Page 21 of Coldhearted King

“Delilah—” Paul starts, but Cole cuts him off.

“Won’t the solar panels take up all the space on the roof?”

“Yes, but there are ways we can have both. In fact, we can design it so that the two systems complement each other. For example, we can install solar panels that generate electricity from both the top and bottom, which will take advantage of the reflected sunlight from the green roof. In turn, the panels provide shade for the plants. A green roof reduces the heat absorbed by the building, which can actually improve the efficiency of the panels.”

“And how much extra will this cost?” Cole asks, his expression inscrutable.

I wince internally but aim to keep my face as expressionless as his. “I haven’t finished calculating the cost estimates, but with the modifications needed, it would add a significant amount of upfront costs. With the higher LEED certification, however, you’ll be eligible for additional incentives, potentially including government grants.”

Cole’s eyes fix on mine, and my cheeks heat under the intensity of his gaze.

I wet my lips. “The preliminary plan I originally drew up is ready to go, but it only includes the solar panel array. Paul has it at the moment. But if you’re interested in considering the green roof, I can send those to him as well, and you can discuss them together.”

Cole rocks forward on his chair and places his pen in front of him. “I would prefer you talk me through it.”

My eyes dart to Paul, and I catch the scowl on his face. We might have words about this later, but it’s too late to worry about that now.

“I’m sure Paul can—”

“Don’t hide behind your...” His infinitesimal pause has me wondering if he’ll say boyfriend. Thank goodness he doesn’t. “Project manager. If you’re asking the company to take on additional expenses, I expect you to be able to justify it. Contact Samson and organize a time to meet with me this week.”

I swallow. Great, another meeting with Cole. “Yes, Mr. King.”

Something flickers across his face, but before I can identify it, he looks down at the tablet in front of him. “I think that wraps things up, so I’ll see you all next Friday. Miss West, I expect to see you before then.”

I nod, then push back my chair and stand with the team. Paul’s presence looms behind me as we leave the room, and I try to avoid the coming confrontation by making a beeline for the elevator. Before I can get there, he grabs my arm.

“Delilah, when we get back downstairs, I’d like to see you in my office.”

My shoulders slump and I turn, my gaze catching on a pair of icy blue eyes. They drop, then narrow when they reach Paul’s hand clamped around my arm. Instead of saying something, Cole turns and strides toward his office.

I follow Paul to the elevator. Everyone else has already gone down, so we wait together for its return.

“What was that?” he hisses. “You should have raised your proposal with me before presenting it to Cole.”

“This is an update meeting, isn’t it? If he doesn’t like the idea, he can say no.”

“It’s not your place. I’m the project manager. Cole isn’t going to appreciate a junior architect making suggestions that will cost his company a lot of money. Plus, I don’t appreciate you going over my head like that.”

The elevator arrives, and Paul steers me in.

As soon as the doors close, I tug away from him. “Well, Cole wants to talk about it, so he can’t have hated the idea that much.”

“Don’t go around calling him Cole, either. It’s Mr. King to you.”

I stare at him, wondering why he’s being so pompous. He’s right, though. I shouldn’t be so familiar. A flush warms my cheeks as Paul eyes me. “Let’s not argue about it. From now on, I’ll make sure to go through you first.”

He looks a little appeased. “I’ll join you during your meeting and we can all discuss it together.”

I nod, my irritation with Paul’s attitude offset by my relief at not having to face Cole—Mr. King—alone.

Another one-on-one encounter with him is the last thing I need.

CHAPTERELEVEN

COLE

Samson buzzes me. I look up from the email I’m reading and answer. “Yes?”

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