Escorting Jessica

by Pulkinen, Carrie

Amy cut her gaze to the floor. “I mean, it sounds like a pretty common name. There could be dozens of men named Trevor Hill. It’s probably not the same guy.”

  “Wait a minute. Do you mean...like prostitutes? He said he ran a dating service.”

  “Umm, well, I don’t think they call male escorts prostitutes. I mean, you can just buy a date to an event or something. I don’t know if they offer sex or anything like that.”

  Tilting her head, Jessica tried to comprehend what Amy was saying. Amy put her hands up in a show of innocence. “I’ve never used one. I overheard one of our customers telling another about it. Her sister needed a date to a big fundraising event or something. Apparently it’s really popular with the up-and-ups.”

  “Interesting.” What else could she say? If it was as innocent as paying for dates to big events, she supposed she could live with that. Trevor did say that he ran the business, so maybe he didn’t offer himself up.

  Maybe.

  Chapter Three

  With a glass of chardonnay in one hand and the remote in the other, Jessica flipped through the channels as Chaz the cat snoozed in her lap. Apparently he was destined to be the only man in her lap for the time being. She wasn’t surprised Trevor hadn’t called her back. Disappointed, yes. But surprised? She’d only have been fooling herself if she’d said she was.

  It didn’t matter though. At least she could finally close the door on that fantasy. Johnny Depp could still visit her. In my dreams...

  With a heavy sigh, she settled on watching Ghost Adventures reruns on the Travel Channel. What a way to spend Friday night. She set down her glass and found herself dozing off within minutes. Normally, the show intrigued her. But since she’d seen the episode twice already, she found it hard to focus.

  Her eyelids had just begun to flutter closed when the phone rang. Jessica jumped, sending Chaz flying across the sofa with a hiss. “I’m sorry, baby. Mommy was just startled.” The cat narrowed his eyes at her but slinked back into her lap without protest.

  She didn’t recognize the number on the caller ID. “Hello?”

  “Hey, Jessica. I’m so sorry I didn’t call you back earlier. I was swamped at work.”

  No way. Trevor? “Umm. That’s okay. I was pretty busy, too.” I’m such a liar. Oh, well. He doesn’t need to know that. She pushed Chaz onto the floor and he landed with a grunt. Such an ungraceful cat. She stood and paced her small living room, waiting for him to speak.

  “So, it was good to see you this morning. You looked amazing.”

  “Thanks.” Her voice squeaked. “You, uh...haven’t changed a bit.”

  His melodic chuckle rang in her ear. “Thank you. I try.”

  She giggled and put a hand over her mouth to stop herself. She would not get her hopes up again. Yeah, right.

  “So, Jessica.” Her knees went weak at the sound of her name coming from his lips. “I really wanted to take you out to dinner. To spend some time with you, but...”

  Yep. Here it comes. The big letdown.

  “But I’m swamped for the next few days.”

  “Oh, that’s okay. It’s really not that big of a deal. I—”

  “Yes,” he interrupted her. “It is. I want to see you.”

  You do?

  “Are you free for lunch tomorrow? I know it’s last minute.”

  “Yes!” She couldn’t stop herself from blurting out the answer. “It’s my day off. I’m free.” Way to not sound desperate. But she didn’t care. She was going on a date with Trevor Hill. What would her old friends say?

  “Great! Do you want to meet me at Max’s at noon?”

  “Sounds perfect. I’ll see you then.”

  They got off the phone, and Jessica jumped with delight.

  “Mommy has a date tomorrow, Chaz!” She looked at her feline companion and grinned. He answered her with a flip of his tail as he strutted to the bedroom. “You might have to find a new place to sleep soon.” I hope.

  Pirouetting, she danced to her closet to pick out an outfit. What should she wear on a date with a man like Trevor? What kind of man was Trevor? She sank onto on her bed and contemplated. Eight years had passed since she had last seen him. What had he been doing in that time, aside from opening an escort service?

