Page 38 of Wolfish Player

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(I’ve also submitted 80% of my office romance novel.)

Thank you for the opportunity to use the cabin on weekends.

Looking forward to helping with the pitch sessions on Monday.

Sincerely,

Allyson Harmony/Heather Barrett

Subject: Re: Wildwood Submission

Heather,

As much as I appreciate your submission of your office romance—way past the deadline—along with the final two books in the saga, I would really prefer it if you picked up the phone…

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.

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