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.

bound out in a melee of joyous, barking enthusiasm,

forbidding under the threatening sky.

I intended. Turning, I see rain sheeting down over the sea a mile or so out, a

Calling the 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 me

short of the cafe, I hear the splatter of raindrops behind me, and a second or so later, the whoosh of water hammering on to the sand, before it catches up with me, battering through my

recoil at the ‘No Dogs’

wet and

sprint once more to the beguiling warmth of the bar, fling open the door and then stand dripping

before I go any further, and I unlace them, my numb fingers

perhaps?” It’s Ben, sitting at the

please,” I say to

says Ben, dropping a few coins on the

but still shivering. My clothes are clammy with

faster than you.” He looks at me, brow furrowed. “Hey, are you okay? You really are drenched, aren’t

was bright sunshine when I left

out, car keys jangling, returning a minute or so later, his hair wet but carrying

you. There’s a bathroom out at the back to

in no position to argue. My jeans are still sopping, but with the warm jersey, at least

I’d not realised

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

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

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

sip my coffee,

a date with

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

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