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.

out in a melee of joyous, barking enthusiasm, racing off ahead of me to go chase waves and

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

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

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

of the cafe, I hear the splatter of raindrops behind me, and a second or so later,

bites through me. Dashing for the warmth of the beach bar, I recoil at the ‘No Dogs’ sign on

to be wet and stinking for the drive back

sprint once more to the beguiling warmth of the bar,

unlace them, my numb fingers struggling with the knots. But nothing stops the steady

perhaps?” It’s Ben, sitting at the bar, himself nursing a steaming

say to

Ben, dropping a few

cup, warming my fingers, but still shivering.

must run faster than you.” He looks at me, brow furrowed. “Hey, are you okay? You really are drenched, aren’t you?

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

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

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

stranger, but I’m in no position to argue. My jeans are still sopping, but with the warm jersey, at least

good fit and would easily accommodate another one of me inside. I’d not

He eyes me, mouth puckering. “Not exactly a fashion

you 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

when we meet up for a

sip my coffee,

a

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

mean to offend you.” He looks down, then away,