Applying for Pleasure Read online

  He'd have to meet with her. There was no doubt about it. He'd have to see firsthand if this was just a fleeting attraction. But his gut told him she was going to be more than that.

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  Chapter Two

  Ariel had received the e-mail a week ago for her meeting with John.

  She hadn't expected to be contacted so soon. She was sure Capture Inc. probably had dozens or more applicants on a daily basis, but she wouldn't question the reason John stated he suddenly had an available opening.

  The night was warm, and Ariel was glad she had chosen a black sleeveless dress. The attire was more cocktail-like, but at the same time, she hadn't wanted to show up in a business suit. With red pumps that gave her an extra three inches to her five-feet-two height, she welcomed the slight elevated advantage.

  She entered the building and headed for the reception area. “I have an appointment with John Martinez. My name is Ariel Lancaster."

  The receptionist smiled. “My name is Ella. He's waiting for you in his office. If you'll follow me."

  Ariel nodded and followed her as she quickly took in the contemporary appearance of the office. The furniture was mostly black and cherrywood colored, while commercial terra-cotta flooring gave it a warm appeal. But before she could admire further the skills of whoever decorated the office, Ella and Ariel arrived at a closed door.

  Ella knocked once before opening and then stepping aside. “Go right in."

  Ariel entered the office, her gaze quickly zooming in on the man rising to his feet. She heard the door close behind her, but she couldn't muster up the strength to even thank Ella.

  It was as if the wind was knocked out of her, and she hoped she didn't appear breathless in front of him. That would just be a little too embarrassing. She struggled to maintain her composure, hoping to hell he didn't notice she was flustered.

  John was nothing like the picture on the Web site. As he walked over to her, she noticed he had to be over six feet tall. His dark hair had streaks of brown in it, and the strands fell to his shoulders. His eyes were hazel and complemented his tan-colored flesh. His cheeks were narrow, his nose a little too long for his face, and he wore a goatee, which gave him an even more sexy appeal. He had a rugged look, and as she took every detail in, she saw the impression of muscles underneath his fitted suit. She had the sudden urge to take his slightly large bottom lip between her teeth and gently bite. Would he groan at that? Would she feel the length of his cock as it pressed against her in arousal?

  Ariel fought the need to wipe her brow. The air-conditioning in the office did nothing to cool her off. Dear God, she hoped she wasn't sweating, and when in the hell did she ever have such forward thoughts about a man before?

  He stopped in front of her, and she pretended not to notice the effect he had on her. Her skin felt flushed, her nipples hardened at the sight of him, and she was sure if she shifted, she could feel them brush against her silk bra. He reached out and took her hand in his. “I'm John Martinez."

  "I know.” She swallowed tightly and almost closed her eyes at the feel of his roughened flesh against her own. Clearly he wasn't just an owner of a company. He must enjoy working with his hands. He was the perfect image of what she truly desired, but nowhere on Capture Inc.'s Web site did it state John ever participated in the fantasies he constructed. “I mean I know by the photo on your site. I'm Ariel Lancaster."

  "A very beautiful name.” He smiled, displaying an even row of gleaming white teeth. “It's a great pleasure to meet you. Have a seat."

  She took the offered chair and watched as he sat in front of his desk. She couldn't help but notice how comfortable he was in his own skin, by the easy glide of his movements, but at the same time she became aware of the predatory gleam to his gaze, which sent her pulse racing. Why did she feel like he was disrobing her with his stare? What was he thinking? And were his thoughts along the line of hers? Keep it businesslike, Ariel, and you'll get through this fine.

  "I assume you have a lot of questions. But I want to make sure before we go any further, Ms. Lancaster, that this is really what you want. If it isn't, I can shred your application here and now, and you can simply walk out of here."

  Had he noticed her nervousness? She was a tad jittery, but the butterflies running amok in her stomach wouldn't change her mind. “Call me Ariel, and I wouldn't have applied, Mr. Martinez, if I wasn't one hundred percent certain this is what I wanted.” She made sure her voice was steady.

  "First-name basis already?” He laughed. “Then I suggest you call me John. Would you care for a drink?"

  She shook her head. “Not right now. I'd like to get down to the questioning part."

  He arched his brow. “Let's get to it then. What made you choose our company?"

  "As I stated in the application, the article in New York Times Square magazine caught my eye. Besides being well written, the paper is one of the top established news sources for New York, and I have yet to see them write anything they didn't thoroughly investigate."

  He leaned forward and rested his elbows on the desk. “Yes, I read that part of your submission. But what made you choose our company? With a little bit of Internet research, I'm sure you could have come up with alternate companies."

  "Truthfully, it was the anonymous comment from the writer, claiming she was extremely satisfied and didn't regret one bit with going ahead with her fantasy.” She fought hard not to blush. That would just make her appear naive. “Her descriptive, intense article and her view of things made me want to feel what she felt."

  "Have you done anything like this before?"

  "I've never had the courage. And as you know from my written statement, turning thirty changes your views on certain things."

  "Happy belated birthday."

  Surprised, she could only say, “Thanks."

