Page 23 of Love so Hot

"Damn it," I grumble into the darkness, my eyes fixed on the stars beyond my window. They twinkle mockingly back at me, a million little reminders of deals made and hearts left uninvolved.

The irony isn’t lost on me—I’ve spent years dodging commitment, and now here I am, contemplating a phony betrothal to a woman whose ideals clash with mine like oil and water. Yet, somewhere deep down, where I hide things even from myself, the disappointment nags at me, persistent and unsettling.

"Get a grip," I tell myself, but the silence of the room only magnifies my frustration. With a heavy sigh, I close my eyes, surrendering to the chaos of thoughts swirling in my head. Tomorrow, I’ll face the music. Tonight, I'll dream of a world where engagements mean something, and fiery green eyes don't ignite a spark in my chest.

Chapter Eleven

Lawrence

10 yearsold

I step onto the worn welcome mat, my ratty sneakers seemingly more tattered compared to the polished hardwood floor inside. The house smells like cinnamon and something else I can't quite place—maybe what a real home is supposed to smell like. I clutch my backpack straps tighter, wondering how long I'll get to stay this time before they ship me off again.

A blur of blonde hair and bubbly energy comes barreling toward me. "Hi! I'm Lauren. You must be Larry. We're gonna be best friends!"

I blink at her, not used to such an enthusiastic greeting. Her smile is wide and genuine, infectious even, but I can't bring myself to return it. Still, I think maybe this move won't be so bad after all.

"I can't wait to introduce you to all my friends at school," Lauren chatters on. "You won't feel lonely at all, I promise."

I nod slightly, not trusting my voice. The grown-ups are talking in hushed tones behind us, probably discussing my "troubled past" or whatever euphemism they're using these days.

Suddenly, Lauren grabs my hand. I look down, startled by the contact. Our fingers are intertwined, her warm palm against mine. It's been so long since anyone's held my hand like this, I'd almost forgotten what it felt like.

"Come on," she says, tugging gently. "I'll show you upstairs while they talk boring adult stuff."

As she leads me toward the staircase, I can't help but marvel at how easily she's accepted me. No judgment, no wariness—just open arms and a promise of friendship. It's almost enough to make me believe that this time might be different. Almost.

I trail behind her, my feet feeling heavy on each step. Part of me wants to bolt, to run before I get too attached. But Lauren's grip is firm, anchoring me to this moment, to this possibility of a new beginning.

"So," I manage to croak out, my voice rough from disuse, "you always this friendly to strays?"

Lauren giggles, the sound light and airy. "You're not a stray, silly. You're family now."

Family. The word echoes in my head, foreign and dangerous. I've learned the hard way not to trust it.

We reach the top of the stairs and Lauren pulls me towards a door covered in colorful stickers. "This is my room!" she announces, flinging it open with a flourish.

I blink, momentarily overwhelmed by the explosion of colors and... stuff. Every inch of wall space is plastered with posters of cartoon characters and stickers. Stuffed animals crowd her bed, and a bookshelf overflows with novels and trinkets.

"Wow," I mutter, not sure what else to say.

Lauren bounces on her toes, clearly excited. "Do you like it? Oh, I have so many toys we can play with!"

She starts pulling things off shelves, chattering about each one. I stand there, frozen, trying to process it all. When was the last time I was in a room with actual toys?

"And this," she says, holding up a glittery unicorn, "is Princess Sparkle. She's my favorite."

I nod, not trusting my voice. It's all so... girly. But I don't care. It's more than I've had in... well, ever.

"Oh!" Lauren exclaims. "I almost forgot. Let me show you your room!"

She grabs my hand again and pulls me across the hall. Another door swings open, revealing a smaller but still cozy-looking bedroom.

"This is all yours," she says, beaming.

I furrow my brow, confused. "All... mine?"

"Yep! Just for you. We can share my toys though, if you want. I know they're kinda girly, but?—"

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