Sabine had barely ended her call, and already Sylvia felt the weight of frustration pressing down on her. Was this really the path she had to take—exchanging dates for a signature? Reluctantly, she picked up her phone and sent a short text to the number she had used to contact him the previous night.

My editor needs a signed waiver for using your image on the book cover.

The sight of the typing bubble appearing made her stomach churn. Negotiating with this man was ...