Being relatively young and attractive, but by no means wealthy, I’m not sure what led specifically me to the online male companion website Cowboys 4 Angels. It wasn’t the name. Owner and CEO Garren James had been doing a publicity junket with one of his employees, Nick Hawk, so it felt like I kept hearing about them every time I turned around. I guess it all started as an initial curiosity and then developed into a fascination with them. Eventually it developed into a full blown desire to experience what Cowboys 4 Angels had to offer.

Thanks to shows like HBO’s Hung and Showtime’s Gigolos, the concept of male companions is more out in the open than ever before. The male companion is no longer a sordid caricature cruising the corners and boulevards. Today’s executive companions cater to Janes, not Johns. And why shouldn’t women have the options men have always had?

Cowboys 4 Angels represents straight, male companions exclusively for ladies, with a talent roster that boasts models, fitness trainers and amateur athletes. Beyond the sensationalism of chat show interviews or online articles that generally condemn companion agencies as morally bankrupt and their female clientele as desperate, there is limited real insight into why women choose to use a male companion. The media hasn’t really bothered to elaborate about these women’s honest experiences. I can’t be the only ordinary gal who is fascinated by all this and wonders – was it cheesy, thrilling, awkward, liberating, or pleasantly surprising?

After months of wondering and not finding many answers by watching episodes of Gigolos, I decided I needed to figure it out for myself. So that’s how I found myself, on a Friday afternoon waiting in my neighborhood cafe for my very own Cowboy, James. I picked James for his California looks, easy smile, swimmers build and piercing brown eyes – kind of like Matthew McConaughey.

As I waited, I wondered what this would be like. How am I supposed to act with a person whose job it is to ensure that I am “happy?” It’s certainly not the normal dynamics, that’s for sure. In fact, I found that I didn’t have any of my usual nervousness. I looked good but hadn’t gone through any extensive preening. Deep down, I just hoped he looked like his photos on the website, because internet dating for me has been a bunch of false advertising in the past.

I’ll admit I’m a bit of a loner at times. I am comfortable being by myself, maybe a little too comfortable. With so little to show for my effort in the dating game, I have really become a bit lazy about this part of my life. I honestly cannot be bothered to put forth the effort required to hopefully get a little bit of romance or a great lay, of which neither is guaranteed.

As I contemplated the reasons why I find myself testing the waters with a male companion,James arrived.  Wow! My expectations had been surpassed already. He looked even better than his pictures.  His lean chiseled physique was absolutely delicious!

My initial reaction was how naturally polite and courteous he was. He didn’t go overboard or anything, just very casual and attentive. Once we sat down for lunch and started chatting, I was surprised to find there was no need for a filter for all the things that you normally wouldn’t say, I didn’t worry about impressions or whether he would want to see me again. No red flags. No holding back. I could discuss or say whatever I wanted to.  I quickly realized I was free to be completely me because it didn’t matter what he thought of me. I could be silly, quirky or cute. The only goal for this date was that I was having the best time. It was absolutely liberating!

We discussed what it was like growing up in with, football, travel and art. I was curious about his current profession and wanted to pick his brain. Is there a protocol for a date? Was he required to follow my every whim? By now I was on my second large glass of wine and that emboldened me in my questions. James  was amused by my fishing for info. He replied with a wink and a smile, “Just to let you know, I’m not actually obliged to do anything I don’t want to do.” Damn! This man is hot! Well, there goes my plan to tie him up and ride him. Just kidding! Well maybe only slightly kidding because I found myself wanting him in the worst way. Cut me a little slack please. I haven’t had a man-made orgasm in like ages.

We hopped in his car and went for a walk on the beach. What a relief to feel completely secure in the knowledge that he was thoroughly screened by Garren. In other words, he isn’t nuts, which helps significantly when getting in a car with a beautiful stranger.

As we walked hand-in-hand, I found James to be naturally flirtatious and charming, with a relaxed demeanor. I got the impression that he genuinely likes pleasing women. We even talked very openly about our opinions on sexuality and our own personal experiences. Escorts don’t talk about actual clients, but James spoke freely about his own personal life – outside of companioning. This man oozed sexy, without even trying. And there he was, all 6ft of him, totally focused on me.

A lot of women probably can’t imagine paying for an companion, but it’s sort of like the difference between a casual meal at home or a fancy gourmet restaurant dinner. You get well fed either way, but with the latter you happily pay more for the preparation and overall experience. As a woman who was testing the waters, that was my feeling about paying for an companion. I clearly understand why there’s been a surge among women for this type of date. It’s the guarantee of a safe, satisfactory experience. I can’t imagine any other first date scenario where this could ever happen. Every step based completely on my comfort level.

Make no mistake James’s very good at his job – and that job is making a woman feel wonderful. Any chemistry experienced is genuine, but I don’t think he would be doing his job well if you weren’t left wanting more. He’s very easy on the eyes, and you feel comfortable with him immediately, but that all comes with a price tag.

Perhaps this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but having tried it for myself, I would say ask yourself one question if you are genuinely curious about doing it. “If I could have a date with Matthew McConaughey, would it be worth paying for?” Given that Cowboys 4 Angels represents 95 men in 11 cities, has more than 30,000 Facebook fans, and Gigolos is the most watched weeknight series on Showtime, I’d say there are a lot of women who answer with a resounding “Yes,” and I’m one of them!