It's not about saying "yes" or "no" per se but the terms of a "yes": "We have time for your project after the summer. If you want it sooner, I can look if that

It's not about saying "yes" or "no" per se but the terms of a "yes": "We have time for your project after the summer. If you want it sooner, I can look if that could be arranged but I'm afraid it's going to cost you quite a bit."