Page 90 of Wild Desire

"Without me, you won't be at the top anymore." He sneered.

I stood, done with his condescending tone. "It sounds like we're not going in the same direction anymore, and it would be better for both of us to cut ties. My publicist will make a statement to that effect."

He sputtered. "You're really doing this? You're walking away from an amazing career."

"I'm not walking away from anything but your overbearing tactics. Agents are supposed to work with athletes, not run their lives. I'm just sorry it took me so long to realize it."

"Did you hit your head when you fell?" Jeremy asked with another sneer.

I grinned. "If I did, it helped me see everything clearly."

"You're going to regret this," he called after me, but it only made me smile wider. I already felt lighter. My schedule was clear, and I had plenty of time to eat, sleep, and prepare for the important things in my life.

Later that day, I had interviews set up with new agents who might line up with my values. I was meeting with them in my room, because although it was a business deal, it was also a relationship. And if it didn't work for me, then we didn't need to sign a contract to work together.

For the first time, I felt in control of my life. I wasn't a victim of a schedule Jeremy made anymore.

My schedule reflected the best times for me to work out.

I was upfront with each agent I interviewed, asking about their philosophy before I told them about mine. I was worried I wouldn't find anyone who'd fit what I needed until the third one, Noah Hammond. He happened to be the same one that Derek used.

"This is my schedule. I have to okay anything that goes on here." I said it carefully, waiting for the usual pushback, and when he merely nodded, I hesitated. "You're okay with that?"

"You know what's best for you. I hope to get to know you better and find the best sponsors that fit with your beliefs. But I'd never tell you when to train or eat."

I nodded, liking that answer. "How do you feel about sponsor parties?"

He leaned back in his chair and shook his head. "I don't recommend those. They're a good way to destroy your focus. If a sponsor wants to meet with you, then they can schedule a time for us to talk. I don't attend parties and never require my athletes to either. I don't like the atmosphere at those things."

I almost hired him on the spot, but I forced myself to go through all the questions that I'd prepared.

My phone had been ringing off the hook, probably due to the news of my split with my agent. Riley was answering the calls and taking notes so I could review them later.

"I think I want to move in a different direction going forward. I might like to mentor young athletes at my family's resort. As a result, I'll be traveling back and forth. I'll pick my races carefully. I'm no longer training year-round."

"That's a good idea. You'll be able to get a few sponsorships that are noticeably absent from your list." He listed a few huge names, ones I'd never been able to secure. They wouldn't even consider me.

"Why would they consider me now when they haven't before?" I asked him.

"The big sponsors want to invest in someone, someone who has ideals that align with their brand. If you truly want to mentor kids, that opens more avenues for you. But if you're doing it to secure a deal, then they'll be able to sniff that out."

"I'm not doing it for the sponsorships. When I was injured, I was helping some kids. I wasn't able to do much beyond giving advice, but now that I'm on my feet again, I'd like to try my hand at it. I was captain of my high school snowboarding team. I think I have the skills."

He grinned. "I think you're going to be great at it."

It would be nice to have a few big sponsorships to carry me through retirement. But I didn't need any of it. I'd invested wisely over the years and spent almost nothing. Which is why Ididn't have a home or much of any assets besides my truck that Noelle was hopefully driving at home.

I liked the idea of her driving my truck around town. Everyone knowing she's my girl, at least until I can get home and could tell her for myself.

"I have something I need to take care of at home."

"I have a feeling this isn't about the mentorship," he said with a knowing look.

I nodded. "It's personal."

"If you're inclined to work with me, I can come with you and scope out the possibilities for your mentorship."

"You'd come with me?" None of my team had ever done that before.

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