  A chill ran down her spine. Was he a pimp? For male whores? She pushed that thought out of her mind as soon as it entered. There was no way. He seemed so professional; he had it together. Jessica’s cousin was a prostitute, and she was a mess. Always strung out on this drug or that. Even when she tried to clean up, she still looked the part.

  Trevor carried himself like a businessman. A successful one at that. His service was obviously upscale. Legitimate. It had to be. And so what if he sold sex? It was just one date.

  ***

  Trevor took a drink from his glass of Scotch and opened his high school yearbook to Jessica’s picture. His cock swelled at the site of her deep, dark eyes and sable hair. Just the thought of running his fingers through her silky locks got him more worked up than he’d been in ages.

  But he had to be careful with this one. He would easily take her to bed within hours of their first date if he let himself. If she wanted him like he wanted her. That’s why he had faked a busy schedule and made a lunch date. No chance of taking her home if he had to go back to work.

  Jessica was more than a potential fuck. If she could accept what he did for a living, if she could embrace it, he could see himself spending forever with a girl like her.

  And if she freaked out and bolted? Well, at least he got a second chance with her. Life didn’t give many of those.

  He ran his finger across her picture and closed the book. How could spending five minutes with the woman stir up so many forgotten emotions inside him? She’d broken his heart when she faked that headache to get out of being his lab partner in high school.

  And he knew she’d faked it. He’d seen her after lunch that day and she was fine. But she’d made her feelings known. She’d wanted nothing to do with him.

  Today was different, though. He could feel the desire emanating from her porcelain skin when he was close to her. He could see it burning in her eyes. She was definitely interested in him now.

  But he had to take it slowly. Even though his business revolved around sex, she meant so much more to him.

  Chapter Four

  Jessica woke up at six, buzzing with anticipation. Her hands shook as she loaded the coffee machine and put out Chaz’s breakfast. She had to burn off some of this nervous energy, or she’d be a babbling klutz on her lunch date.

  She got dressed in workout clothes, set her iPod to her favorite upbeat playlist, and headed out the door for a run. Katy Perry blasted in her earbuds as she tried to think about anything but her upcoming date.

  But the more she tried not to think about it, the more the thoughts invaded her mind. By the time she finished her hour-long run, she’d gone through at least six different conversations in her head, each outcome different based on Trevor’s anticipated responses.

  Of course, her favorite was the one where he told her he’d been in love with her since high school, and he wanted to spend forever with her. But what was the likelihood of that happening?

  Her least favorite involved him taking her out only to secure his girlfriend a spot at the gym. There was a waiting list for membership, after all. Surely that wouldn’t happen. She just needed to stop thinking about it.

  She bounded up to her apartment, taking the stairs two at a time, and headed straight to the shower. The steam and rhythmic fall of the water always helped clear her mind.

  House cleaning and reading occupied her the rest of the morning, and at 11:45, she put on a fresh coat of lipstick and headed out the door. Max’s was only a few blocks from her apartment, so she walked the short distance.

  She wore dark jeans and a teal beaded tank that showed off her arms as well as her tapered waist. A pair of nude wedge sandals added two inches to her five-foot seven, but she still wouldn’t match Trevor’s h
eight. Maybe next time she’d wear the three-inch heels. Whoa, girl. Next time? First I need to make it through this time.

  He greeted her at the door with a sparkling smile that melted her. His sky-blue button-up accentuated his already amazing gray eyes. With the sleeves rolled to just below his elbows, he appeared casual chic.

  Jessica returned his smile. “I see you got the memo. It’s blue day.”

  He looked at his shirt and then at hers. “Yeah. Thanks for sending it to me. I would’ve forgotten.”

  “No problem.”

  He opened the door and followed her inside. Cool air caressed her skin, causing goose bumps to rise on her arms. She shivered.

  “Are you cold?” He placed his hands on her arms and rubbed them to warm her up. Electric tingles shot up her shoulders, tightening her nipples into hard pearls. Thank goodness she wore a padded bra.

