Ex Marks the Boss

financial security in the future. Her parents had always emphasized stability, and while she sometimes wondered wh

as students settled into their seats-some reviewing notes, others laughing over last night's drama. She took her usual spo

is early forties, strode in, setting his lapt

ou've all been keeping up with the coursework because today, we'll d

hter, pen poised

where you apply what you've learned, and many firms are currently looking for interns." He lifted

sheets. Ava skimmed through the names. She circled a coup

etitive, so put effort into your applications. Your GPA matters, but so

l note to get st

-

um of quiet chatter and the occasional rustle of pages filled the space. She opened he

miliar presence ma

ha

e was, standing near the bookshelves, his dark eyes locked on her.

Then he took

o

d up, making her way toward the librarian's desk. A

hen she sat down, a folded

t of his retreating figure be

over it before she s

k me.

est ti

nes-threatened to pull her back in. But she knew better.

ren't meant to

-

he wore a fitted black mini dress with a sweetheart neckline, the fabric hugging her curves just right. Her brown ha

standing beside her. "Who

said, smooth

oss, grinned. "That's exactly what some

miled as they grabbed the

ting beneath their feet. The scent of expensive cologne, alcohol, and something vaguely sweet filled the

st?" Maddie

ed, already pulling th

er turn at the makeshift bar, she spo

co

ted apart after graduation. Now, Nicole stood

half a second be

col

idening before breaking i

armth of familiari

!" Nicole said. "H

ol, but you know how

e said. "Acco

"Yeah, it's.

de for 'I don't love it, b

. "Somethin

ly nudged her, whispering, "Wh

e who she meant.

re friends in

Well, he's cute

a brow. "

m?" Zara countere

d, amused, and le

yl

hen he saw her. "Ava! Look at you

e, huh?"

yes flickered to Zara, and Ava swore

s is Zara.

a bit more intrigued

a said, her ton

n Zara spoke or how Zara tucked a loose strand of ha

rd the dance floor. The bass thumped through her body as people moved

tu

straight in

t her arms before

look

breath

rink, the music fadin