Crosstalk by Connie Willis

In a near-future world where technological advancements allow couples to undergo a procedure to enhance emotional connections, a young woman named Briddey Flannigan eagerly undergoes the surgery with her boyfriend, Trent, hoping to deepen their relationship. However, the procedure goes awry, and instead of connecting with Trent, Briddey finds herself telepathically linked to her quirky coworker, C.B. Schwartz. As they navigate the unexpected bond, Briddey discovers the complexities of communication, privacy, and the true nature of love, all while unraveling a corporate conspiracy that threatens to exploit the very technology meant to bring people closer together.