The Love Hypothesis

by Ali Hazelwood

She grinned, for no reason other than—Adam was here, with her. And he was smiling. “That’s a lie.”

But it’s the first time he’s agreed to interview. And he only agreed after you decided to go work in Tom’s lab.” He gave her a gentle smile, and then looked away, beginning to collect his things and slide them inside his backpack. “Make of that what you will, Olive.”

It was too stressful. Too difficult. Not worth the strain on her cardiovascular and psychophysical health.

There was something intrinsically enjoyable in having him next to her, so physical and undeniable. She felt it on some primal, visceral level, the giddy happiness that always came with his presence.

and whatever distance Adam had seen fit to keep. Her stubborn, mercurial fake boyfriend. Wonderfully, perfectly unique. Delightfully one of a kind. Olive felt her heart overflow.

She was frightened—so frightened by what she was about to say. But also exhilarated for him to finally know. Determined to get it out.