  "Sean, my brother, performed the background check on you. You've passed with flying colors. I've come across different types of people who apply to my company for various reasons, but I don't think I've ever come across a history professor before. You stated you were single in your application. Do you feel your occupation has limited your choices in finding a man who would give you what you physically need?"

  She shouldn't have been shocked by his question, and she tried hard not to flinch. His query was a legitimate one, even though she thought he was slightly out of line. What business did he even have asking her this?

  She had a hunch she wouldn't be able to hide much from him, and it made her second-guess herself for a moment. Was this the right way to go about her dream?

  Realistically, she was exposing herself in every way possible. But she couldn't help but be a little annoyed that he'd touched one of the roots of her problem so quickly. She tried to shrug it off and not focus on her feelings. He was, after all, someone she'd just met today, but she'd be dead not to feel the spark sizzling between them. “I've dated a few men who seemed to be intellectually compatible, but truthfully there has been no one I've ever trusted with what I truly wanted. As odd as this is to say, it seemed easier to write down my thoughts and hand them over to a stranger."

  "It's not a strange thing to say at all. Sometimes an outsider can understand more than one can realize."

  His voice mesmerized her, his tone rich and deep, oddly lessening the uneasiness in her. She thought she even detected a hint of want. How would he speak to her when he was aroused? What was it about him that made her want to purr in reaction and climb right on his lap?

  He watched her as if she was his sole focus, and she fought not to squirm in front of him. It was definitely getting a bit hot in here. “You've taken on clients for two years now.” She took a second to clear her throat. “Have you've ever come across a problem with a disgruntled customer?"

  "Before Sean and I opened Capture Inc., a lot of research went into creating an ironclad agreement that potential customers would sign. We've covered all our bases, but truthfully there's been a time or two where we've ha
d to deal with dissatisfaction. It rarely happens, but that's where our top-notch attorney, Cameron Falcon, comes in. Once the contract is signed, if the client changes their mind before their fantasy is played out, fifty percent of their money is refunded. And if the client changes their mind while the fantasy is being played out, they'll receive twenty-five percent back. There are other specifics you can read later in the contract. And there is also a confidentiality agreement everyone must sign."

  "Sounds like you've thought of everything.” Shaking her head, she pushed herself to ask the one question she'd been curious about. “Your Web site didn't state anything about consensual sex. I'll assume I'm not the first one to ever ask about it. But when you set up the fantasies, is sex an option?"

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  Chapter Three

  John watched her carefully, memorizing every motion, and reaction as his cock lengthened at such a simple word like sex coming from her lips. Her pictures hadn't done her justice. She was even more beautiful up close and personal, but she had an innocence about her that he found charming. She'd left her hair down, and he was fascinated with how silky the strands looked. Her lips were coated with a light sheen of gloss just as he'd seen in the photo of her, and his shaft pulsed at the thought of having those luscious lips wrapped around him. She wore a simple yet classy short-sleeved black dress that reached above her knees. And he had such a craving to see those legs wrapped around him as he pumped his shaft inside her. The neckline to her dress was modest, but when she wriggled like she was doing now, he couldn't help but focus on the luscious shape of her breasts.

  He remained in his seat when all he really wanted to do was rise to his feet and stroke his hands over her body. Such an intense attraction to someone he'd just met mystified him, and he found himself wanting to explore it further. But she was a bit skittish, and he had to tread carefully. “If the customer contemplates it carefully, sex may be an option if both parties are agreeable. Obviously due to the many complications it might pose, we do not advertise it anywhere. But once you read the contract, if there is anything you want to add, or if there is anything you disagree with, you're always welcome to state your views. At our discretion, we may or may not agree with you.” Her hands flexed into fists, and he saw her nervousness. “Are you having any doubts?” He hoped to hell she wasn't, yet the thought of anyone else providing her fantasy angered him.

  "Not yet, and hopefully I'll never have one."

  There was a trembling in her voice, which gave away her uncertainty. He wanted to reassure her and tell her everything would be okay. The simple act of applying to his company showed she was brave, and her responses to him had a certain amount of sass. He wanted to explore that energetic brave part of her. “Is sex a question of simple intrigue, or is it something you're considering?"

  "It's an avenue I'd like to explore. Have you ever participated in any of the fantasies?"

  Besides planning the details, he'd never once considered joining in the fantasies. In fact, as owners, he and Sean made it a rule to never be personally involved. But Ariel had him wanting to rescind the directive, and as soon as she had walked into the room, he had known it was going to be damn hard keeping his hands to himself. “Sean and I have felt it's more effective if we aren't physically involved."

  She licked her lips. “So what's the next step?"

  Bending you over my desk and fucking you, or having your mouth wrapped around my dick.

  His cock throbbed as he considered what he really wanted to say, but he wouldn't risk scaring her off. If those words exploded from his mouth, he had no doubt she'd run right out the door, though there was a certain amount of courageousness in her. “I'll schedule an appointment with you to meet our psychologist."

  She nodded and then glanced at her watch. “I've taken enough of your time. Is there anything else you'd like to ask me?"