  “I’m okay. Just adjusting to the temperature. It happens all the time.”

  “Table for two, please,” he said to the hostess. He slid his fingers down her arms, leaving a trail of warmth with his touch. Then he took her hand in his as they followed the hostess to their table.

  Her heart raced, and she prayed he wouldn’t notice the sweat that slickened her palms. They slid into their seats across from each other, and she opened her menu as the waiter approached the table. Trevor ordered a beer, and Jessica asked for a glass of pinot. Hopefully, the wine would calm her nerves.

  Clutching her menu as if it was the only thing keeping her from bolting—and maybe it was—she scanned the entrees while wracking her brain for something to say. Just make small talk, Jess. It shouldn’t be this hard. “So, how long have you been back in Vegas? You moved away for college, right?”

  He put down his menu and looked into her eyes. She wanted to look away, but his gaze held her there, unmoving. Thick black lashes fringed his smoky eyes, and only when he blinked was she able to tear her gaze away. Returning her focus to the menu, she glanced back at him and grinned.

  He was obviously aware of the effect he had on her; a pleased smile stretched across his face. “I moved back as soon as I got my masters in business management. About two years now.”

  “Really? I can’t believe we haven’t run into each other till now. Do you live around here? Or just work?” Oh, why did I bring up his job? I’m not ready to talk about that.

  “Both, actually. My office is just a few blocks from the coffee shop, and I live over on Eighth Street. What about you? Have you ever moved away?”

  “No. I’ve lived here all my life. I went to UNLV.”

  The waiter returned with their drinks, and they ordered their meals. Though the Greek salad tempted her, she didn’t want to live up to the stereotype of girls hardly eating on a first date. She opted for the turkey wrap instead. It might have been mostly salad, but at least it was in a tortilla. Trevor ordered a chicken sandwich with fries.

  They continued to make small talk over lunch as the wine had its desired effect. She ordered another glass, her confidence increasing with each sip. Trevor seemed genuinely interested in her. He asked her questions about her job, her family, her social life. She asked similar questions in turn until the conversation headed in the inevitable direction. His job.

  “So, tell me about your dating service.”

  “Why? Are you looking?” Though he said it playfully, she sensed his hesitation to elaborate.

  “Maybe.” She grinned and winked, the wine making her bolder by the minute. “I don’t meet a lot of men at my women-only gym.”

  He folded his hands on the table. “No, I guess you wouldn’t.”

  ***

  This was it. The deciding moment. Her reaction would help him gauge whether she was the same innocent girl he’d known in school, or if maturity had opened her up to more intriguing encounters.

  “It’s not the matchmaking type of dating service. I run Hill’s Escorts. Have you heard of it?”

  She sipped her wine and set the glass on the table. “I hadn’t, until yesterday.”

  He tried to capture her gaze, but she stared at her wine glass, tracing her finger around the rim. What was she thinking?

  “I guess you did some research. What do you think about it?”

  “Apparently, you were right. Some of your clients are members at my gym.” She flicked her gaze toward him before focusing back on the glass.

  He couldn’t read her at all. Did she disapprove? Did she care? “Yeah. I think we cater to the same type of clientele.”

  “Like?”

  “Wealthy, upper-class women who may or may not be married. Mostly the thirty-five and up crowd, with the occasional customer in her late twenties.”

  With curiosity in her eyes, she finally focused her gaze on him. “That sounds about right. So you provide men to be dates for these women?”

  “Essentially, yes.” He couldn’t help but notice the way she stroked the stem of her wine glass. He’d heard it was a woman’s subconscious way of signaling she’d like to be stroking something else. Hopefully, that was the case.

  “Essentially. So...you also offer other services.” She folded her hands on the table and licked her crimson lips.

  Thankful the table hid the bulge in his jeans, he cleared his throat before he answered. “If the customers are so inclined to take their escorts to a private location, my employees have permission to go as far as they feel comfortable.”

  “That’s a well-rehearsed answer if I’ve ever heard one.”

