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

sea roiling, forbidding under the threatening sky. I walk briskly, warming myself against the

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 to shelter quickly, I’m going to

expanse of the beach, the only shelter is the cafe bar I left behind me. Calling the dogs in, I sprint back up the beach, racing

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

bar, I recoil at the ‘No Dogs’ sign on the door, heading instead for the car where, as I lift the hatch, as one, the gang jumps inside, shaking rain, slobber

to be wet and stinking for the drive

warmth of the bar,

my numb fingers struggling with the knots. But nothing stops the steady drip of water

a familiar voice. “Or hot chocolate perhaps?” It’s Ben, sitting at the bar, himself

say to the

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

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

head. “It was bright sunshine when I left

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

on you. There’s a bathroom out at the

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

not a good fit and would easily accommodate another one of me inside. I’d not realised before how broad-shouldered Ben is, or for that matter, how much taller he is than

I return to the bar. He eyes me, mouth puckering.

free my hands to pick up my coffee mug. “I really appreciate it. Er…. do mind if I borrow it to go

back to me, perhaps when we meet up

my

wants a date

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

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