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.

my gang bound out in a melee of joyous, barking enthusiasm, racing off ahead

the sea roiling, forbidding under the threatening sky. I walk briskly, warming myself against the

first raindrops splat fatly onto the sand, I realise that I have walked much further from the bar than I intended. Turning, I see rain sheeting down over the sea a mile or so out,

sprint back up the beach, racing for cover. The dogs, in a spirit of co-operation, weave themselves around my legs, forcing me to break stride, slowing me

few hundred yards short of the cafe, I hear the splatter of raindrops behind me, and a second or so later, the whoosh of water hammering on to the

Dashing for the warmth of the beach bar, I recoil at the ‘No Dogs’ sign on the

to be wet and

warmth of the bar, fling open the door and

go any further, and I unlace them, my numb fingers struggling with the knots. But nothing stops the steady drip of water from

perhaps?” It’s Ben, sitting at the bar, himself nursing a

say to the

says Ben, dropping a few

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

me, brow furrowed.

sunshine when I

pullover in the car. Back in a jiffy….” He strides out, car keys jangling, returning a minute

you. There’s a bathroom out at the back

stranger, but I’m in no position to argue. My jeans are still sopping, but with the warm jersey, at least my top

me inside. I’d not

bar. He eyes me, mouth puckering. “Not

much. I owe you one.” I say, pushing the sleeves up past my wrists, trying to free my hands to pick 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 to

back to me, perhaps when we meet up for

sip my

wants a

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

fine. I didn’t mean to offend you.” He looks down, then away, out of the window at