Appetence (noun): eager desire; a natural bond

  “No, I’m not joking.” Her voice was polite but unfriendly.

  “But why him out of all people?!”

  “Because I want to, that’s all. ” She was getting increasingly irritated with the other girl.

  “Then what about that guy from last week? Didn’t you guys hang out in the library for a few hours?”

  Rubbing her temples, she groaned in frustration. “For a project.”

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

  “Then-”

  She shot up from her seat. “Before you even ask, the answer is no. The guy from the week before last week was just coordinating a marketing schedule with me. We are strictly business partners working together.”

  Her friend’s expression was a mixture of disappointment, and most infuriatingly, pity.

  “I don’t want to date. I have clear goals for my business, my future, and I’m ambitious to accomplish something big for myself right now. Stop thinking every boy I talk to is my romantic interest.”

  Slightly intimidated, her friend shrank back several inches and peeked at her. “But that guy from today-”

  “He. Is. Just. A. Friend.” A long sigh escaped her throat. “And that’s all I want for now… really.”