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.

bound out in a melee of joyous, barking enthusiasm, racing off ahead of

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

intended. Turning, I see rain sheeting down over the sea

the dogs in, I sprint back up the beach, racing for cover. The dogs, in a spirit of co-operation, weave themselves around

the splatter of raindrops behind me, and a second or so later,

at the ‘No Dogs’ sign on the door, heading instead for the car where, as I lift the hatch, as one, the gang jumps inside,

car’s going to be wet and stinking for the drive

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

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

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

please,” I say to

dropping a few coins

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

me too, but I must run faster 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

my head. “It was bright sunshine when I left home. Didn’t think I needed

Back in a jiffy….” He strides out, car keys jangling, returning a

There’s a bathroom

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

easily accommodate another one of me inside. I’d not realised before how broad-shouldered Ben is, or for that

bar. He eyes me,

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

prefer that you handed it back to me, perhaps when we meet up

sip my

wants a date

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

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