Page 105 of Driven Daddy

Nerves jittered under my skin. “I’d like to just swap out the book used. I’ll pay for any additional graphic design work necessary.”

He lowered his hands. “So, you want to use the shoot, just change the book used on the December page?”

“Yes.”

“Not a big deal.”

I slumped. “Thank you.”

“I was unaware you were going solo.” Asher straightened. “That must have been really difficult. I’ve had major turnover here in the past, and it’s quite inconvenient, I can’t imagine the dissolution of a business. I worked long and hard to make sure I didn’t have to do that with this place.”

“To be honest, it’s still a work in progress. But the charity is important, so I want to make sure we go through with it. I know my name isn’t quite as big alone, but?—”

“Not an issue,” Asher broke in. “My wife is a big fan of your work. When she was pregnant with our third, she was on bedrest for the last month. I’m pretty sure her e-reader was smoking with all the downloads and books she read. She kept lamenting the fact thatSara Springsonly had two books.”

“You know the name?”

“I’m a details man, Ms. Savage. And what makes my wife happy is paramount.”

“She’s very lucky. And let her know that’s the series I’m taking over. I’d be happy to send her an advanced copy once I finish it up.”

“And then I will be a hero, so I accept.” He grinned. “I’ll have my graphic artist contact you for the correct cover, and we’ll make sure everything is handled.”

“Perfect. Thank you.”

Asher leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms across his chest. With his rolled-up sleeves, he actually looked every inch the publisher just then. “Now what can I do for you gentlemen?”

EIGHTEEN

Asher Wainwright was an imposingman when he wanted to be. He’d switched over from benevolent and helpful to straight-edged businessman in a fingersnap.

Rita reached back and touched my leg.

I relaxed and smiled down at her, and then I cleared my throat. “I have my own small publishing house.”

Asher nodded. “Duality Press.”

“Right.” I needed to move. I made my way over to the big window behind Asher. It took up most of the office and had an impressive view of Crescent Lake since his building was four stories high.

Larsen was about to talk, but I turned and met his gaze.

Due to our long-standing friendship, he knew to let me shake out the nerves.

“We’ve been looking for places to publish the hard copies of the artists I employ. I’ve used a few small press options, but the overhead has made it difficult to work with them. The larger outfits are locked in with long, complicated schedules with the bigger publishing houses.”

“I see the issue. I’m not following with how I could help. Are you looking for capital?”

“Not exactly. We’re both hometown guys.”

“Mmm-hmm.”

“When I found out you could print a calendar, I wondered if you were capable of four-color printing on a more major level?”

“What are we talking?” Asher asked. His arms were still crossed, but there was interest lighting his dark eyes.

Larsen pulled out his bag and slid a packet across the desk. “Substantial. Those are the numbers from the last two years for theKnights of Chaos. And then the more recent numbers forTripod, which is a webcomic that has shown extreme promise for more print collections. We also have a number of comics in progress that we are looking to establish in the new year.”

Asher was silent as he looked over the packet.

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