Love so Hot (Misfit Millionaires #1)

Chapter 36Lawrence

Chapter Thirty-Six

Lawrence

My phone buzzes in my pocket like an angry hornet. I fish it out, squinting at the screen:

Your delivery has been completed.

A grin spreads across my face. Perfect timing. Now, where's Willow?

I wander through the house, calling her name. My voice echoes off the walls. No sign of my free-spirited fake fiancée.

"Willow? You didn't disappear into the forest to commune with squirrels again, did you?"

Silence. Great.

I step onto the back porch, and there she is. Willow sits cross-legged on a woven mat, her green hair catching the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. Her eyes are closed, hands resting on her knees. She's so still I wonder if she's actually asleep.

Without opening her eyes, she speaks. "I know you're there."

I jump a little. How does she do that? It's like she has some kind of hippie superpowers.

"Good," I say, recovering quickly. "Because you should stop whatever earth-mother ritual you're doing and come with me. I've got something to show you."

Willow's green eyes flutter open, fixing me with that intense gaze that always makes me feel like she can see right through my corporate facade. "I was grounding myself," she says calmly. "It's important to connect with the earth's energy before?—"

"Yeah, yeah, before saving the world, I get it," I interrupt, waving my hand. "But trust me, this is worth pausing your chakra alignment or whatever."

She raises an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "You know, for someone pretending to be engaged to an environmental activist, you could stand to learn a little more about what I actually do."

I roll my eyes, but can't help grinning. "Maybe later you can teach me all about the magical healing properties of crystals. Right now, I need you to come with me. It's a surprise."

Willow unfolds herself gracefully, stretching like a cat. "A surprise from you? Should I be worried?"

"Har har," I retort. "Come on, Earth Mother."

Willow stands. "Actually, I have a meeting soon. With the community leaders of the Hollow."

I blink, caught off guard. "A meeting? About what?"

She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, looking both excited and nervous. "To discuss the new project I'm starting. You know, with your funding."

Pride swells in my chest unexpectedly. I hadn't realized she'd made such quick progress. "Wow, that's... impressive," I manage, trying to sound nonchalant. "You work fast."

Willow smiles, a genuine, radiant thing that makes my stomach do a weird flip. "Well, when you're passionate about something, you don't waste time."

I clear my throat, pushing away the odd feeling. "This is perfect timing, then. Your surprise will definitely come in handy for your meeting."

Her eyes narrow suspiciously. "Larry, what did you do?"

"Patience, grasshopper," I say, gesturing dramatically towards the front door. "All will be revealed if you just follow me."

Willow sighs, but there's a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes. "Fine, but this better not be some elaborate prank. I really do need to get to that meeting."

As we walk through the house, I can practically feel her anticipation building. She keeps peppering me with questions, each more outlandish than the last.

"Did you buy me a lifetime supply of organic kale?" she asks, and I can't tell if she's joking or not.

"Is it a wind-powered hoverboard?"

"Oh! I know! You've hired a team of trained squirrels to plant acorns across the Hollow!"

I snort. "Your imagination is truly a terrifying place, Wildflower."

As we step onto the front porch, I dramatically throw my arms wide. "Behold!"

There, gleaming in the sunlight filtering through the trees, sits a sleek Toyota Mirai. It's not exactly a sports car, but it has a certain futuristic elegance that I hope will appeal to Willow's eco-warrior sensibilities. The crowning touch is the giant burlap bow perched on the roof, looking delightfully out of place on the high-tech vehicle.

Willow's jaw drops. "Is that... for me?"

I nod, unable to keep the grin off my face. "Yep. And before you ask, the bow is upcycled from old corn sacks or something. I had to repeat that request about a dozen times to make sure they got it right."

She walks around the car, running her hand reverently along its smooth curves. I follow, watching her face closely for any sign of disapproval.

"It's beautiful, Larry, but... is this an electric car? I mean, I appreciate the gesture, but I can't drive something that's not earth-conscious."

I can't help but feel a little smug as I explain, "Actually, it's not electric. It's a hydrogen fuel cell car."

Her eyes widen, and I see a spark of genuine excitement. "What? But I thought they stopped making these years ago!"

