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.

open up the car to let my gang bound out in a melee of joyous, barking enthusiasm, racing off ahead of me to go chase waves and threaten

the sea roiling, forbidding under the threatening sky. I

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

I sprint back up the beach, racing for cover.

or so later, the whoosh of water hammering

bar, I recoil at the ‘No Dogs’ sign on

going to be wet and stinking

of the bar, fling

further, and I unlace them, my numb fingers struggling with the knots. But nothing stops the steady drip of water from

It’s Ben, sitting at the bar, himself nursing a steaming

please,” I say

Ben, dropping a few coins on

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

rain caught you, then? It almost got me too, but I must run faster than you.” He looks at me, brow furrowed. “Hey, are you okay? You really are drenched, aren’t you? Don’t you have any other

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

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

it at me, “Get that on you. There’s a

My jeans are still sopping, but with

I’d not realised before how broad-shouldered Ben

bar. He eyes me, mouth puckering. “Not exactly

trying to free my hands to pick up my coffee mug. “I really appreciate it.

back to me, perhaps when we meet up for a meal?” He cocks an eyebrow

my coffee,

wants a date

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

I didn’t mean to offend you.” He