Page 80 of Love so Hot

Willow's green eyes flutter open, fixing me with that intense gaze that always makes me feel like she can see right through my corporate facade. "I was grounding myself," she says calmly. "It's important to connect with the earth's energy before?—"

"Yeah, yeah, before saving the world, I get it," I interrupt, waving my hand. "But trust me, this is worth pausing your chakra alignment or whatever."

She raises an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "You know, for someone pretending to be engaged to an environmental activist, you could stand to learn a little more about what I actually do."

I roll my eyes, but can't help grinning. "Maybe later you can teach me all about the magical healing properties of crystals. Right now, I need you to come with me. It's a surprise."

Willow unfolds herself gracefully, stretching like a cat. "A surprise from you? Should I be worried?"

"Har har," I retort. "Come on, Earth Mother."

Willow stands. "Actually, I have a meeting soon. With the community leaders of the Hollow."

I blink, caught off guard. "A meeting? About what?"

She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, looking both excited and nervous. "To discuss the new project I'm starting. You know, with your funding."

Pride swells in my chest unexpectedly. I hadn't realized she'd made such quick progress. "Wow, that's... impressive," I manage, trying to sound nonchalant. "You work fast."

Willow smiles, a genuine, radiant thing that makes my stomach do a weird flip. "Well, when you're passionate about something, you don't waste time."

I clear my throat, pushing away the odd feeling. "This is perfect timing, then. Your surprise will definitely come in handy for your meeting."

Her eyes narrow suspiciously. "Larry, what did you do?"

"Patience, grasshopper," I say, gesturing dramatically towards the front door. "All will be revealed if you just follow me."

Willow sighs, but there's a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes. "Fine, but this better not be some elaborate prank. I really do need to get to that meeting."

As we walk through the house, I can practically feel her anticipation building. She keeps peppering me with questions, each more outlandish than the last.

"Did you buy me a lifetime supply of organic kale?" she asks, and I can't tell if she's joking or not.

"Is it a wind-powered hoverboard?"

"Oh! I know! You've hired a team of trained squirrels to plant acorns across the Hollow!"

I snort. "Your imagination is truly a terrifying place, Wildflower."

As we step onto the front porch, I dramatically throw my arms wide. "Behold!"

There, gleaming in the sunlight filtering through the trees, sits a sleek Toyota Mirai. It's not exactly a sports car, but it has a certain futuristic elegance that I hope will appeal to Willow's eco-warrior sensibilities. The crowning touch is the giant burlap bow perched on the roof, looking delightfully out of place on the high-tech vehicle.

Willow's jaw drops. "Is that... for me?"

I nod, unable to keep the grin off my face. "Yep. And before you ask, the bow is upcycled from old corn sacks or something. I had to repeat that request about a dozen times to make sure they got it right."

She walks around the car, running her hand reverently along its smooth curves. I follow, watching her face closely for any sign of disapproval.

"It's beautiful, Larry, but... is this an electric car? I mean, I appreciate the gesture, but I can't drive something that's not earth-conscious."

I can't help but feel a little smug as I explain, "Actually, it's not electric. It's a hydrogen fuel cell car."

Her eyes widen, and I see a spark of genuine excitement. "What? But I thought they stopped making these years ago!"

"They're rare, but I managed to track one down," I say, trying to sound casual and probably failing miserably. "Figured it might come in handy for your eco-crusading."

"It's only emissions are-"

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