Page 54 of How Jenna Became My Dilemma

“There’s a hole there,” I say loudly, pointing to the flat grass. “Someone’s going to break an ankle.” I glance at a few crew members standing around. “Let’s get that taken care of before someone hurts themselves.” They look at me like I’m crazy, but one guy takes a step forward, pretending to search for it—a valiant effort.

“You okay?” Cody asks.

“Yep, just fell in a hole.” I brush my hair back from my face even though it’s in a ponytail slicked so tight the force of Niagara Falls couldn’t undo it.

“So, the touching and flirting?”

He’s relentless on this subject, but this time, I’m able to stay upright.

My face goes void of emotion. I’m a robot repeating Trey’s advice. “There are no rules. We’re just acting. It’s all for show.”

His smile is loaded with amusement. “No rules?”

“That’s right.” I nod as we approach the interview spot.

“If that’s what you want.” He leans in, tickling my ear with his whispers. “You asked for it.”

My spine straightens, and my gaze whips to him. “Asked for what?”

But before he can answer, Marley Lopez from Celebrity Today stands in front of us with a proffered hand. “Welcome! It’s so nice to see you both.”

Outwardly, I’m giving air kisses to each of Marley’s cheeks. Inwardly, I’m screaming at Cody.

ASKED FOR WHAT?

CODY

* * *

I stand in front of the couch as a makeup assistant dabs powder over my face.

“That should help with the heat and sweat,” she says in between her chews of green gum.

“You know what else would’ve helped with the heat and sweat?” I ask rhetorically. “Filming this interview inside.”

She laughs, opening her mouth so wide I’m worried her gum will fall out onto my shirt.

I lift my brows in response, then turn my attention to Jenna. She’s next to me, getting a microphone wired through her shirt. Her hair is pulled back into a high ponytail that perfectly works with her halter neckline, hot-pink blouse. I say it perfectly works because the updo shows off her shoulders and the edge of her collarbone in the most flattering way.

“I think we’re ready to begin.” Marley takes the seat across from us.

The crew and assistants clear out, and Jenna and I drop onto the couch. I purposely sit right next to her, wrapping my arm around her shoulders and snuggling her in close.

She looks at me with raised brows. “It’s, like, a hundred degrees outside. Do you think I can get a little space here?”

“I like keeping you close.” I add a small wink, just for the fun of it.

“Look at you two!” Marley gushes. “You look so cozy.”

“Too cozy.” Jenna fake laughs while concealing the small pinches she’s giving my side. I grab her crab fingers with my free hand, holding them on top of my leg so she can’t do any more pinching damage.

Marley watches us with a giant smile. “So the rumors are true? You’re an official couple?”

“Yes. We. Are.” I lift our joined hands, bopping Jenna’s nose with the tip of her own index finger as I say each word in my best baby voice.

I’m overdoing it.

I know I am, but Jenna asked for this with all of her there are no rules garbage.

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