Love so Hot (Misfit Millionaires #1)

Chapter 29Willow

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Willow

The door closes behind us with a soft click, and I lean against it for a moment, still riding the high of the day. Lawrence is already loosening his tie, a small smile playing on his lips as he shakes his head slightly. "Can't believe we pulled it off," he says, almost to himself.

"Me neither," I admit, pushing myself off the door. The buzz from the event clings to us like the subtle cologne wafting from Lawrence's shirt. It's a mix of excitement and relief, knowing we've convinced everyone we're the happy couple they expect.

I toss my clutch onto the hall table and turn to face him. "You know, tonight got me thinking," I start, my voice echoing in the quiet of the foyer.

"Oh?" He raises an eyebrow, curious despite the weariness creeping into the edges of his posture.

"About the environment. The cause we were supporting." I watch him carefully, gauging his reaction as I step into unfamiliar territory. This is the part where fake-dating gets tricky—when real issues bleed into our staged romance.

"Go on," he prompts, leaning back against the wall, arms folded across his chest.

"Seeing all those people tonight, ready to invest in change... It just hit me hard. We have this power. To actually do something about it." My heart pounds faster, passion fueling my words.

He's silent for a moment, hazel eyes studying me with an intensity that makes me feel seen. Understood, even. "And what do you propose we do with this power?" There's a hint of challenge in his tone, but it's not dismissive. If anything, it feels like he's pushing me to be bolder.

"Use it," I say simply. "Your company has resources, influence. We could spearhead some real environmental initiatives, make a difference beyond just one night of fundraising."

"You know that the fundraiser was just for appearances, right? One of those, 'look at this, not that,' sort of things when a company is doing something controversial."

I roll my eyes. "I know, but I still think it shows that we can get people to care."

Lawrence pushes off from the wall, walking closer until he's just a breath away, his gaze searching mine. "We?"

My resolve hardens even as my willpower around him begins to break. "We can't keep ignoring the damage being done."

There's a flicker of something in his expression, a brief glimpse of the man who's had to fight for every inch of ground he's gained in life. Then it's gone, replaced by the polished businessman facade. But I saw it, the crack in his armor, and I know I've struck a chord.

"Alright," he says after a long pause. He steps back and I feel like I can breathe again. "Let's talk about it. Really talk." His voice is low, almost hesitant, but when he looks at me, there's a fire there that wasn't before.

I pace the length of Larry's expansive living room, my thoughts racing as fast as my steps.

"With the funding you promised, we could pioneer a project that sets a precedent for sustainable development."

Larry, still standing by the door, slips out of his jacket and drapes it over a chair. He watches me with a steady gaze, his arms crossed over his chest.

"Go on," he prompts, his voice inviting despite the skepticism in his eyes.

"Right," I nod, seizing the encouragement. "We invest in clean energy—solar, wind, maybe hydroelectric power. Retrofit outdated systems. We get the community involved, educate them, provide jobs. And think about the long-term environmental benefits—reduced carbon footprint, preservation of natural habitats..."

I trail off, watching Larry's reaction. His face is unreadable, but those intense hazel eyes never waver from mine.

"Sounds idealistic," he finally says, the smoothness of his voice doing nothing to mask the underlying challenge. "But what about feasibility? You know we have shareholders to answer to."

"Feasibility?" I echo, frowning. "The technology is there. I discussed it with Seb at the event today. It's more than doable—it's necessary."

Larry unfolds his arms and takes a few steps forward. He's all controlled elegance, each movement deliberate. "Sure, the tech exists," he concedes. "But retrofitting current systems, that's a significant upfront cost. And our pipeline project..."

He hesitates, and I see the businessman—the king of a shipping empire who knows the price of change. I also see the boy who clawed his way out of foster care, who understands survival better than most.

"Your pipeline could be a part of this," I interject before he can finish. "An example of how industries can adapt and thrive. We need balance, not an all-or-nothing approach."

"Balance," he repeats softly, but then shakes his head. "I can't compromise the business, Willow."

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. "I know," I admit. "And I'm not asking you to risk everything. But we've got to start somewhere."

Larry looks away, staring through the window at the dark silhouette of the mountains cradling Greenwood Hollow. He's quiet for a long moment, and I hold my breath, waiting.

I can feel the coolness of the marble beneath me seep through my feet, arms folded as I watch Larry begin to pace the length of the living room, taking the same path I walked not a moment before. The moonlight streams in through large windows, casting shadows that dance across his tense features.

"Sometimes, we have to leap before we look to really make a difference," I offer.

He stops and fixes those piercing hazel eyes on me, a muscle twitching in his jaw. "And sometimes, Willow, that leap lands you flat on your back. I can't afford to be reckless."

