“I won’t lie to you—we wanted this book,” Casey says, and from the way Trina reels back, she didn’t miss his use of the past tense. “You were the one who said the author is skittish, and you wanted this meeting anyway, so I figured this would be a good time to gently pass the project on to Ryan.”

Trina folds her arms over her chest as she leans back in her chair. “You deceived us.”

“So did you,” Casey snaps.

“I like a little drama. So sue me.” Trina throws her hands in the air and brings them down with a light smack on the table. “It’s not every day a best-selling author stages a comeback.”

“Let’s everyone take a breath,” Meri interjects, spreading her palms flat on the table. “All is not lost, surely. And while I don’t know exactly why this is such an issue, from a PR standpoint, it’s brilliant. Since we’re talking about comeback stories, they’re great for publicity, which is, in turn, great for sales. So, can someone please explain how everyone knows each other so we can come to some kind of solution?”

I glance at Scarlett, but her lips are pressed tightly together, and she’s still staring at the table like it’s the most fascinating thing she’s ever seen. Dragging in a deep breath through my nose, I let it fill my lungs before saying, “We dated. Back when Casey and I were both with JMP. Scarlett was one of our authors.” It’s not enough to encompass all that we were to each other, but it’s the best I can do without coming across as the sad sack I’ve been for the last five years.

Meri snorts, and everyone but Scarlett’s gaze flies to her. “I’m sorry.” Her voice is edged with laughter. “That’s it? You dated years ago, and now you’re both, what? In your thirties? And you can’t work professionally together?”

“That’s not it,” Scarlett says almost inaudibly. Fuck, even her voice is more beautiful than I remember. Hearing it fills me with an ache so deep, I’m afraid I might never recover.

But I must have been the only one who heard it, because Trina barrels through. “Surely there’s another editor who could take this on, then.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. JMP will not like it,” Casey responds immediately, without thinking. His hot-headedness is getting the best of him, and I know I’m going to need to speak up soon if we’re going to save this deal.

“Why? You yourself have told me that Anastasios has full autonomy to buy whatever books you think will sell. And this book will sell.” She stabs the table with each word.