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, barking enthusiasm, racing off ahead of me to go chase waves and threaten

surf is much stronger today, the sea roiling, forbidding under

sheeting down over the sea a mile or so

bar I left behind me. Calling the dogs in, I sprint back up the beach, racing

or

Dogs’ sign on the door, heading instead

be wet

now, I sprint once more to the beguiling warmth of the bar,

manners to remove my boots before I go any further, and I unlace them, my numb fingers struggling with the knots. But nothing stops the steady drip of water from

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

say to the

a few coins on

hands around the cup, warming my fingers, but still shivering.

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

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

strides out, car keys jangling, returning

There’s

to argue. My jeans are still sopping, but with the warm jersey, at least my top half is warm and

easily accommodate another one of me inside. I’d not realised before how broad-shouldered Ben is, or for that

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

one.” I say, pushing the sleeves up past my wrists, trying to free my hands to pick up my coffee mug. “I really appreciate it. Er…. do mind if

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

my

wants a date with

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