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

surf is much stronger today, the sea roiling, forbidding under

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.

dogs in, I sprint back up 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

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

going to be wet and stinking

the beguiling warmth of the

only manners to remove my boots before I go any further, and I unlace them, my numb fingers struggling with the knots. But nothing stops the steady

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

please,” I say to

says Ben, dropping a few coins on the

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

caught you, then? It almost got me too, 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 any other clothes with

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

car keys jangling, returning

that on you. There’s a bathroom

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

me inside. I’d not realised before how broad-shouldered

bit self-consciously, I return to the bar. He eyes me, mouth puckering. “Not

one.” I say, pushing the sleeves up past my wrists, trying to free my hands to pick up my coffee mug. “I really appreciate

we meet up for a meal?” He cocks an

sip my coffee,

wants a

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

I didn’t mean to offend you.” He looks down, then away,