Page 39 of Wolfish Player
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 datesomeone 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.”