"They're rare, but I managed to track one down," I say, trying to sound casual and probably failing miserably. "Figured it might come in handy for your eco-crusading."

"It's only emissions are-"

"Pure H2O," I finish for her.

Before I can react, Willow throws her arms around me in a tight hug. Then, caught up in the moment, she plants a quick kiss on my lips. We both freeze, suddenly hyper-aware of how couple-y this whole scene has become.

As we awkwardly disentangle ourselves, I clear my throat and quip, "You know, we'd make a great car commercial. 'The Mirai: Bringing Enemies Closer Together.'"

Willow laughs, the tension broken. "Oh god, can you imagine? The PR nightmare for both of us."

"I really should get going. Those community leaders won't wait forever."

"Mind if I tag along?" I ask, surprising myself. "I mean, if you're okay with it. Might be good to see how my investment is being put to use."

Willow hesitates for a moment, then nods. "Sure, why not? Just... try not to look too much like a corporate shark, okay? These are good people."

As we climb into the Mirai, I can't help but wonder what I've gotten myself into. But watching Willow's face light up as she explores the car's features, I realize I don't really mind at all.

"Do you mind driving?" she asks, looking a bit nervous.

"I don't," I say, "but are you sure? It's your new car. You should do the honors."

She nods her head. "I'm just a little nervous about this meeting," she admits.

I grab her hand and squeeze it. "You're going to do great," I say.

She smiles back. "Thanks."

The road is quiet, sunrays knifing through the fog to reveal the town's rustic contours as we make our way. Beside me, Willow's gaze is fixed on the passing scenery, a serene look on her face.

My phone vibrates against my thigh, a relentless buzz that threatens to shatter the peace. One glance at the screen shows a barrage of texts and missed calls—all work-related, no doubt. Without breaking stride, I reach down and flick the device onto silent mode, tucking it back into the console.

"Isn't that important?" Willow asks, her eyes narrowing slightly as she glances from the silenced phone to me.

"Probably," I admit with a shrug. "But today, this feels more important." I gesture vaguely between us, a half-smile tugging at my lips.

She raises an eyebrow, a smile playing at the corner of her mouth. "Won't you get in trouble for ignoring them?"

I let out a short chuckle, the sound mingling with the soft purr of the engine. "Trouble? I'm the boss. Worst they can do is grumble behind my back." I keep my eyes on the winding road ahead, though I can feel Willow's curious gaze on me.

"Even the investors?" She turns in her seat, facing me now, interest piqued.

"Especially the investors," I say, a smirk finding its way onto my face. "But pulling out? Unlikely." I tap the steering wheel with my thumb, keeping the rhythm of our journey. "We're close to securing the last one—Billy Hargraves. Once he's in, the project's golden."

"Ah, Billy Hargraves," Willow murmurs, almost to herself. Her calm front seems to hold, but there's a subtle shift—an unspoken thought that catches in the air between us.

"Yep," I respond, letting the conversation fade into the background as the car hums along. Eventually, we roll to a stop outside the community center, a quaint brick building nestled against Greenwood Hollow's backdrop of towering pines and maples. A few cars are already parked nearby, probably belonging to the local leaders meeting with Willow today.

"Here we are," I murmur, cutting the engine.

Willow just gazes out the window. She's been quiet since I flipped my phone off on the drive. Something's up, but pushing for answers isn't my style.

"Ready?" I ask instead, offering a smile that's meant to be reassuring.

She nods, her lips pressed into a thin line as if she's bracing herself for battle rather than a simple meet and greet. But when she steps out of the car, it's like she sheds whatever's been weighing on her, standing tall in a Bellini outfit that marks her as someone who doesn't just talk the talk.

We walk side by side into the community center. It smells like fresh wood polish and old books, a scent that somehow feels right for what we're about to do.

"Ms. Willow," greets one of the men in the room, an elder with a salt-and-pepper beard and eyes that have seen more than a few town meetings. He offers his hand, and Willow takes it with a firm grip.

"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," she starts, her tone even but commanding attention. "I'm excited to see what we can accomplish today."

I hang back, leaning against a wall plastered with posters of local events and bake sales. This is her show, and she's running it like a pro. Her speech flows, calm and measured, but there's an undercurrent of fervor in her words when she speaks of the initiative and its potential impact.

