Page 64 of Love so Hot

Willow gives him a genuine smile. "Don't worry. I'll be back."

"Okay. You can find me at the bar," Roman says, walking off to get himself a drink.

I guide Willow over to where Jason is chatting with a group of investors.

"Jason," I call out as I approach.

"Lawrence," he greets me with a nod, his expression unreadable behind those thin-rimmed glasses.

"Meet Willow, my fiancée." I gesture to her.

"Charmed." Jason extends a hand, which Willow shakes firmly.

"Nice to meet you, Jason," she says, her calm belying the charged air around us.

"Likewise." He assesses her, a slight tilt to his head like he's trying to piece together a puzzle. "I've heard much about your work with the Earth Defenders."

"Oh?" She arches an eyebrow, clearly ready to defend her turf if needed.

"Indeed," Jason continues, each word measured. "Your passion for the environment is... commendable."

"Thanks," she replies, her smile polite but guarded.

I decide there's no use in subjecting Willow to Jason's scrutiny. "Excuse us," I interrupt, placing my hand on the small of Willow's back and guiding her to where Victor is standing. I catch the faintest flicker of relief in her eyes as we move away from Jason.

Before long, Victor is chatting up Willow, his head tilted in that way he does when he's genuinely interested. I hang back,watching them for a moment, feeling oddly like a stage director on opening night. But then Jason’s by my side, pulling me aside.

"Lawrence," he starts, low and urgent. "You sure about this girl?"

"Jason, relax," I say with a nonchalant shrug. "She's solid."

He frowns, those piercing blues flicking towards Willow before drilling back into me. "She’s an activist, Lawrence. Her crowd isn't exactly fond of our pipeline dreams. Need I remind you the way you both met was when she was up a tree. Yours, specifically."

"Exactly," I counter quickly. "That's the point. She softens the image. Makes us look good, compassionate even."

"Or like we're being played," he mutters, not buying it yet.

"Just trust me, Jay," I insist, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "Her passion is real. It's a good look for us. Plus, she knows her stuff—could be a bridge to the environmental crowd."

"Hope you're right," he sighs, adjusting his glasses in that meticulous way of his. "For all our sakes."

"Am I ever wrong?" I shoot him a grin that doesn't quite reach my eyes.

"Let's not start listing," he shoots back with that dry wit of his.

"Have you seen Billy?" I ask.

Jason shakes his head. "I was told he was going to be here, but it looks like he's a no-show."

"Damn," I curse under my breath. "I still think we have a chance at getting his support."

"We better hurry," Jason remarks. "There's not much time left before we start actual construction."

"I know. Try and push to get me a meeting with him, will you? Enough beating around the bush on this one."

"Got it," Jason says. "I'll see what I can do." He melts away into the throng, leaving me to watch as Willow laughs at something Victor says.

I continue to stand off to the side, a flute of champagne in hand, and my gaze glued to Willow. She navigates from circle to circle with an ease that surprises me. Roman, with his usual flair for the dramatic, has roped her into some wild tale of his latest escapade. She throws her head back, green strands catching the light as she laughs. It’s genuine—a sound that reverberates and draws more eyes to her.

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