Month: December 2025

Ava I agonizedfor days over whether to shoot Alex in a studio or outdoors. I took all of my photoshoots seriously, but this one felt different. More intimate. More…life-changing, like it had the power to make or break me, and not just because I might submit it as part of my portfolio for the WYP

Ava He was furious. He was alive with it, pulsing with it. One hand clutched the steering wheel, knuckles white, while the other rested on the gearshift, flexing and unflexing like he wanted to strangle someone. The glow from passing streetlights illuminated the beautifully carved planes of his face as we sped down the dark

Alex Thayer University’sannual alumni charity gala was the event of the season, but while it did raise money for the latest cause du jour, it wasn’t really about charity. It was about ego. I attended every year. Not because I wanted to be a philanthropist or reminisce about my college days, but because the gala

Ava “The experiment is a failure,but at least it’s over.” I sucked down the rest of my cranberry vodka. I’d nursed it for so long all the ice had melted and it tasted like fruity water. “Thank God.” “Too bad.” Bridget looked disappointed. “I was looking forward to seeing Alex lose his cool.” “He still

Ava OPERATION EMOTION:PHASE DISGUST “You already brought me welcome-to-the-neighborhood cookies.” Alex stared at the basket on the dining table. “These aren’t welcome cookies.” I pushed the basket toward him. “These are an experiment. I tried a new recipe and wanted to see what you think.” He made an impatient noise. “I don’t have time for

Ava Something smelled delicious,like spice and heat. I wanted to wrap it around me like a blanket. I snuggled closer to the source, enjoying the strong, solid warmth beneath my cheek. I didn’t want to wake up, but I’d promised Bridget I would volunteer at a local pet shelter with her this morning, before my

9 Alex I silently cursedJosh as I carried Ava upstairs. That asshole always put me in situations I didn’t want to be in. Case in point: sleeping in the same room as his sister. I’m sure he would be even less happy about it than I was, but I hadn’t set up the guest room—I

8 Ava OPERATION EMOTION:PHASE SADNESS I came armed for battle. I applied makeup, brushed my hair, and wore my favorite white cotton sundress with yellow daisies at the bottom. It was both pretty and comfortable, and it showed off just enough cleavage to intrigue. Liam had loved it. Whenever I wore it, we ended up

7 Alex “Don’t do this.” I poured myself a cup of coffee, leaned against the counter, and took a leisurely sip before responding. “I’m not sure why you’re calling me, Andrew. I’m the COO. You should talk to Ivan.” “That’s bullshit,” Andrew spat. “You pull the strings behind the scenes, and everyone knows it.” “Then

6 Ava “…Thensaid, never ask Ava to do something like this again, or I will murder you and your entire family,” Jules finished dramatically before taking a sip of her caramel mocha. “Shut up.” Stella leaned forward, her eyes wide. “He did not say that.” “No, he didn’t.” I shot Jules a disapproving look. “Stop exaggerating.” “How