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

roiling, forbidding under the threatening sky. I

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 way fast. If I don’t get to shelter quickly, I’m going to

the beach, the only shelter is the cafe bar I left behind me. Calling the dogs in, I sprint back up the beach, racing for cover. The dogs, in a

the cafe, I hear the splatter of raindrops behind me, and a second or

the beach bar, I recoil at the ‘No Dogs’ sign on

to be wet and stinking for the drive back

of the bar, fling open

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 drip of water

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

say to

me,” says Ben, dropping a few

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

you.” He looks at me, brow furrowed. “Hey, are you okay? You really are drenched, aren’t you? Don’t you have any other

my head. “It was bright sunshine when I left home.

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

on you. There’s a bathroom

I’m in no position to argue. My jeans are still sopping, but with the warm jersey, at least my top half is warm and I do

fit and would easily accommodate another one of me inside. I’d not realised before how

He eyes me, mouth

sleeves up past my wrists, trying to free my hands to pick up my coffee mug. “I really appreciate it. Er…. do mind if I borrow it

we meet up for a meal?” He cocks an eyebrow

sip my

wants a date

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

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