Page 66 of Love so Hot

"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 Retrofit outdated systems.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.

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