"Reckless?" I scoff, shaking my head. "Since when is caring for our planet reckless?"

"Careful," he fires back, pointing a finger, "doesn't mean not caring. It means being smart about my moves. I've got shareholders to answer to, not just trees."

I close the distance between us. "And what about the people breathing the air, drinking the water? Don't they count for something?"

"Of course, they do," he says, exasperation seeping into his tone. "But so does keeping them employed. You think joblessness is good for their health?"

We're toe-to-toe now, the air charged with tension and the weight of words unsaid. I'm breathing hard, and I can see his chest rising and falling with equal force. There's heat in his gaze, a fire that matches my own, even if it burns for different reasons.

"Look," I say, trying to steady my voice. "All I'm asking is that we find a middle ground. Something sustainable that benefits everyone—your company included."

"You do realize compromise is a two-way street, right?"

"Absolutely." I nod, determined. "I'm here, aren't I? Pretending to be your fiancée for the sake of this... partnership."

"Right," Larry grumbles, running a hand through his red hair. "Sometimes I wonder if this fake engagement is more trouble than it's worth."

His words sting for some reason, and my defenses come up. "Then why continue?" I ask, tilting my head, daring him to say it out loud, to admit there's something real simmering beneath our ruse.

"Because," he starts, then hesitates, searching for the right words. "Because maybe some risks are worth taking.” He adds, “For the business.”

I stare at him, not sure how to process what he just said. Does he mean that I'm a risk worth taking? But, I don't have the chance to ask before he suddenly shifts gears.

"Who's River to you, Willow?" His hazel eyes pierce through me like he's trying to read my soul.

My mouth opens, but no words come out. I'm caught off guard, my brain scrambling to form a coherent thought.

Larry's eyebrows arch, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "That's what I thought. You two are an item, aren't you?"

"No!" I blurt out, probably a bit too forcefully. "That's not it at all."

I run my fingers through my hair, buying time as I gather my thoughts. It hits me like a ton of sustainably sourced bricks – I've barely thought about River since I've been here with Larry. Weird.

"It's... complicated," I finally manage, realizing how lame that sounds even as the words leave my mouth.

Larry's eyes narrow, his jaw clenching slightly. "That's not good enough, Willow. Not by a long shot."

I sigh, fidgeting with the hem of my dress. How do I explain River to Larry when I can barely explain River to myself? This is what I get for mixing business with... whatever the heck this is.

"Look, Larry," I start, trying to keep my voice steady, "River and I have history. We're part of the same cause, fighting for what we believe in. But it's not what you think."

Larry takes a step closer, his cologne – probably not eco-friendly, I note – wafting towards me. "And what exactly do I think, Willow?"

I swallow hard, suddenly very aware of how close we're standing. "I don't know, but whatever it is, you're probably wrong."

A chuckle escapes him, low and rumbling. "Am I now? Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're torn between two worlds. The fiery activist and the corporate suit. Quite the predicament, isn't it?"

I open my mouth to argue, but the words die on my tongue. Because damn it, he's not entirely wrong. And that realization is more unsettling than any pipeline debate we've had tonight.

I feel the heat rising to my cheeks, a mix of frustration and embarrassment. "Fine, you want the truth? I'll give it to you," I snap, my voice trembling slightly. "River was my first, okay? And until I was with you, he's been my only. Happy now?"

Larry's eyes widen, his usual smooth demeanor cracking for a moment. He runs a hand through his perfectly styled red hair, mussing it up in a way that's annoyingly attractive. "Wait, are you saying... you've never been with anyone else? No other man?"

"Besides you now, yes, that's exactly what I'm saying," I huff, crossing my arms. "But it doesn't matter, does it? Because River's just using me for his goals, and apparently, that's all I'm good for according to men."

The words tumble out before I can stop them, and I immediately wish I could stuff them back in. Great job, Willow. Way to bare your soul to the enemy.

Larry's expression shifts, something unreadable flashing in those hazel eyes. He steps even closer, invading my personal space bubble. The scent of his cologne is more than overwhelming now, and I hate that a part of me likes it.

"I don't like River," he says, his voice low and intense.

I roll my eyes, trying to ignore the way my heart is racing. "Yeah, I know. You've made that abundantly clear."

"No, you don't understand," Larry continues, his gaze boring into mine. "I don't like knowing that he touched you."

I shrug, aiming for nonchalance but probably missing by a mile. "Can't go backwards, Larry. What's done is done."

A small smirk plays at the corner of his lips. "You're right. We can only go forwards."

Before I can process what's happening, his hands are cupping my face, and his lips are on mine. The kiss is fierce, passionate, and nothing like I expected from the usually composed Lawrence Sinclair.

Oh boy, I think hazily as I find myself kissing him back. The Earth Defenders are going to have a field day with this one.