The Friendship Study by Ruby Barrett

"Barrett writes with tremendous care for anyone who has ever felt lonely." -Rosie Danan, author of The Roommate
Jesse Logan doesn't want a fresh start. He wants his old life back-before an injury made his career as a firefighter impossible, before his grandfather's Alzheimer's got so bad he doesn't recognize Jesse anymore. When a friend tells him about a paid psychological study, Jesse sees it as a chance to get back to the man he was while making a little extra cash.
All Lulu Banks is asking for is a fresh start. Back home after a devastating breakup, she's struggling to find her place. She's always been a lot-too loud, too eager, too obvious about her feelings. The friendship study seems like a great idea...until she's paired with Jesse Logan, who recently ghosted her after a blind date that led to a steamy make-out session.
Now that old familiar tension is back. Despite the program's strict "no romance" rule, Jesse and Lulu are quick to find a work-around that allows them to explore their tenuous connection. And soon they're on their way to total self-improvement...
As long as they don't get caught.