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.

near a beach bar, I open up the car to let my gang bound out in a

the sea roiling, forbidding under the threatening sky. I

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

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, the whoosh of water hammering on

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

going to be wet and stinking

of the bar, fling open the door and then stand dripping

and I unlace them, my

voice. “Or hot chocolate perhaps?” It’s Ben,

say to the

a few coins

fingers, but still shivering. My clothes

got me too, but I must run faster than you.” He looks at me, brow furrowed. “Hey, are you okay? You really are drenched,

bright sunshine when I left

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

There’s a bathroom out at the back

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

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

self-consciously, I return to the bar. He eyes me,

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

perhaps when we meet up for a meal?” He cocks an eyebrow at

my

wants a date

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

you.” He looks down,