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.

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

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

Turning, I see rain sheeting down over the sea a mile or so out, a grey haze that obliterates the view. The downpour is

up the beach, racing for cover. The dogs, in a spirit of co-operation, weave themselves around my legs,

a second or so later, the whoosh of water hammering

I am drenched, and the wind picking up, the chill bites through me. Dashing for the warmth of the beach bar, I recoil at the ‘No Dogs’ sign on the door, heading instead for

be wet and stinking for

warmth of the

my boots before I go any further, and I unlace them, my

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

please,” I say to

says Ben, dropping a

the cup, warming my fingers, but

at me, brow furrowed. “Hey, are you okay? You really are drenched, aren’t you? Don’t you have any other

my head. “It was bright sunshine when

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

you. There’s a

jeans are still sopping, but with the warm jersey, at least my top half is warm and I do feel much

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

I return to the bar. He eyes me, mouth puckering. “Not exactly a fashion statement, is

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 for

sip my coffee,

a

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

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