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.

gang bound out in a melee

under the threatening sky. I walk

that I have walked much further from 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,

expanse of 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,

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

the ‘No Dogs’ sign on the door, heading instead for the car

car’s going to be wet and

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

go any further, and I unlace them, my numb fingers struggling with the knots. But

perhaps?” It’s Ben, sitting at

I say

Ben, dropping a few coins on the

fingers, but still shivering. My clothes are

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 clothes

bright sunshine when I left home. Didn’t

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

it at me, “Get that on you. There’s a

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

inside. I’d not realised before how broad-shouldered Ben is, or

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

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 back to me, perhaps when we meet up for a meal?” He cocks an eyebrow

sip my coffee,

a date with

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

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