  He didn't want her to leave just yet. “Is there somewhere you need to be?” The last thing he wanted to appear was pushy, and the question was pretty bold of him, since he'd just met her. Still, it felt like he'd known her through her dream; the fantasy would be the catalyst that hopefully got them together. His wanting to spend time with her astounded him, being that she'd been in his presence for a mere twenty minutes.

  She arched a brow and crossed her legs. “Do you have any other appointments after me?"

  He glanced down and tried not to salivate at the sight of her creamy white upper leg, which was now delightfully exposed. What was it about her that drove him to this point? Was it the mixture of tentativeness, or the part of her that refused to back down from his questions as she stared directly at him? “No."

  She smiled. “Then no. I have nowhere else to be. I was just giving you the courtesy in case you did."

  John marveled at how truly delightful Ariel was. “Would you like to discuss this further over a drink then?"

  She bit her bottom lip before answering. “Am I the first to ever receive such a proposition? I only ask because you stated twice you never get involved with your clients."

  John smiled. “What I said was I've never been involved in the fantasies itself as it played out. But I highly doubt taking you for a drink and discussing your dream would count as being sexually involved."

  She blushed, and he fell for her just a little more.

  "Well then, John, a drink would be wonderful."

  The lounge he'd taken her to was dark, but with an edge of richness to the decor that showed its upscale appeal. And she had to be a fool not to notice that he seemed to be a regular here, having not even giving his name at the door. Instead, the hostess immediately ushered them to an upstairs level.

  Ariel slid into a round, small booth.

  The hostess waited. “Your usual, Mr. Martinez?"

  John turned to Ariel. “What will it be?"

  She hadn't had any alcohol in years and wasn't about to start now. “Sparkling water if you have it."

  He turned to the hostess. “I'll have my usual."

  She nodded, then walked away, and Ariel was alone with him. She licked her dry lips, trying to calm the quick pounding of her heart. What was it about this man that made her insides melt? She'd be a fool to lie to herself and think that he didn't affect her in any way. But mixing business with pleasure was never a good thing. She needed to remain detached, but it was a hard thing to do with him so close.

  He leaned closer to her, and she didn't have the protection of a normal table between them. Here, there were only two small stands, one to her right and another to his left for their drinks. So that left him inches from her, their knees a hairbreadth from touching. She inhaled the scent of him in, masculine and earthy. His smell seemed to wrap itself around her insides, and it made her want to climb on top of him, to beg him to fuck her. It sent her libido into overdrive, and she just barely prevented a moan from escaping. What the hell was going on? She needed to control herself, and she was still curious about his invite for a drink.

  John draped his arm around the top of the booth. “You're a beautiful woman. Any man would be lucky to be with you. Has it truly been difficult to find that one special man?"

  He thought she was beautiful. She didn't know why it was important what he thought of her, and she wouldn't dissect her brain now, figuring it out.

  She supposed he was right, but it had her wanting to protect herself and seal the door against any potential hurt. Still, she answered his question. “A relationship would take time to build, and then there's trust. It isn't easy finding someone you can trust with your fantasies."

  Ariel watched as the hostess placed the drinks on the stands and left.

  "Trust is a valuable thing, Ariel. And I consider it an honor that you've placed it in the hands of our company."

  She reached for her water and took a sip. “What made you start a company like this?"

  His knee brushed against hers, and though he was fully clothed, it didn't lessen the tingle of sensation, which brushed the pit of her
stomach.

  His gaze darkened as if he'd noticed how he'd made her feel. “After the marines, Sean and I were looking for a venture that was unique,” he answered. “Sean read an article where they polled how many women had fantasies which are never fulfilled. Then it clicked for us. Our company would cater to women who wanted a safe avenue to explore their darkest desires. It took us six months to just map out the idea of Capture Inc., and then we hired an attorney to secure every avenue legally for our company. The process took over a year before Sean and I felt assured we had covered all angles, and we began to look for office space that suited our needs. Enough about me. I'm curious about you."

  She felt the heat of a blush crawling up her neck. It bewildered her that he knew how to make her nervous with the simplicity of words. “Curious?"

  He arched a brow, and there was that perfect grin again. “Tell me something about yourself that no one knows."

  No way would she even go there first. “I will if you will."

  He smiled and drank half of his drink before answering. “I was arrested when I was sixteen for stealing a car. I did some time in a juvenile detention center."

  "Why steal it?"

  He shrugged. “Same old cliche of hanging with the wrong crowd, but it didn't take me too long to wise up. Committing crimes and spending my life in jail was the last thing I wanted. Now it's your turn."

  What to tell him? She reached for her glass and swallowed the rest of her drink. She set the empty glass on the stand as the first time she felt truly empowered came to mind. “My sister Isabel and I are just a year apart. We've always been close. She was seventeen, dating a senior high school basketball star. Michael arrived at our home one evening when I was alone. That night Michael put the moves on me. I responded by kneeing him in the balls so hard he curled up on the floor like a baby whimpering. Isabel walked in then. Without question, she took one look at Michael and broke it off, right then and there. I truly enjoyed the sight of Michael limping home, but I was more worried about Isabel. I remember her telling me she believed me completely, and no explanation was needed."