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 of me to go

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

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

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,

hundred yards short of the cafe, I hear the splatter of raindrops behind me, and a second or so later, the whoosh of

drenched, and the wind picking up, the chill bites through 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

The car’s going to be wet

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

and I unlace them, my numb fingers struggling with the knots.

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

I say

Ben, dropping a few

the cup, warming my fingers, but still

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

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

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

me, “Get that on you. There’s a bathroom out at

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 warm and I

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

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

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

when we meet up

my

a

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

to offend you.” He looks down, then away, out of