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.

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

surf is much stronger today, the sea roiling, forbidding under the threatening sky.

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.

is the cafe bar I left behind me. Calling the dogs in, I sprint back up the beach, racing for cover. The dogs, in a spirit of co-operation, weave themselves around

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

Dogs’ sign on the door,

The car’s 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 and then

my numb fingers struggling with the

It’s Ben, sitting at the bar,

please,” I say to

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

wrap my hands around the cup, warming my fingers, but still shivering. My clothes are clammy with

He looks at me, brow furrowed. “Hey, are

head. “It was bright sunshine when I left home.

strides out, car keys jangling, returning

that on you. There’s a bathroom out at

are still sopping, but with the warm jersey,

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

eyes me, mouth puckering.

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

it back to me, perhaps when we meet up for a

sip my coffee,

wants a date

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

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