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.

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

roiling, forbidding under

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

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.

raindrops behind me, and a second or so later,

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 hatch, as one, the gang jumps inside, shaking rain, slobber and hair

The car’s going to be wet and stinking

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

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

hot chocolate perhaps?” It’s Ben,

I say to

says Ben, dropping a few coins on

fingers, but still shivering. My clothes are clammy with cold, clinging wetly

but I must run faster than you.” He looks at me, brow furrowed.

bright sunshine when I

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

There’s a bathroom

to argue. My jeans are still

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

eyes me, mouth

pick up my coffee mug.

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

my

wants a date with

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

fine. I didn’t mean to offend you.” He