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 off ahead of me

under the threatening sky.

first raindrops splat fatly onto the sand, I realise that I have walked much further from the bar 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 heading my way fast. If I don’t get

sprint back up the beach, racing

cafe, I hear the splatter of raindrops behind me, and a second or so later, the whoosh of water hammering on to the

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

be wet

once more to the beguiling warmth of the bar, fling open the door

I go any further, and I unlace them, my numb fingers struggling with the knots. But nothing

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

say to

dropping a few coins on

around the cup, warming my fingers, but still shivering.

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

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

the car. Back in a jiffy….” He strides out, car keys

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

argue. My jeans are still sopping, but with the warm jersey, at least my top half is warm and I do

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

He eyes me, mouth puckering. “Not exactly a

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 mind if I borrow it to go home in?

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

my coffee,

wants a

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

didn’t mean to offend you.” He looks down, then