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.

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

forbidding under the threatening sky. I walk

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 to shelter quickly,

the dogs in, I 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,

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 sand, before it catches up with

beach bar, I recoil at the ‘No 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

going to be wet and stinking for the

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

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

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

I say to

a few

but still shivering. My clothes

but I must run faster than you.” He looks at me, brow furrowed. “Hey, are you okay? You really are drenched,

when I left home. Didn’t think I

strides out, car keys jangling,

There’s a bathroom out

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

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

self-consciously, I return to the bar. He eyes me, mouth puckering.

say, pushing the sleeves up past my wrists, trying to free my hands to pick up my coffee mug.

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

my

wants a

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

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