Page 23 of Coldhearted King

My lips quirk up. The cost benefit is obviously in our favor. I’d liked the idea when she’d floated it in our team meeting earlier in the week, but I’d wanted to make sure she wasn’t increasing the spend without considering the return on investment. Clearly, she knows what she’s talking about.

“Is this something we can use for all the hotels?” I have a good idea what her answer will be, but I’m interested in what she has to say.

Or do I just want to keep her here longer?

Delilah straightens. “We can use it on several, but we’d need to do a cost analysis based on the climate of the various cities. A green roof might not be the best solution in some of the drier states. Although, there is always the option of using drought-tolerant plants.”

I study her design for a moment longer, then flip to a few waiting underneath. There’s a site plan showing the proposed hotel’s relationship with the surrounding topography and other buildings, as well as what looks like her original concept design with just the solar panel array on the roof.

It’s a delaying tactic more than anything. I already know what I’m going to tell her. “Okay.” I flip back to the plan on the top of the pile and look up at her. “Give the numbers to accounting and get them to get back to Paul with the approvals.”

She blinks at me. “Just like that?”

I shrug. “It makes good financial sense.”

“Right. Okay then. Uh, thank you.” She pulls the plans toward her and begins rolling them up, having to start over again when she rolls them crookedly. She’s flustered. Is it because she wasn’t expecting me to accept her proposal so quickly? Or because she’s alone with me in my office?

I want it to be the latter.

“Well, thank you for listening to me. I appreciate it,” she says.

I stand and walk around my desk, and she lifts her chin as I stop in front of her. Shoving my hands in my pockets, I ask, “So how are things with Paul?”

Her eyes widen. “Paul? Um, they’re fine.”

“No problem working on the project together?”

She hesitates, probably wondering where I’m going with this. “We’ve worked together before.”

I take a step forward. “And does he always treat you that way?”

“What do you mean?”

“Like a child instead of a very competent architect.”

Delilah blinks, her lips parting. The next moment, her expression shutters. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. This is a high-profile project. It’s Paul’s job to make sure everything runs smoothly.”

I suppose it’s hardly a surprise she doesn’t want to discuss her boyfriend with me.

“Paul and Philippa seem to have a good working relationship.” I don’t know why I say it. It could be because I sense some undercurrent between Paul and the beautiful blonde. Or maybe it’s because I’m an asshole and I recognize a kindred spirit when I see one. And there’s no doubt in my mind that Paul’s an asshole. After all, he’s broken up with her once already—which I should probably thank him for—then come crawling back.

Delilah stares down at the plans in her hands. When she raises her gaze again, there’s a spark of anger in the deep green of her eyes. The sight sends a flare of heat through me.

“I’m not sure what you’re trying to insinuate,” she says, “but my personal relationship with Paul and hisprofessionalrelationship with Philippa aren’t any of your business.”

“I’m not trying to insinuate anything. Just commenting.”

“Well, how would you like it if I commented on your girlfriend’s relationship with another man?”

A smile curls my lips. “That’s not really an issue for me.”

Something shimmers in her eyes. Is it relief? I can’t tell for sure because she tilts her head and it’s gone. “Let me guess. You’re one of those men whose relationships consist of multiple one-night stands because they’re afraid of emotional intimacy?”

I raise my brows and she presses her lips together, probably remembering who I am and where she’s standing.

She gives a little shake of her head. “I’m sorry, that was completely—”

“Accurate. Except for thebeing afraidpart. Replace that with not being interested in, and you’ve got it.”

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