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.

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

sea roiling, forbidding under the threatening sky. I

over the sea a mile or so out, a grey haze that obliterates the view. The downpour

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

behind me, and a second or so later, the whoosh of water hammering on to the sand, before it catches up with me,

Dashing 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

going to be wet and

the beguiling warmth of the bar, fling open

to remove 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 water from

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

say to the

dropping a few coins on

but still shivering. My clothes are clammy

at me, brow furrowed. “Hey, are you okay? You really are drenched, aren’t you?

when I left home. Didn’t think I needed

jiffy….” He strides out, car keys

on you. There’s a bathroom

bit odd, accepting 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

I’d not realised before how broad-shouldered Ben is, or for that matter, how much taller he is

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.

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

my coffee,

a date

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

didn’t mean to offend you.” He looks down, then away, out of the window