Page 87 of How Jenna Became My Dilemma

“But what did he say?” I press.

After some thought, his face lights with recollection. “I think he said, ‘I’m not playing a game with Jenna’s heart. I know what I am, and I know what she deserves.’ Yeah, that’s it. That’s what he said.” He smiles like he’s proud of himself.

My eyes drift to Cody as his words settle. He’s noticed me talking to Ben. His expression has hardened, and his back is straight as he stretches his neck to see us better.

“See?” Ben points over to him. “See the jealousy? He’s about to come fight me to defend your honor. He’s totally in love with you but doesn’t know it yet, so be gentle with him. A guy like Cody Banner will be in denial for a while, convincing himself he’s better off alone.”

Brooke smiles up at him. “Sounds like someone else I know.”

“Yeah, it does.” He shrugs, knowing she’s talking about him. “Anyway, I better get Brooke inside so she can sit down. Good luck with Cody.”

Ben and Brooke walk away, leaving me standing there with all my shock.

And hope.

Freak! I have hope.

That’s the number one thing I shouldn’t have. But despite my best efforts at acting, I’ve muddied the waters. I’ve fallen for Cody Banner. And I’m starting to wonder—like, really wonder—if he’s feeling the same way.

Cody fights his way through the guests, walking to me with two glasses of ice water. “What did that Ben guy want?” His voice is hard, and yes, I can see the jealousy in his expression. It’s cute.

My lips tilt into a smile. “Are you jealous?”

“Of that guy? What? No!” He hands me my water. “Ben Jackson is a jerk, and you deserve better.”

I smother my smile so I can actually take a drink of my water without spilling it down my chest. Cody walks to the edge of the yacht, casting his eyes over the moonlit water and Tampa City’s twinkling lights in the distance. I follow, pressing my hips against the railing.

“It’s nice to be somewhere else for a change,” he says. “I like making movies and filming, but every once in a while, you need a break.”

“It’s too bad that on your first day off, you have to spend it with me and my family.”

Cody turns his head, giving me a smile that’s so dang sweet it sends my body into diabetic shock. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

I want to believe him. I want to enjoy the skip in my heart and the butterflies in my stomach. I want what he’s saying to be real. I want it so bad that I don’t even stop myself when my next words slip out.

“Is that real, or is that fake?”

Cody’s smile widens, reaching his eyes and making him look so handsome it hurts. He shifts his body so his hip leans against the side of the boat, and he faces me. “What do you think?”

“I don’t know what to think anymore. I don’t know what’s real and what’s acting.”

“Then ask me.”

I narrow my eyes. “I thought I just did.”

“You’re right.” He rests his elbow on the railing, putting his hand next to my arm. His fingers tickle back and forth along my skin, and his eyes glimmer. “I’ve loved spending the day with you: real. I think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen: real.”

His fingers slowly trickle up my arm, over my shoulder, across the edge of my collarbone, and into my hair. He combs his fingers through a few strands, pushing them back until he can tuck them behind my ear. Don’t mind me. I’m just heavy breathing over here while his touch does all the work.

“I think you’re the most talented and incredible woman I’ve ever known: real. You make me want to be a better man: real. I want you to be happy: real.”

And the kiss?

Was that real?

Please tell me that was real.

But instead, he goes in a different direction.

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