Read Hook Up for Free Online Page A

be gone and she’d have control of her emotions again. Meanwhile, she was determined to do something to help her new client.
    Crystal patted the spot next to her and was relieved when Darla edged back toward the couch and sat on the farthest cushion, still looking skeptical. Crystal reached into the box of chocolates and popped a truffle into her mouth. She was ridiculously glad when her client did the same. “You love him?”
    Darla nodded.
    “You sure you want to marry him?”
    She nodded again.
    “Okay, then, focus on that while I get something that should ease your penetration anxiety,” Crystal said firmly.
    Darla choked on her chocolate.
    “Wait here.” Crystal mentally crossed her fingers and stood. She took a careful step away from the couch. When she didn’t fall into Darla’s lap, convulsing in orgasm, she felt confident enough to stride out of the room, belt clanking.
    She returned with a tube of lubricant and a bright purple vibrator that looked like a cross between a space ship and the letter Y. “Okay, this is an expensive device, but worth every penny.” She showed her the price tag. Darla raised an eyebrow but nodded, so Crystal crossed to the small sink in the corner and soaped up the vibe. She took her time rinsing it, then dried it with a paper towel. When she sat back down next to Darla, she tested the batteries. The vibrator buzzed to life. Darla jumped, causing the box of chocolates to slide to the floor.
    Crystal tossed the box onto the coffee table and pressed the purple device into Darla’s hand. “I know it looks strange, but all the girls love this one. It’s very popular.” When Crystal told her what to do with the vibrator, Darla paled. Sweat beaded her upper lip as Crystal explained the complicated control panel. It was impossible not to sense her anxiety. Crystal had thought this would help, but there was no way to be certain without opening herself up to her client’s emotions again. Since she couldn’t afford to do that; she’d have to hope for the best. “Now, I’m going to lock the door behind me. I have the only key, but don’t worry, it also unlocks from the inside. Don’t worry about the noise, either—that’s why I’ve got all that fabric on the walls.”
    Crystal pressed the tube of lubricant into Darla’s free hand and tossed a clean blanket over the chaise lounge. “Meet me at the front counter in half an hour?”
    Darla’s nod was stiff.
    “It’s gonna be great, Darla. You’ll see.” When Crystal reached the door she looked back. Darla sat, frozen on the couch, both hands full, knees pressed tightly together. Was she leading her client down the wrong path? Normally she would have gone deeper and stayed longer to make sure she understood the source of Darla’s anxiety, but she really couldn’t risk losing control again. She shut the door, making sure it locked behind her.
    She paused at the desk to write up the bill for Darla’s new vibrator, giving her a hefty discount. “I’m going to the coffee shop,” she said, leaving the invoice on the counter. “I’ll be back to cash her out, but would you mind cancelling the rest of my clients today?”
    “Sure.” Destiny opened the appointment book and grimaced. “Uh-oh…I booked you a consult with a new client this morning and I didn’t get his number.”
    Crystal groaned. “What?”
    “Sorry. He looked desperate, and there was a huge line. You would have said yes too.”
    Yesterday, she would have said yes. But not today. “Fine,” she sighed. Not showing up would be bad for business. “What time?”
    “Four-thirty.”
    Crystal nodded and walked out of the store, trying not to be mad at Destiny, who was only trying to help her grow her business. She hurried down the street to the coffee shop and ordered the panini special and a hot mocha, hoping her lapse of control with Darla was caused by low blood sugar, but she knew that was wishful thinking. Panic welled up inside her and she clutched