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.

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

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

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

up the beach,

second or so later, the

warmth of the beach bar, I recoil at the ‘No Dogs’ sign on the door, heading instead for the car where, as I

going to be wet and stinking for the drive

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

go any further, and I unlace them, my numb

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

I say to

me,” says Ben, dropping a few coins on the

the cup, warming my fingers, but still shivering.

me too, but I must run faster than you.” He looks at me, brow furrowed.

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

Back in a jiffy….” He strides out, car keys jangling, returning a minute or so later, his hair wet but carrying a

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

are still sopping, but

another one of me inside. I’d not realised before how broad-shouldered Ben is, or for that matter, how much taller he is

the bar. He eyes

my

perhaps when we meet up for a meal?”

my

a date with

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

I didn’t mean to offend you.”