"What's that, sugar?" he asks.
Wyatt shifts in his seat.
The hairs on my arms rise, but I don't look at him. I say to Brent, "You said you want the face for your vest. I assume you're looking to offer a rider a platinum sponsorship deal?"
Brent chuckles. "Always going in for the kill, aren't you, darlin'?"
I put on my sweetest smile, cooing. "Gotta do well for my riders."
Brent nods. "You guessed right, sugar."
I do a mental fist pump. I need a platinum sponsor for Wyatt as soon as possible. So I smile bigger. "Perfect. Then I'll put you at the top of the list."
He chuckles again and rises. "It was nice meeting you, Wyatt. Willow, tell Jacob and Ruby I said Happy Holidays."
"I will. Thank you for taking the time to meet with us," I reply.
He pulls me in for another hug, and when he releases me, we walk him to the door just as Tough Rider's director, Candace O'Hearne, parks her SUV.
She gets out, exchanges niceties with Brent, and within minutes, we're sitting across from her in my office.
She flips through Wyatt's portfolio as she speaks.
"Your stats are excellent. And I won't lie, the media loves a comeback."
Wyatt gives a small, easy smile. "That's because everyone loves a good story. I intend to give them one."
She adds, "We've been following you closely."
She doesn't have to come out and say that they know about his recent troubles.
"Wyatt's had a few hiccups," I admit.
She nods. "Yes. We're interested, but we're cautious. Our bull rope launch is a high-visibility campaign. Image matters."
Wyatt states, "I understand. I've made mistakes, but my focus now is entirely on my riding and proving to sponsors like Tough Rider that I'm worth the investment."
I lean in slightly. "He'll deliver exciting rides and a professional media presence at every event going forward. The sponsors who get in early on Wyatt's rebuild are going to reap the rewards."
Candace smiles thoughtfully. "You make a strong case, Willow. And, Wyatt, you're saying all the right things. Corporate'sintrigued. But they want to see you under more pressure. When's your next ride?"
"We're solidifying the schedule this week," I quickly inform her.
She studies Wyatt.
He blurts out, "I'll make sure you don't regret me."
Candace closes the folder. "Fair enough. We're watching. After your next ride, let's have another meeting."
She rises, shakes our hands, and leaves.
Wyatt groans. "This is going to be harder than I expected, isn't it?"
"You're a bigger risk than they let on."
He sighs and steps in front of the window, crossing his arms.
I keep to myself that he's a risk that might cost me everything.
