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.

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

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

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, a grey haze that obliterates the view. The downpour is heading my

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

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 sand, before it catches up with me,

bar, I recoil at the ‘No Dogs’ sign on the door, heading instead for the car where, as

going to be wet and stinking for the drive back

once more to the beguiling warmth of the bar, fling open the door and then stand

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

says a familiar voice. “Or hot chocolate perhaps?” It’s

please,” I say to

a few coins

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

but I must run faster than you.” He looks at me, brow furrowed. “Hey, are you okay? You really are drenched, aren’t you? Don’t you have

sunshine when I left home. Didn’t

car. Back in a jiffy….” He strides out, car keys jangling,

it at me, “Get that on you. There’s a bathroom out

stranger, but I’m in no position to argue. My jeans are still sopping, but with

easily accommodate another one of me inside. I’d not realised before how broad-shouldered Ben is, or for that matter,

I return to the bar. He eyes me, mouth puckering. “Not exactly

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

that you handed it back to me, perhaps when we meet up for

my

wants a date with

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

not interested, that’s fine. I didn’t mean to offend you.” He looks down, then