Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 24610 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 123(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24610 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 123(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
I know you’ve read my texts and seen my missed calls.
Answer me.
Adrian
THE CEO
ADRIAN
Two Weeks Later
“Remind me to adjust the generous twenty-one paid days off benefit in every new employee’s contract.” I groan to Theresa as we ride the elevator. “It’s clearly built for fraud.”
“Make the note yourself.” She looks at her watch. “Right after you revisit the non-fraternization policy.”
I deserve that one…
“Please be nice during this pitch session,” she says, her tone softening. “I really love the idea of this series.”
“You’re free to make deals without me being present, Theresa.”
“Not seven-figure ones.” She looks up at me. “Unless you want to reverse that policy today…”
“How much are you trying to offer today?”
“Four million.”
“Hell no.”
“That’s what I thought.”
Bing!
The elevator doors glide open on the pitch floor, and I wait for her to step off before following her into the presentation room. Taking my usual seat, I wait for the editorial team and today’s agent to make it into the room.
While an intern walks around serving coffee and scones, I pull out my phone to see if Heather has finally come to her senses.
Still no answer to my texts.
Not a single missed call.
Something clenches in my chest—and a pain that’s become all too familiar lately hits my heart.
As I’m opening my inbox, an email from Human Resources catches my eye and makes my throat tighten.
FWD: Transfer Request submitted by Heather Barrett
Shit…
“We are so honored to be here at Wolf Publishing to personally present our client’s next book.” A soft voice interrupts my thoughts. “I have the title and the main elements on-screen, and my assistant will be passing out the overview folder shortly.”
Did I really hurt Heather this badly?
“Our heroine works at a book publisher, under an overbearing CEO, and she’s tired of his endless demands, and she’s ready to move on.”
“What?” I snap my head up, looking at the agent. “Why would she move on?”
“Well, because he’s a jerk to her, sir.” She shoots me a confused look.
“Is he a ‘jerk’ or is he misunderstood?”
“Probably both, but more of a jerk.”
“So, being wary of commitment makes a man a jerk?”
“Uh, no…” She glances at her sheet, then at the screen. “But the CEO isn’t the hero in this story and he doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.”
“So, the heroine moves on to date someone else?”
Silence.
The agent’s face pales and the editorial team shifts in their seats.
“Adrian, please…” Theresa mutters under her breath. “You promised.”
“I’m not going to be able to listen to this type of office romance at this time,” I whisper back. “I trust your judgment on this.”
“This is a new adult fantasy.” She hisses. “The heroine is a freshman in college and eventually disappears into one of the submitted books. Did you even look at the screen?”
I look above the agent’s head.
Romantasy set in the contemporary world
New Adult characters
Five-book series
Intense character mapping
World-building that inverts New York City with underground universe
“Sorry about that,” Theresa says. “You may continue, Miss Blair.”
“No, that’s okay.” I stand to my feet, adjusting my jacket. “I’ve seen and heard enough today.”
Theresa is throwing glares at me, and I’m pretty sure she’s seconds away from shouting at me in front of everyone in this room.
“My right hand here has hardly ever steered this company wrong when it comes to acquiring titles,” I say. “We’ve had one hiccup recently that actually turned into a huge win in the long term, so…”
I glance at the agent, then at Theresa.
“I’ll buy it at whatever price you offer,” I say. “Excuse me, please.”
Her eyes light up and I make my way out of the room.
I hit the down button for the elevator, ready to head to the parking garage and drive to Heather, but when the doors glide open, her editorial team is onboard.
“We were coming here to look for you!” The lead squeals. “Can we have a few minutes of your time to discuss Wildwood with you, please?”
I oblige, and “a few minutes” turns into a couple of hours, and before I know it, it’s midnight and instead of opening my car door, I’m devouring Heather’s completed book instead.
THE AUTHOR
HEATHER
The upcoming book tour for author Magnolia Walton is nothing short of amazing. And I’m not just saying that because I was involved; the creative team truly outdid themselves.
It’s my first day back at work, and I couldn’t be happier that it’s to help support a self-published book I read years ago. A book that’s finally getting the mainstream launch it deserves.
I also couldn’t be happier that I haven’t seen Adrian at all since stepping into this building.
Hopefully I can make it through the entire day…
“Can you adjust the floral chains just a bit more?” I ask one of the interns. “I love the way they’re hanging from the ceiling, but they need to be a bit higher so they won’t hit any guests on the head.”