Tough question. I've often wondered if I met someone I know/knew as a provider if it would make things awkward or extra hot. I've been thinking back on exes and girls that got away or I used to admire from afar lately and I admit if I found out one was a provider now, especially the right one, I'd be almost irresistably tempted to try and taste the fantasy. So if it was a girl I knew ages ago in the kind of setting (friend of a friend, a girl I interviewed for/with, distant ex classmate/ex-corker) who doesn't remember me but I remember her, I'd probably jump on it (literally) and not think back.
If it is someone I know well know in my current work/social circle- especially someone I am attracted to/have any kind of standing chemistry with... it would be hard to say no but probably best to walk away. It's the kind of thing where if we made it to the face to face stage, we'd probably have to talk it out first. Yes neither of us would want it getting out but on the other hand if it was a girl I'd had off and on clear chemistry with and it would be a controlled/allowed/safe way to get our urges finally out, I would love to. But ultimately this is more fantasy than reality.
If it was someone from my past who I knew well but haven't seen in 5 years or more... I'd lean to going ahead with it if there was little chance they'd cross paths with me in my current life/work/family. Although I'd totally respect her safety if she declined. It would certainly bug me if I got turned away at the door! I'd wonder who it was forever and pray she didn't out me!
I've seen providers that remind me of girls I know (but never by design... tried that- always disappointed- always by accident once I'm there.). I've run into a couple of providers IRL- usually keep it to a knowing nod/passing smile and move on.
Two closest times I can think of...
There was a girl I had a major thing for in College. Total hottie. Looked similar to the french actress Virginie Ledoyen. We kept in touch afterwards. Flirted, but never dated. I was too intimidated to make a serious move. My friend ended up dating her a few years later so we hung out more. Only time in my life I was burning with jealousy at a close friend. Whenever she got drunk she got flirtier and extra touchy feel with me. Little things she said and even he said had me wondering if she wasn't a hostess at night but actually an escort. As my birthday at the time drew closer, she promised me a special nighttime surprise in my ear whenever my friend wasn't around. For a week I was convinced she was going to give the best roll in the hay of my life, as a freebie or discount. Turns out of course it was far more innocent and my mind was likely playing tricks. If it had happened, I wouldn't have given it a second thought and been on her like white on rice, consequences be damned. But I was also single and 25 at the time.
Other time... I have an older friend who doesn't really date but has friends with benefits, sex exes and booty calls. I know he also on occasion hires out for the occasional escort. A couple of these girls are aspiring models/actresses and occasionally graze minor celebrity. Two have posed for playboy- 1 a cybergirl and another a semi reg of the Lingerie SE's. Two others have had nude cell phone pics leaked (years before the big hack of Sept). So I've seen 4 of these girls naked/topless. Very hot but I don't ever bring it up or call them on it of course. I know my friend has had a few ongoing sugar baby arrangements at times (separately each, never overlapping). His most recent SB is a ripe young 20 year old blonde who reminds me a mildly curvier Lexi Belle and really revs my engine (and I usually go for brunettes!). He's a pretty open guy and I admit I've been tempted more than once to pull him aside and ask if I can have a limited or one-time crack at this girl. Knowing him I doubt he'd say no. It's highly possible I could have this girl to myself for the right arrangement. BUT... She does hang with him and ergo my friends including my SO socially as well. We see her anywhere from once to 4 times a month depending. Despite whatever arrangement I make, the risks are too high that he or she could act weird or say/do the wrong thing when my GF is in earshot that I hold back and don't take the risk. If I were single it would be a different story. He's a voyeur though so I may still work up to asking if he has any hot pics of her he's open to share that I could check out for some vicarious living but I'd draw the line there. Yeah... it would be hot to pull the trigger in some fashion with her or any girl I 'know' and lust for in real life but I remind myself one of the key reasons I stick to providers for any side fun is to firmly keep any blowback drama off the table. LOL.
Okay, maybe I need to go and revise my first few paragraphs now... ;