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.

my gang bound out in a melee of joyous, barking

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

I see rain sheeting down over the sea a mile or so out, a

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 spirit of co-operation, weave themselves around my legs,

and a second or so later,

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

wet

I sprint once more to the beguiling warmth of the bar,

to remove my boots before I go any further, and I unlace them, my numb fingers struggling with the knots.

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

I say

dropping a few

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

rain 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?

shake my head. “It was bright sunshine when I

jiffy….” He strides out, car keys jangling, returning a minute or so later, his

on you. There’s a bathroom out

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

one of me inside. I’d not realised before how

bar. He eyes me, mouth

my hands to pick up my coffee mug. “I really appreciate it. Er…. do

to me, perhaps when we meet

my coffee,

a date with

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

mean to offend you.” He looks down, then