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

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

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

sprint back up the beach,

or so later, the whoosh

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

to be wet

warmth of the bar, fling open the door and then stand dripping on

my boots before I go any further, and I unlace them, my numb fingers struggling

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

I say to the

me,” says Ben, dropping a

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

got me too, but I must run faster than you.” He looks at me, brow furrowed. “Hey, are you okay?

head. “It was bright sunshine when I left

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

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

to argue. My jeans are still sopping, but with

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,

the bar. He eyes me, mouth

pushing the sleeves up past my wrists, trying to free my hands to pick up my coffee

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

sip my

wants a

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

if you’re not interested, that’s fine. I didn’t mean to offend you.” He looks down, then away, out of the window at the lashing