Choosing Her Lover

We lie together quietly, he beside me, hands behind his head on the pillow, staring up at the ceiling “Wow! That was quite a ride, Kirstie. Thank you.”

“Thank you. I enjoyed it too.”

“When you asked me to manhandle you, I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did.”

“You’ve not done that before?”

“No, I haven’t. I’m more accustomed to women who want flowers and romantic dinners.” He props himself up on one elbow, looking down at me. “You’re a bit of a contradiction you know.”

“How do you mean?”

“You tell me that you want control of your life, that you want to be in charge, but in the bedroom, you enjoy being…. I don’t think mauled is too strong a word.”

Heat blushes up my face and he rolls his eyes. “Don’t be embarrassed. If that’s what gives you your kicks, I’m happy to help….” He hesitates. “Is that why some of your previous…. partners…. didn’t work out? They weren’t comfortable delivering what works for you?”

“Some of them, certainly, yes.”

“You want to meet up again?”

“I’d love to.”

“Good.” He looks pleased, really pleased. “I’m leaving in the morning for this trip, but I’ll be back in the area next weekend if you’d like….”

“Suits me.”

“Great. I’ll see you in a few days then. And next time, I’ll know what to expect. I’ll come prepared.”

*****

The day is much darker than on my last visit to the beach, overcast and with the breeze gusting cold. Rain threatens, and I decide not to walk too far from shelter.

open up the car to let my gang bound out in a melee of

today, the sea roiling, forbidding under the threatening sky.

intended. Turning, I see rain sheeting down over the sea a mile or so out, a grey haze that

the only shelter is the cafe bar I left behind me. Calling the dogs in, I sprint back up the beach, racing for cover. The dogs, in a spirit of co-operation, weave themselves around

the splatter of raindrops behind me, and a second or so later, the whoosh of water hammering on to the

at the ‘No Dogs’ sign on the door, heading instead for the car where, as I lift the hatch, as one, the gang jumps inside, shaking rain, slobber and hair

The car’s going to be wet and stinking for the

to the beguiling warmth of the bar, fling open the door and

any further, and I unlace them, my numb fingers struggling with the knots. But nothing

a familiar voice. “Or hot chocolate perhaps?” It’s Ben, sitting at the bar, himself nursing a steaming

please,” I say

Ben, dropping a few

the cup, warming my fingers, but still shivering. My clothes are

me,

“It was bright sunshine when I left home. Didn’t think I needed

a jiffy….” He strides out, car

on you. There’s a bathroom out at

accepting clothes from a near stranger, but I’m in no position to argue. My jeans are still

not a good fit and would easily accommodate another one of me inside. I’d not realised before how broad-shouldered Ben is, or for that matter, how much taller he is than

eyes me, mouth puckering. “Not exactly a fashion statement, is

up my coffee mug. “I really appreciate it. Er…. do mind if I borrow it to go home in? I’m happy to post it back

you handed it back to me, perhaps when we meet up for a meal?” He cocks an

my

wants a

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

you.”