Well that’s a little insulting. “Why only twenty-six?”
“Mainly because of your risky lifestyle. A few said you don’t look all that bright, but forget about that because they were basing it on your physique, which ninety-eight said was as good as Alexander Skarsgård inTarzan.”
“Really? Huh,” I smile for a second, then shake my head. “It doesn’t matter because I’m not doing this to be sexy. I’m doing it because I want to showcase parts of the planet most people will never see, and to inspire others to get out there and test their limits.”
“You can still do all thatandadd the sex factor.” Clapping her hands, Dylan shouts, “Winning combination!”
I look at Tosh and Mac. “Guys? Do you want to help me out here?”
Mac tilts his head. “Not really. To be honest, I wouldn’t hate being stuck out in the jungle with fifteen hotties.”
“Yeah, Mac and I would be there to comfort them when they get rejected by you,” Tosh says with a half-grin.
The two of them fist-pump while I scowl.
Turning to Kira and Victor, I say, “Is this really the kind of show ABN wants to produce?”
“You mean one that people watch?” Victor lets out a high-pitched giggle.
“It’s a terrific format,” Kira adds. “And it’s exactly what our division needs—a massive hit.”
I fold my arms across my chest. “So, what happens after the first season, when I’ve picked a wife? Is my career finished?”
Dylan empties her can of Red Bull. “Of course not! You and your wife become hosts of the show and we have new contestants on every season.”
“Nope. Sorry. I know you’ve put a lot of work into this … research and everything … but I can’t do it.”
“Yeah, but here’s the thing,” Victor says, scratching his head. “According to your contract, you will do it or you’ll get fired and we’ll sue you for breach of contract.”
Kira makes a clicking sound with her tongue. “Oooh, that would bad.”
I turn and glare at Dwight, waiting for him to say something, but he’s fully engrossed in opening a new package of antacids. I clear my throat and stare at him until he finally makes eye contact.
“Uh, okay,” he says finally. “What if we tweak it a bit? Have one female co-host and go for the ‘will they or won’t they’ vibe?”
Dylan slams her hand on the table and shouts, “Yes! That! Love it! Love the creative flow in the room right now. We pick one gorgeous woman and set you two loose in the forest … or wherever.”
Victor nods enthusiastically. “I’ve never met anyone as positive as you, Dylan. You say yes to everything.”
“Thanks,” she says with a wink. “That’s my motto, actually.”
Kira looks down the table at me. “You should really take a page out of her book, Will. Be a little more open to new ideas.”
“Take some risks in your young life!” Dylan says with a grin.
I stare at her for a moment, trying to process what is happening. I’m totally fucked. That’s what’s happening. “I don’t want to sound difficult here, but what I do is legitimately dangerous. You can’t just bring in someone with no survival experience and no … physical strength or stamina. It would be extremely reckless.”
“Of course we would never risk anyone’s life,” Kira adds. “We’ll make sure everything is completely safe.”
“Absolutely!” Dylan adds. “Safety first. That’s my motto.”
“I thought it was …” I start, then give up.
“I can make this work,” she says. “Trust me. I’ll find the perfect woman and the perfect situation to put you two in. It’s going to beepic. The build-up to the show will bebeyond incredible. By the time it airs, Will Banks will grace the cover ofPeople Magazineon their Sexiest Man Alive edition.”
Dwight nods. “I think I speak for both Will and myself when I say how exciting this is. Truly a great opportunity for him.”
“Right?” Dylan asks. “Isn’t this what he deserves? To be at the top of the unscripted heap for years to come?”
