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“Why?Theold outline wasn’t working.Thisnew story is so much stronger.”
“Right, but nowIhave to go back to the editorial team and get them to approve this new one.”
“Okay, so meet with them.Wegave you a synopsis.”
“There’salso the issue of your co-writer,” he said, andAdamswore he could hear the sneer inSeth’svoice.Didhe know thatAdamandHazelwere a hell of a lot more than just co-writers?
“Whatissue?”Hazelasked, her tone sharp as shattered glass.
“Well, his sales record for one.Ilooked up his numbers inBookScanand…Imean, no offense, but they’re not good.”
Adamfelt tension gather along his shoulders, radiating up his neck.Thiswas exactly what he’d been afraid of.Thiswas exactly why he’d left publishing in the first place.Itdidn’t matter how good the book was, how many glowing reviews it received.Ifit didn’t make money for the publisher, it was a complete and utter failure.
“Itwas one three-book series several years ago.Thisis a different genre, and we’re co-writing.Surelythis is a different enough situation that those old numbers don’t matter.”
Sethlaughed, and the sound was cold. “Surelyyou know that’s not how any of this works.Thisis a business, not a charity, and ifIcan’t convince the directors this is a sure thing,Idon’t see how they’ll green light it.”
“ButHazel’ssales are excellent,” saidAdam, clearing his throat. “Isn’tthat more important?She’sthe recognizable name, not me.Somy track record is irrelevant, right?”
“Thenwhy put your name on the book at all?” askedSeth, andAdamsat back in his chair, feeling as though he’d just had a knife slip right between his ribs.
Hazel’seyes flared. “Becausehe’s writing half of it, that’s why,” she said, and he could tell she was fighting back her anger in the way her fists were clenched at her sides, a muscle in her jaw jumping.
Therewas an awkward pause. “Howdid this all come about, anyway?Whatare you doing in somePodunktown?”
“AdamandImet a couple of weeks ago and it happened very organically.Thiswasn’t somethingIsought out, but now that we’ve started drafting the book, it’s absolutely whatIwant to pursue,” she said, gaze intent on the phone.
“Well, it might not be whatIwant to pursue,” saidSeth. “Imean, we haven’t even talked about the legal side of this.Wedon’t have a contract withAdam, and that massive advance we paid you was for a different book, not a co-written one with a completely different plot.Ifthis is an angle to get more money as an advance for him, you’re barking up the wrong tree.”
Adam’slip curled at the waySethspoke toHazel, his tone dripping with condescension.Hewasn’t a violent guy, but the way he spoke made him want to punch the guy in the face.
“Listen, if you don’t want to edit this book, that’s fine,Seth.Iknow how busy you are.Passus to another editor and we’ll go from there.”
“No.”
Hazelscoffed. “No?WhyonEarthwouldn’t you at this point?You’vemade it clear that you have zero enthusiasm for the project, that you don’t want me to co-write.Fine, so this project isn’t your cup of tea.Thereare other editors who would be a better fit.Oneswho might be able to see pastAdam’ssales numbers and really look at his writing, which is excellent.Iwouldn’t be writing with him if he wasn’t incredibly talented.”Theireyes met and his chest flooded with warmth.
“Ithink you’re misunderstanding me,” he said after a moment, andHazelshook her head, her golden brown hair swishing around her shoulders.
“No,Idon’t thinkIam.Youwant me to do what you want.That’salways the way it’s been.Youwant control over everything, including me.Butthis is the directionI’mgoing.Soeither get on board, or pass us to someone else, because this is the bookI’mwriting.”
“Wehave a contract,” he said andHazelsmirked.Itwas so sexy that his arms practically vibrated with the urge to haul her across the desk and kiss the hell out of her.
“Ihave a contract with the publishing house, yes.Notwith you.Youseem to be under the impression that you have more control here than you do.Becauseit sounds like what’s happening is that you’re passing on the option material.Ifyou do that,I’mfree to shop the book elsewhere, andIdon’t have to pay back the advance.”
“No, that’s not whatI’mdoing here,” saidSeth, and even through the phone,Adamcould tell he was starting to feel a little frayed.Good.Hedeserved that, and much, much worse for everything he’d putHazelthrough. “Thisis a discussion, that’s all.I’mnot saying yes or no to anything.”
“Soundsa lot like a no to me,” she said.Pridefilled him up, expanding his lungs.Itwas as though he was watching her blossom right in front of him.
“Well, it’s not,” he said almost sulkily, andAdamgrinned. “ObviouslyIneed to talk to the editorial team and to legal.”
“Andconsider passing us to another editor,” she added, her bottom lip caught between her teeth.
“No.”Seth’sresponse was quick and flat.
“Why?”
“Idon’t really want to get into the complicated politics of publishing houses right now,” he said, andAdamnarrowed his eyes.Thatwas a brush off if he’d ever heard one.Sethheaved another sigh. “Areyou coming to the gala next weekend?”
