Page 62 of Love so Hot

The room erupts in laughter, and I feel a small warmth bloom in my chest.

Later that night, I sit at the rickety desk in our room, pen poised over paper. Roman's soft snores fill the background as I begin to write.

Dear Lauren,

You wouldn't believe this place...

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Lawrence

Present

The moment we step through the grand doors of the venue, a buzz of anticipation zings through me. Willow's hand feels cool and steady in mine despite the fact that this is it—our big reveal. In the afternoon sun, I squint past the crowd, searching for familiar faces.

The charity wine festival is a lively scene, with the grassy field bustling with people enjoying the day. There's a friendly polo match happening in the background, adding a touch of excitement to the relaxed atmosphere. Rows of tents showcase a variety of wines, their inviting scents mixing with the aroma of delicious food from nearby vendors. The crowd is a cheerful mix of folks, chatting and laughing as they stroll around with glasses in hand. Everyone seems relaxed, but I know as well as anyone that discussions had here can be more important than those had in a boardroom.

"Ready?" I ask her, trying to keep my voice from betraying any nerves.

"Absolutely," she replies with a confidence that makes me believe this might actually work.

There they are. Sebastian, Roman, and Victor, clustered near the open bar, looking like the last three kings of some undiscovered country. The thought makes me smirk—a nervous tic more than anything. I steer us towards them, hoping my friends will buy into this whole charade. They'll be our trial run.

"Hey, guys," I say as we approach.

"Lawrence, you made it," Sebastian greets me with his signature half-smile, then turns his attention to Willow. "And this must be..."

"Willow," she introduces herself before I can get a word in edgewise. Her deep green hair is outlandish compared to the sea of fake blondes, a visual punch that screams 'I'm here and different.' But her handshake is firm, her smile genuine. "Nice to meet you all."

"Sebastian." He nods at her acknowledgment. "Roman, Victor—meet my fiancée."

"Charmed," Roman says, his tone light but his eyes sharp as he gives her a once-over. I can almost hear his brain ticking, dissecting our every move.

Victor's scrutinizing gaze doesn't let up either, but when he shakes her hand, there's a gentleness there that tells me he's at least giving her a chance. "Good to meet you, Willow."

"Likewise," Willow responds, her poise unshaken by the weight of their stares.

"Let's grab a drink, shall we?" I suggest, relief flooding me as the initial introductions go smoother than expected.

"Lead the way," Roman chimes in, already beckoning a waiter over with a casual wave.

As we mingle, glasses in hand, I steal glances at Willow, taking in how she's holding up. If she's rattled, she doesn't show it. Instead, she's all easy smiles and attentive nods, like she's been part of this world forever and not just playing a part.

"Here's to new beginnings," I toast, raising my glass.

"New beginnings," they echo, and we all drink to that.

Sebastian leans in, his glasses catching the glint of the sunlight. "I hear you're interested in the environment."

Willow looks a little uneasy, casting me a sideways glance. I give her a reassuring nod. These guys aren't the ones that she needs to be careful around, but I appreciate her caution this time.

"Yes," she responds to Sebastian. "I actually have a degree in environmental science."

Sebastian's features light up. "Oh, then I'm sure you'll be interested to know that I've been following the developments in bioremediation tech. Fascinating stuff."

Willow's eyes begin to sparkle, green like her hair, as she steps into his space with confidence. "Absolutely. The potential for mycorestoration is remarkable. Fungi could revolutionize the way we handle pollutants."

"Indeed," Sebastian agrees, his tone warming slightly. "Particularly with oil spills. I read a paper recently on the use of oyster mushrooms to break down hydrocarbons."

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