alive. Every other woman wants to be me, and every man wishes he had me. It’s a crazy-good feeling. The highest high. But when you remove all that glory and strip me down to just me, I’m a nobody.”

My rocking stops, and I pull back to look Jenna squarely in the face. “What are you talking about? You’re incredible.”

She rolls her eyes and turns her head. “I’m not trying to get compliments. I’m just saying people—men, really—think they’re going home with Victoria's Secret but are disappointed when they learn I’m just Jenna.”

“Hey.” I touch my hand to her chin, forcing her to look at me. “Jenna is the version that has all the amazing qualities.” She tries to shake her head, but I hold it firmly in place. “You’re quick-witted and kind to people.” I grimace. “Well, people who aren’t me.” She laughs, and I drop my hand, knowing I’ve kept it there too long. “And you’re smart and talented.”

My words are met with a pointed stare. “You’re only saying that because I said I wanted to be recognized for my talent and intelligence.”

“No, I’m being serious. You’re smart, especially when it comes to film creation. You have a knack for spatial directions and camera angles. I actually think you’d make a great director someday.”

Her stare softens. “You really think so?”

“I mean, I hate that I’m admitting it to you,” I joke. “I was sure I would take these compliments to my grave. But yes, I really think you’re talented and have a lot to offer Hollywood in front of the camera and behind it.”

“No one, besides my brother, has ever given me credit for being more than something nice to look at, especially a man.”

“Well, those men are idiots.” I brush her hair back, not because I have to build chemistry but because I want to.

Jenna’s green eyes flicker to my face like she’s desperately trying to figure out my next move. To be honest, I don’t know my next move. These are uncharted waters. Our position hasn’t changed. My arm is around her waist, and hers is around my neck. Our hands are clasped together, resting against my chest.

But the emotions surrounding us have changed. There’s a crackle in the air, popping between us. Our gazes are charged with developing attraction. I feel it in every heavy pulse of my heart.

My thumb draws slow circles over the skin at her waist, and despite our assumed lack of chemistry, our bodies pull together like we know just what to do. Eyes drop to lips, and before I can think through anything else, I dip my mouth to hers.

“Uh…” She completely pulls back, physically disconnecting herself from me. She pushes her lips into a sardonic smile, contradicting our honest conversation. “So this is how you do it?”

“What?” I’m genuinely confused right now.

Jenna takes a step back. “This is how you get women to fall for you?”

Oh.

Oh.

She throws in a mocking laugh with her smile, cutting my wound deeper. “You’re really good at it. Like, really good. Props to your acting skills.” Bending down to the lounge chair, she grabs her script. “If you do that during filming, Quinton will definitely be off our case on the whole chemistry thing.”

“Right.” I manage a smile. I am an actor after all.

“So, I think we’re good here. Chemistry lesson complete. Yay!” She pumps her fists in the air as she walks toward the sliding doors. “Gold star for us.” Pointing to where her room is, she says, “I’m just going to go shower. Answer some emails. Lay out on my balcony. So…”

Before I can say anything, Jenna escapes inside, leaving me standing alone by the pool.

We found our physical chemistry, but at what cost to my feelings?

CHAPTER NINE

JENNA

Cody Banner understood the assignment.

They said bring the heat. He brought it.

They said they wanted chemistry. He became a freaking STEM specialist.

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