Page 13 of Coldhearted King

I’ve prepared for these questions, and I know what I’m talking about. I take a second to compose myself, then meet his steely gaze. “Sustainable hotel architecture might carry some capital expense, but as I’m sure you’re aware, stronger infrastructure also brings the highest return on investment. Along with internal elements, such as low-flush toilets, aerators on faucets, and smart showers, the external systems we’re considering for this project include solar panels, water recovery systems, and HVAC systems that can customize air flow, heating, and cooling in response to various factors.” I sort through my notes in front of me. “Using your Chicago hotel as a case study for installing an intensive water recovery system, my projections predict it could be paid back in full in less than a year. And if we incorporate a solar panel system into the hotel’s design, it would not only contribute to its LEED Platinum certification, but it could offset up to fifty percent of total electricity consumption with a six- to eight-year projected payback.”

“Interesting.” He leans back in his chair, his gaze locked on mine. “Keep going. I want you toconvinceme.”

I don’t miss the emphasis he puts on the word, and I almost choke, remembering how I’d asked him to convince me that night at the bar. Before I can embarrass myself, I take a sip of my water. “Yes, of course, Co—Mr. King. These big-ticket items will fundamentally change the way your hotels operate, reducing your footprint without sacrificing comfort. This will bring you into line with the future of sustainable design and improve your sustainability ratings.” A bead of sweat trickles between my breasts under the pressure of Cole’s scrutiny. “Hotels that invest in sustainable practices generally have higher occupancy rates, guest satisfaction, and revenue per room compared to non-sustainable counterparts. So although the initial capital outlay may seem expensive, I’m confident that the savings they incur will offset the expense within only a few years.”

Several heads around the table nod, but not Cole’s. I can’t read his expression at all.

“Okay,” he says eventually, turning his attention back to Paul. “I think we’ve heard everything we need to hear from your team. Someone will be in touch to let you know our decision once we’ve made it. Thank you for your time today.” He pushes back his chair and stands. The rest of his team follows his lead.

Obviously dismissed, we stand too. I gather my pen, notebook, and papers and turn to leave, not daring to look in his direction again.

As we walk to the door, Paul’s hand brushes my lower back, and he leans down to whisper in my ear. “That bastard is impossible to read. I have no idea how that went.”

I nod. It’s only when I’m passing through the door that I risk a glance over my shoulder. Cole is watching us, the hard angle of his jaw and cold eyes sending my stomach plummeting.

I have a horrible feeling that the incredible night I shared with him a month ago is about to bite me in the ass.

CHAPTERSEVEN

COLE

“So, how have the presentations been going?” Roman asks from across his large mahogany desk.

When I got back to my office after Elite Architecture’s presentation, I’d had a message from my brother, asking for an update. I decided to give it to him in person.

Roman’s question sends my mind back to the moment Delilah walked into the conference room. The second I’d recognized her, I’d been taken back to that night in my hotel room—to her moans, the way her body had writhed under mine, her almost startled sounds of pleasure once I began to move inside her. My dick had immediately stood at attention, begging for another round.

I force the memory from my thoughts, leaning back in the deep leather chair and crossing my ankle over my knee. “Fine. There are a few good proposals.”

“When do you think you’ll decide?”

I rub my chin. Although there are several proposals which meet our requirements, there’s only one that stands out. But Delilah’s involvement has me reluctant to choose it.

I didn’t trust the look of shock on her face when she saw me. In a city the size of New York, what are the odds that my one-night stand and her team would end up bidding on our project?

Back when we met, they would have already been working on their proposal. Which means she probably knew exactly who I was. If she actually thinks I’d give her team preferential treatment because I’ve screwed her, she’s mistaken. In fact, now I’m doubting everything about her. It surprised me when she told me she was still a virgin at twenty-four, but that was more believable than having her architecture license at that age. It doesn’t add up. The whole thing must have been a ploy to get into my bed. After all, this project isn’t only worth a fortune to her company. It’s an opportunity that would make a young architect’s career.

“Cole!” Roman snaps, and I jerk my attention back to him. That’s right, he’d asked when I would decide.

“Soon,” I answer. “Just doing some final calculations. I’ll make a decision by the end of tomorrow.”

He gives a curt nod, then returns his focus to his computer screen.

I roll my eyes, leave his office, and head toward mine, stopping by my PA’s desk before I get there. “Samson, I need you to compile a report for me on the LEED certification status of other hotels near our sites. That’s L-E-E-D. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. You’ll find details on the U.S. Green Building Council website.”

Samson nods. “Absolutely, sir. When do you need it?”

“By the end of the day.”

“I can do that. Just to clarify, are you looking for information on all the hotels around the future developments, or just those similar to those we’re planning to build?”

“Let’s focus on the similar ones for now. Can you also gather some data on any other sustainability initiatives they have in place? And include any notable certifications or awards they’ve received.”

He nods again and jots something down on a notepad by his keyboard. “Got it. I’ll get started on that right away.”

I thank him and enter my office. As soon as I sit at my desk, I give in to curiosity and search for Elite Architecture. The King Group hasn’t worked with them before, but they have an excellent reputation, with offices in multiple countries. I’m more interested in learning how someone Delilah’s age gets to be where she is, though. She mentioned interning for them, but how is she already on a team handling a proposal of this size?

I find an employee list and locate her photo and bio at the bottom. It’s short, and it’s obvious she’s new. Unlike most of the other architects, she doesn’t have any major projects to her name. Landing this one would be huge for her.

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