Page 97 of Love so Hot

Business, huh?

Sounds like you're trying to sell that story to yourself more than us

Maybe he's right.

Roman

Doesn't sound like the guy who ranted about how 'unique' and 'spirited' she is.

Lawrence

Guys, drop it.

My response is curt, a digital snap to shut down the conversation before they peel back layers I'm not ready to confront.

But silence from them brings no peace; it only amplifies the internal cacophony. Willow's face flashes in my mind. Her passionate speeches about Earth Defenders, her calm yet fiery spirit—it gnaws at me.

I slump back in my chair, gaze lost to the ceiling. I can't keep hiding behind profit margins and corporate image. It's time to face the music—Willow's melody that's been playing on repeat in my heart.

"Damn it," I mutter under my breath. It's not just business. It never was. Every argument, every laugh, every moment she challenged me... It's all carved a notch deeper than I anticipated.

"More than business," I whisper, admitting it to the empty office as if it were a confessional. I want to make things right with her. But pride is a stubborn beast, and mine's got claws deep in my ego.

The realization is a weight, but also a release. I need to figure out what to do next, but one thing's clear—I'm in this for more than just the pipeline.

I'm stewing in my leather chair when Jason barges in. He doesn't knock, just strides across the plush carpet like he owns the place.

"The final permit's come through," he says, all business, no pleasantries. "We're greenlit for construction. Meeting with Emily is set to strategize for the protests."

"Great." The word comes out sharper than I intend. Can't help it; the guy's timing is always impeccably wrong. "Just what we need, right?" I spin my chair away from him, facing the window that overlooks Greenwood Hollow's green serenity. The serenity that I'm about to permanently disturb.

"Of course," Jason replies, unfazed by my tone. He starts pacing, the click of his polished shoes a rhythm of impending headaches. "It's a significant milestone. We should be celebrating."

"Should we?" I swivel back around, eyes narrowing on him. "You must be happy, Jay. You got your way." My voice is a whip crack, splitting the lingering silence of my admission about Willow.

Jason's features scrunch up in confusion, his eyebrows knitting together behind those irritating glasses. "What do you mean?" he asks, that meticulous tone of his not missing a beat.

It's like he doesn't get it, the weight of what's crashed down around me. His words are gasoline to the fire already burning in my chest. "You're really going to stand there and act like you don't know?"

"Lawrence, I assure you, I don't."

I shove back from my desk, standing up so fast the chair wheels spin. "The whole thing with Willow is off because of you,"I snap. The words leave my mouth like bullets, each one hitting its target.

"Off? How is that—" He starts, but I don't stick around for excuses.

"Figure it out, Jay!" Cutting him off, I grab my coat from the rack with more force than necessary. "I've got to clear my head."

I'm through the door before he can reply, slamming it shut behind me. My heart's racing. Gotta breathe. Gotta think. What now, huh? What the hell do I do now?

Chapter Forty-Six

Willow

The bellover the door jingles as I step into Mrs. Sullivan's flower shop, the sweet scent of roses and lilies enveloping me like a comforting hug. I breathe it in deep, trying to let the familiar aroma soothe my frayed nerves. Fat chance of that working today.

I grab my usual green apron off the hook and tie it around my waist, heading for the workstation in the corner. Time to lose myself in some mindless flower arranging before tonight's big plans with River. Plans I'm totally psyched about. Really. The knot in my stomach? Just excitement. Definitely not dread or anything.

I start trimming stems with probably more force than necessary, petals and leaves scattering across the wooden counter. My mind drifts to River's intense green eyes, the way they light up when he talks about taking down the "corporate eco-terrorists." God, when did his passion start to exhaust me instead of inspire me?

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