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.

bar, I open up the car to let my gang bound out in a melee of joyous, barking enthusiasm, racing off ahead of me to go chase waves and threaten

under

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

sprint back up the beach, racing for cover. The dogs, in a spirit of co-operation, weave themselves

it. A 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

am drenched, and the wind picking up, the chill bites through me. Dashing for the warmth of the beach bar, I recoil at the ‘No Dogs’ sign on the door, heading instead for

wet and stinking for the drive

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

go any further, and I unlace them, my numb fingers struggling

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

please,” I say to

me,” says Ben, dropping a few coins

fingers, but still shivering. My clothes are

I must run faster than you.” He looks at me, brow

when

out, car keys jangling, returning a minute or so later, his hair wet but carrying

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

jeans are still sopping,

easily accommodate another one of me inside. I’d not realised

I return to the bar. He eyes me, mouth

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

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

sip my coffee,

a

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

mean to offend you.” He looks down, then away,