  He spread his hands. “It is what it is.”

  Holding his breath, he anticipated her response.

  “I see. But what if the customer wants to go farther than the employee?”

  She was genuinely curious. Well, it beat the alternative. At least she was still at the table. “Each client fills out extensive paperwork, including a list of all possible desires. Escorts are matched to clients based on their needs. It’s a seamless system that’s worked well for a year and a half.”

  “Interesting.” She put her hands in her lap and toyed with her napkin. “So, do you ever go all the way with your customers?”

  “Never. I’m not an escort. I’m the owner of the company.”

  Her posture relaxed as what seemed like relief washed over her. “That’s good. I mean...”

  “I know what you mean.” He reached across the table to brush a strand of hair away from her face, but was interrupted by the waiter.

  “Can I get you anything else?”

  Trevor sighed and put his hand in his lap. “No, thank you. We’re good.” The waiter laid the check on the table.

  “Have you ever been an escort? Or followed anyone else...to see what goes on?”

  “I never have. I haven’t needed to until recently. But...” He shrugged and folded his napkin. Maybe he’d said enough. Let her get used to the idea of the tame stuff before introducing her to the new service.

  Or maybe he should just lay it all out there.

  “What happened recently? Did something go wrong?”

  “No, not at all. It’s something new we’re offering. It’s...different.”

  ***

  “Different how?” Jessica leaned forward, intrigued by Trevor’s sudden change of tone. Her own reaction to the sex part of his business surprised her. She thought she’d find it disgusting, but talking about it had the opposite effect. Maybe it was because she hadn’t been with a man in over a year. And she was sitting across from a hunk. But talking about it had her incredibly turned on.

  Lowering his voice, he leaned forward to mirror her posture. “It’s a fantasy service. I’ve done some research on what turns women on. What their secret fantasies are. My company is offering to fulfill some of those fantasies.”

  Her stomach tightened as warmth spread between her legs. “Sexual fantasies?”

  His eyes gleamed wickedly as he nodded. “My customers are pleasured by many men at once.”

  Her mouth dropped open, so she snapped it shut. How many times had she daydre
amed about that happening to her? “Like orgies?”

  “Yes. But tailored to the client’s desires.”

  “Wow. But...is it safe? How do your employees know how far to go?”

  He smiled and straightened his posture. “I’m there the whole time. The client has a safe word, so if she’s had enough, it stops immediately. We’ve only had a few clients, but they’ve all signed up for another round.”

  Jessica swallowed. Her own multiple-partner fantasies flashed before her eyes. What would Trevor think about her if he knew she dreamed about the very service he offered? She picked imaginary lint off her shirt. “Is everyone...you know...clean? How do you know?”

  “My employees are screened regularly. We do extensive background checks, medical screenings, blood tests. They always wear condoms. We’ve got all the bases covered.”

  She gulped down what was left of her wine. “And you never participate?”

  “Never. I just watch.”

  Heat rose on her cheeks, and she knew her face had to be reddening. An orgy with Trevor watching took second only to him being in it. Her mouth watered at the thought. “You must enjoy that. I mean...surely you get off to it, right?” She chewed on her hot pink fingernail, appalled that she’d said it. Where was this brazenness coming from? Must’ve been the wine.

  He chuckled. “You’d think so, but not really. Like I said before, I’m making sure my employees are doing everything the client asked for. I go over the paperwork. It’s just business.” He shrugged.

  “Well, you’d get off to it if I were the client.”

  He raised an eyebrow and took her hand in his. His voice lowered into a sexy, raspy tone. “I’m sure I would. Do you want to find out?”

  She jerked her hand from his grasp, her heart racing in her breast. “I, ummm...” Where was her gall now? She wouldn’t actually do it, would she?

  He raised his hands in a show of innocence. “It was just an idea. We could do it like a business deal. You give my service a try—free of charge. If you like it, you can talk it up to any of your gym members who might be interested. You know...you help me gain some more business, and I give you the ride of your life. What do you think?”