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.

in

the sea roiling, forbidding under the threatening sky. I walk briskly, warming

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

behind me. Calling the dogs in, I sprint back up the beach, racing for cover.

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

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 the car where, as I lift the hatch, as one, the gang

to be wet and stinking for

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

my numb fingers struggling with the knots.

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

please,” I say

dropping a few coins on the

I wrap my hands around the cup, warming my fingers, but still shivering.

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

“It was bright sunshine when

out, car keys

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

but I’m in no position to argue. My jeans are still

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

the bar. He eyes

wrists, trying to free my hands to pick up my coffee mug. “I

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

sip my coffee,

a date

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

fine. I didn’t mean to offend you.” He looks down, then away, out of the window at the lashing