"Protecting our environment doesn't mean hindering progress," she explains. "It's about moving forward responsibly."

The community leaders nod, their expressions a mix of intrigue and respect. One woman, with hair the color of autumn leaves, leans in, asking pointed questions that Willow fields without missing a beat.

"Your plan seems sound, but what about the long-term effects?" the woman probes.

"Long-term sustainability is our priority," Willow replies. "We're not just thinking about today, or tomorrow, but generations to come."

It's impressive, really. She knows her stuff, and it's clear she's not here to play games. She's fighting for a cause she believes in, and damn it, I'm starting to believe in it too.

The final handshakes are warm, the smiles genuine. We step out into the warm afternoon, the air fresh with a hint of pine. I can't help but beam at Willow—she's nailed it.

"Killed it in there," I say, nudging her shoulder playfully.

"Thanks," she says, a hint of color rising in her cheeks. "I just hope it all comes together."

"Have a little faith. You're making waves, Wildflower."

Her eyes catch the sunlight as she laughs, and for a moment, I'm caught up in the brightness of her. Then, like a crack of thunder shattering the calm, a voice cuts through the tranquility.

"Willow! You TRAITOR!"

We spin around to find a figure, face twisted in anger, barreling toward us. It's a man, likely in his young twenties, wearing an Earth Defenders shirt and more anger than one face can possibly show.

"Sold us out for some corporate cash, did you? Abandoning the fight?" The words are venomous, spat out between clenched teeth.

"Hey!" I bark, stepping in front of her. "Back off!"

Willow's hand finds my arm, a silent plea for calm. But my blood's already boiling. How dare he?

"Shame on you!" The accusation is a physical blow, and I see the hurt flicker across her face before she masks it.

"Enough!" My voice is steel. "You don't know what you're talking about."

The anger in the man's eyes is a blazing fire, but I'm not about to let it burn Willow. I step up close, my chest almost touching his angry face.

"Listen," I growl low and dangerous, "that's my wife you're talking to. Leave before I call the cops."

For a second, he looks like he might swing at me, but something in my stance must tell him it's a bad idea. Instead, he spits—a glob of disdain hitting the sidewalk—before bolting off like a scalded cat.

I turn to Willow, her face pale. "Hey, are you okay?" My voice is softer now, concern lacing every word.

She nods, but her green eyes are stormy seas. "It's just... it's sad, you know? That people think so poorly of me now." Her voice breaks like thin ice underfoot.

"Let's head back." The decision is easy. I need to get her away from here, away from all this ugliness.

We slip into the car, the silence between us thick with unsaid words as we leave the scene behind.

I grip the steering wheel, guiding the car along the winding roads leading away from town. The dense forest on either side blurs into a green haze as we drive in silence, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife.

"Hey," Willow's voice cuts through the quiet, "why did you call me your wife back there?"

I glance at her, catching the flicker of curiosity in those stormy green eyes. She's got her arms wrapped around herself like she's holding on for dear life.

"Uh, it just... slipped out." I fumble for words, hoping my casual shrug sells the lie. "You know, heat of the moment and all. Besides, helps sell our whole engagement thing,” I add.

She tilts her head, studying me with a look that says she's not entirely convinced. I can almost hear the cogs turning in her head, trying to piece together the puzzle I've inadvertently tossed at her feet.

"Right," she says slowly, drawing out the word. There's a hint of something deeper in her tone, something like the beginning of understanding—or maybe suspicion.

I want to say more, to explain the strange rush of possessiveness that surged through me when I stood between her and that hothead. But I don't. Instead, I focus on the road, letting the silence reclaim us.

I'm the boss of my own destiny, sure, but when it comes to Willow, I feel like I'm losing control, like I'm being pulled into uncharted territory. I liked calling her my wife, more than I should have, more than makes sense given our tangled web of pretense.

Deep down, I know my feelings for her are shifting, growing roots in places I didn't think they would—or could. It scares me a little, this complexity, because it's not part of the plan. And yet, as the car hums beneath us, I can't help but wonder if maybe it's exactly what I need.