That... that actually made sense. If it was a book they were talking about... and Stutely still couldn't quite believe that they were... well, these things went through drafts, editing and the like. Anything he said could be taken back, no harm done, unless and until he decided to pull the trigger.
(Or unless she decided to twist his words into something they weren't and publish to spite him, a cynical voice in him muttered. But hadn't she said she could do that regardless? He wasn't giving her any power she didn't already have, in that respect.)
Stutely studied the Muse's face. "It's a big commitment on your part," he said cautiously. "I'm not sure I'd be able to repay that kind of favour."