Page 82 of Love so Hot

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.

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