But Ariel knew the agreement she was entering with Capture Inc. would see to her safety. And she hoped Isabel would find some way to understand. This was about giving life to a dream that Ariel had never had the nerve to fulfill. All she had to do was remember that to keep her eye on the prize. Funny she would consider it as a prize, but to her it was something she wanted to desperately win.
"Isabel, I know you're concerned, but I will be fine. I've submitted my e-mail application to the owners of Capture Inc., and I've already agreed to their background check. If everything is okay, someone will contact me to schedule a one-on-one interview, and I also need to pass the appointment with their psychologist.” The hard part was detailing her utmost fantasy on the paper, describing everything she wanted done to her, and trusting it to John and Sean. But she forced herself through it.
"You are a beautiful woman, Ariel. You walk down the street, and men can't take their eyes off you. You will find someone who you can connect with if you give it time. Stooping to this ridiculous club is crazy and not you."
Ariel stiffened and rose to her feet. She never once considered herself ugly. She knew she was pretty, and some even considered her above average. But this wasn't about how she looked; it was about what she needed. “Besides the owners of the club, you are the only one I've trusted with this. I know it's a hard thing to understand, and safety is a major concern for you. I'm not blind to it. I will be careful. But I'd hope you'd at least try to comprehend that this is something I have to do."
Isabel shook her head. “I understand more than you think about wanting to go ahead with something you've dreamed about. But just because you yearn for it, doesn't mean it has to come true or that it's even right for you."
Ariel couldn't turn back the clock and pretend she'd never sent in her application, and more importantly she didn't want to. “Who says our innermost fantasies were never meant to be? I don't want to talk about this anymore. I've made my decision, and I'm sticking by it. I just hope it doesn't change anything between us."
Isabel jumped up and enveloped her in a hug. “Nothing you do or say will ever change how I feel about you. We've been through so much together, and I just want to make sure you're safe."
She felt relieved, the tension momentarily easing from her bones. “You have nothing to worry about. I'll be fine."
As long as she got what she was paying for, Ariel was sure nothing bad could happen.
For two years, John and Sean had worked nonstop, building Capture Inc. into a successful venture. The concept succeeded in this day and age because of its uniqueness and their hard work. But working seven days a week was getting to him. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been out for some fun and relaxation. Now that Capture Inc. could stand successfully, he could bear to cut back a day or two a week.
He had no one special in his life to concentrate on, and it was one of the reasons it was so easy for him to get lost in his work. But all of it would soon change. Starting next week, he'd begin his new schedule and see where it led him.
John leaned back against his chair and opened the e-mail from an Ariel Lancaster. One of the requirements of Capture Inc.'s application was a picture submission, and as soon as he downloaded Ariel's file, his muscles tensed in surprise.
The photo was a full body shot, taken up close. She was absolutely stunning. A few strands of her black hair were over her shoulder, and the tips of it touched her chest. Her skin was flawless and creamy smooth. She had blue eyes that were a delightful contrast against her dark hair. She was smiling, and it didn't seem false as if she took it for the sake of the snapshot. Her lips were coated with a nude-colored sheen of gloss, and it highlighted her sexy, wide mouth. In her hands she held a pair of spectacles, and now he wanted to see her with them on. She wore a white button-down fitted shirt, a black skirt, and high heels. She looked like a corporate professional, and he couldn't help but wonder what she wore underneath her clothes. Did she wear satin bikinis or thongs? Was her bra lace or sheer? He'd more than enjoy peeling off her clothes and finding out just how hot she was beneath.
His cock lengthened as he drank in the sight of her, his gaze catching every detail in the photo. He'd never had a reaction to a woman like this before, let alone a damn photo. It astonished him, caused his body to tighten in anticipation, and he was thankful Sean wasn't there to witness it. He usually bedded women who wanted to have sex just for the sake of having a great orgasm. No strings attached, and he had no qualms about letting the women he'd seen know his position up front. But instinctively he knew he had to tread carefully here in more ways than one. The thought surprised him, and he didn't know where it had come from.