Page 75 of How Jenna Became My Dilemma

A lot of touching happens in these scenes.

And the kiss, which isn’t just a measly kiss. It’s a frenzied, hot makeout, and I’m more than ready to test Jenna’s and my chemistry in that way. I have a feeling things will be very different from the first time we kissed in episode one.

Jenna and I have spent hours together on set every day. The uncomfortable awkwardness that was once between us has melted into friendship and maybe something more. Okay, it’s more than friendship for me, but what, I don’t know. I’ve never felt this way about a woman before. How do you define something you’ve never experienced? All I know is that I don’t want it to end.

Teague and I stand in the middle of the ballroom, dressed in fitted suits. There’s a gold crown on my head—a prop that’s light enough that it’s not too uncomfortable. We’re waiting for everyone to be set and for Quinton to start rolling the cameras.

Teague stares at his phone, a small smile creeping over his lips.

“You must be texting your wife.”

“She sent me a photo of her swollen ankles.” He lifts his head and his phone, showing me the picture.

The old Cody wouldn’t care and would probably be grossed out by a woman’s pregnant ankles, but I find myself leaning in and laughing at the picture with Teague.

“Man, that sucks for her.”

“Yeah, she says it’s really itchy.”

Another text from his wife follows the picture, the cliche, ‘I love you. Miss you tons. Can’t wait for you to come home tomorrow.’ My heart throbs as I read those simple words.

I’ve never wanted a serious relationship, marriage, or kids. I planned on being the eternal bachelor.

Forever.

So why am I all sad seeing a text like that from Teague’s wife?

I guess in the back of my mind I’m wondering what it would feel like if someone sent me a text like that . . . and not just someone. What would it be like if Jenna said those words to me and actually meant them? Something tells me it would fill the bottomless hole inside me that I’ve been attempting to fill since I was a little kid.

That possibility makes my old plan of going nowhere with no one seem pointless. If given the choice between being alone the rest of my life or being with Jenna, I think I’d choose Jenna, and that’s a startling revelation. Something nobody ever saw coming, especially me. I don’t even know what to do with that revelation. It’s a complete one-eighty turn from where I’ve been my entire life. How can something I’ve been so sure of—never wanting to get married or settle down—go up in flames in a matter of two weeks? I mean, that seems crazy. Or is there really something that special about Jenna?

“I just barely watched episode two last night. Have you seen it yet?” Teague asks, putting his phone in his pocket.

“Yeah, Jenna and I watched it last Friday when it came out.”

“Together?” Teague’s smile turns sly. “Are you sure that’s all you did?”

I smack his chest with the back of my hand. “Yes, I’m sure.”

Besides the wrestling for her computer, which I loved, we didn’t touch at all. It was all very G-rated. Which is how it should be. I’m trying to be a good guy here. And then we’ve had another long week of no touching. Hence why I’m looking forward to filming today.

“What’s the deal with you two? I know the relationship is all for show, but is something else going on?”

“No.” I shake my head firmly. There’s nothing else going on even though I’m starting to think I wouldn’t be so opposed to it. “You know how these showmances go. It’s just a publicity stunt.”

“That’s what I figured.” Teague nods. “You and Jenna don’t really work together, but it’s definitely helping the show’s ratings.”

My gaze turns sour. “What do you mean we don’t work together?”

Teague laughs. “Don’t take offense. I’m just stating facts.”

“I’m not offended.” I try softening my voice so my words are somewhat believable. “I just don’t know what you mean by that.”

“Only that you two are different. Jenna is known for being sweet with high morals. She doesn’t run around with guys like you.”

“Actually, she’s dated a lot of guys like me in the past.” I don’t know why I want Teague to know that. It’s nothing for Jenna to brag about.

“And look where it’s gotten her? Nowhere. I’m sure she’s learned her lesson and is looking for someone serious she can settle down with. And that’s definitely not you.” Teague chuckles. “Am I right?”

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