Page 29 of Guarded King

Focusing on the file, I flick through it, nodding in satisfaction at the notes she’s made. “I’m happy with these. Make copies, and we’ll send everything down to Legal.”

Head lowered, she taps at her tablet. “Do you want to go over your schedule?”

I slide the file across the desk and sit back. “Yes, go ahead.”

“You have a video conference with the London office at—” Her voice cuts off, a small line forming between her brows as she stares at the screen.

“Something wrong?” I ask.

She looks up, concern shining in her eyes. “An urgent email just came through from InnovaCore regarding their headquarters at Hudson Yards. They’ve sent us a revised tenancy proposal with significant changes to the lease terms.”

Irritation grips the back of my neck, and I rock forward on my chair. “The final negotiation meeting is tomorrow. What are they asking for this late in the process?”

Eyes narrowed in concentration, she scans her tablet. “They want upgrades to the HVAC system to achieve even higher energy efficiency, rooftop solar installations, and for us to fund a joint innovation hub on-site. It would showcase sustainable urban technologies and serve as a model for future developments. They’re saying it will generate considerable attention from the public and the media.”

My annoyance spikes, and I exhale harshly. “Why now?”

“Their board approved a new corporate sustainability directive last week,” she reads from the email. “It mandates substantial upgrades in their operational infrastructure to align with newer, stricter environmental goals.”

I scrub my hand over my mouth, curbing my frustration. It’s tempting to tell them to go to hell. They’re well aware this will cause major logistical issues, and they didn’t bother to give us a heads-up before the directive was finalized.

Still, it’s not an impossible challenge. Especially now that we’re solidifying our partnership with Wright Construction for the build.

“What are we going to do?” Chloe asks.

Even through my irritation, I like how she uses the wordwe. “InnovaCore is one of our largest tenants at Hudson Yards,” I say, talking her through my thoughts. “They’re leveraging our development of their HQ building to boost their green credentials. But their brand alignment with our sustainability goals is too valuable to ignore, even if their timing pisses me off.”

“Would it help if I compile the current specs and proposed changes into one document? It should make it easier to identify which requests can be accommodated and where we’ll need to push back.”

I nod slowly. That’ll help, but we’ll need to revise our proposal before tomorrow’s meeting. Drumming my fingers on my desk, I say, “Fine. We’re going to need a counterproposal. Which means you and I will have a late night tonight.”

Her tongue darts out to wet her lips. Does the idea of working late with me make her nervous?

If so, she hides it well. “Should I let the legal team know that they need to be on standby for consultations?”

Damn. She’s quick. “Yes, do that. And make sure we have all related documents and previous correspondence with InnovaCore available for reference.”

“Of course.” She takes a deep breath, pulling herself up straighter. “Is there anything else?”

“That’s it. Be back here after my last meeting of the day. We’ll order dinner and stay until the counterproposal is done.”

“Yes, sir.” Standing, she tucks a stray strand of hair behind her ear, then heads for the door. Once again, my eyes track her without my permission, drawn to the sway of her heart-shaped ass as she walks.

My blood heats and my dick swells before I force myself to look away. Staring at her ass is bad enough, imagining how the curve of it might feel under my hand? How soft her skin would be to touch? Fuck.

I scrub my hand over my face.

At this point, I should be used to having her around. I should be immune to her pretty eyes and her lush pink lips and the subtle honey and vanilla scent that always lingers in my office after she leaves.

Instead, my awareness of her just keeps growing.

Maybe I need to hit the gym, blow off some steam. Or get laid. It’s been too damn long.

I’ll have to remedy that soon. But tonight, Miss Callahan—Chloe—and I have work to do.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHLOE