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 enthusiasm,

the sea roiling, forbidding under 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

is the cafe bar I left behind me. Calling the dogs in, I sprint back up the beach,

don’t make it. A few hundred yards short of the cafe, I hear the splatter of raindrops behind me, and a second or so later, the

the ‘No Dogs’ sign on

The car’s going to be wet and stinking

more to the beguiling warmth of the bar,

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

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

I say

says Ben, dropping a few coins on

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

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

shake my head. “It was bright sunshine when

out, car keys jangling, returning a minute or so later, his hair wet

at me, “Get that on you. There’s

a near stranger, but I’m in no position to argue. My jeans are still sopping, but

not realised before how broad-shouldered Ben is, or for that

to the bar. He eyes me, mouth puckering. “Not exactly a fashion statement,

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

me, perhaps when we

sip my coffee,

wants a

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

you.” He