Page 15 of Wild Love
My brows pull together, and I stop packing, pick up my phone, and open the email he mentioned. “Why?”
I scan the contract from Maverick Enterprises. I don’t know much about endorsement deals since this is my first, but nothing sticks out.
“I know this is your family’s company, so I don’t want to overstep…”
“I’m paying you to overstep, my friend.”
“Frankly, Johnny, it’s the lowest sum I’ve ever seen for a pro athlete.”
My gaze drops to the number in question. Fifteen grand for doing nothing?
“I’m a rookie. You said yourself you didn’t expect any big endorsements for me until next year.”
“I did. You’re right. But once you accept your first endorsement, others will look at that and your earnings from it to determine your worth. If you take a lowball offer out of the gate, you’re telling others that this is all it takes to get you.”
“Yeah, but it’s my family’s company.”
“Of course. I understand, but I wouldn’t feel good about you taking the deal if I didn’t caution you first.”
I mull over his words as I consider the number. I may not like how my dad phrased it, but he was right—Maverick Enterprises has been endorsing me for years.
“I don’t care about the money.”
He chuckles again. “Ah, I love rookies. In two years, I’m going to remind you of this conversation when we’re renegotiating your contract.”
“I don’t even need it. Can’t I just give it all to charity or something? Would that help?”
“Yeah. We could do something like that. Do you have a charity in mind?”
“No, but I’m sure my parents have one they like.”
He’s quiet for a beat.
“What is it?” I prompt him. We’re still getting used to one another, but I gather that Hugh isn’t someone who freely speaks his mind without a lot of thought and consideration.
“You’re not Maverick Enterprises. You’re Johnny Maverick.”
“I know.” Oh, how I know.
“All right. Then let’s pick out a charity that means something to you. Give it some thought, and I’ll check in later.”
“Yeah… okay. I can do that.”
“So we’re accepting the offer?”
There’s a knock at the door, and I call, “It’s open.” Before responding to Hugh. “Yeah, let’s do it.”
Dakota comes in with Charli. She stopped by to take her on a short run. She’s sweaty, and her cheeks are red. Her tank top is rolled up to the line of her sports bra, and her shorts sit below her belly button. Charli’s tongue hangs out as she trots to her water bowl. Mine too, girl.
Dakota waves and disappears back out the door without speaking.
“Great.” Hugh’s voice breaks the silence. “I’ll get to work then.”
“Actually, hold up. I have another idea.”
6
Dakota
