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.

out in a melee of joyous, barking enthusiasm, racing off ahead of me to

is much stronger today, the sea roiling, forbidding under the threatening sky. I walk briskly,

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 way fast. If I don’t get

in, I sprint back up the beach, racing for cover. The dogs, in a

of raindrops behind me, and a second or so later, the whoosh of water hammering on to the sand, before it catches up

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 over the

wet and stinking for

I sprint once more to the beguiling warmth of the bar, fling open the door and

I unlace them, my numb

familiar voice. “Or hot chocolate perhaps?” It’s Ben, sitting at

please,” I say to

says Ben, dropping a

but still shivering. My clothes

you, then? It almost got me too, but I must run faster than you.” He looks at me,

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

Back in a jiffy….” He strides out, car keys jangling, returning a minute or so later, his hair

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

in no position to argue. My jeans are still

inside. I’d not realised before how broad-shouldered Ben is, or for that

to the bar. He eyes me, mouth puckering. “Not exactly a fashion statement,

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

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

my

wants a date

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

mean to offend you.” He looks down, then away, out of the window at the lashing