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.

up near a beach bar, I open up the car to let my gang bound out in a melee of joyous, barking

today, the sea roiling, forbidding under

sheeting down over the sea a mile or so out, a grey haze that

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 spirit of co-operation, weave themselves around my legs, forcing me to break stride, slowing me

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

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

to be wet and stinking for

now, I sprint once more to the beguiling warmth of the bar, fling open the door and then stand dripping on the

I go any further, and I unlace them, my numb fingers struggling with the knots. But nothing stops the steady drip of water from my sodden

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

please,” I say to

dropping a few coins

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?

“It was bright sunshine when I left home.

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

you. There’s a bathroom out at the back to

bit odd, accepting clothes from a near stranger, but I’m in no position to argue. My jeans are still sopping, but with the

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

I return to the bar. He eyes me, mouth puckering. “Not

I say, pushing the 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 to go home in? I’m happy to post it back to

it back to me, perhaps when we meet up for a meal?”

sip my coffee,

wants a date

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

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