Read Playing a Little for Free Online Page B

content. But I can promise you this. She will be a different woman by the time we are done. I will help her find her voice, her self-respect, and her inner beauty. You already know that I am a licensed life coach and that it is Arthur’s hope to produce a spectacular film based on the reality of how effective my specific type of behavioral modification is.”
    “I get it, okay? Arthur is known for taking risks and discovering hidden truths behind the scenes. He is famous for that, and for exposing controversial subjects to the world. We are talking about my girl here, and her reputation and safety. When it came to this age-play thing as he described it, I really thought she would be matched with someone… Old.”
    “It would not make the subject any less taboo, Stan. Besides, to her, I already have one foot in the grave,” Erik chuckled, shaking his head. “I will tell you what. How about if she has a Life Alert installed that will allow her to cut a scene if she feels it is too intense? A Hollywood version of 911. That will trigger the end of the moment and allow her complete control.”
    “Well…”
    “I will also make certain that no one views any of the footage before I do, to save her dignity. Put aside your concern for her income and career for a moment. You care about her. Would you deny her the opportunity to become stronger than she is? More confident? Less fearful?”
    “Of course not, but…”
    “Then give me a chance. Like Arty told me, this is my way of paying it forward for all the things he did for me. She’s a good kid and deserves to see that she is so much more than what she perceives about herself. I truly believe I can help bring her there.”
    Erik studied Stan’s expression as the older man struggled with his decision. It also gave him a sense of relief that Stan was concerned for the girl beyond the money she would make for him. It raised the agent up a notch of respect. Stan finally sighed, nodding.
    “Very well. But have that alert button in place and no one better have access to anything that will harm her reputation or cause her mockery. And boy?”
    “Yeah?” Erik responded, amused by the term.
    “Don’t even think of hurting my girl. I will find you. It is still her decision, though, and I am not going to try to influence her.”
    “Yes, sir, I understand. And thank you. I promise you will not regret this,” Erik said with relief. “Are you going to come with us in the morning? We are heading to the set to get a feel for the script.”
    “The non-existent script? Yeah, I will come. What time?”
     
    * * *
     
    The alarm buzzed exactly three hours from the time Erik had dropped his tired body into bed. He groaned, smacking the offensive clock with his left hand as he stared at the dark ceiling. Five-thirty in the morning was too early for any self-respecting human being to be awake. Hell, any time before ten was too early to be awake. But then again, he had a job to do. After throwing on sweats and his running shoes, Erik ventured out into the snow-covered world of Arthur’s estate. Relieved to see that the roads had already been cleared, he stretched lazily, trying to psych himself to begin the run. He could see his breath as he sharply inhaled the icy air and willed himself to begin.
    The stillness of the morning helped clear his head and he began to think of ways to introduce Camille to his special, secret world. A secret that would cease to exist once the cameras started to run. He was relieved by Stan’s insistence that nothing be revealed prior to his own review. That would afford him to really indulge in the activities that he wanted to attempt. It was just a matter of convincing Arthur of the wisdom behind his decision. And, of course, convincing Camille to accept the role.
    A shock of red hair zoomed in front of him and, with a grin, he raced to catch the other runner. She gave him a good chase, skidding around corners and sprinting up hills as though she were born