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.

gang bound out in a melee of joyous, barking enthusiasm, racing off ahead of

is much stronger today, the sea roiling, forbidding under the threatening sky. I walk briskly, warming

sand, I realise that I have walked much further from the bar than I intended. Turning, I see rain sheeting down over the sea a mile or so out, a grey haze

left behind me. Calling the dogs in, I sprint back up the beach, racing for cover. The dogs,

don’t make it. A few hundred yards short of the cafe, I hear the splatter of raindrops behind me, and a second or so

bar, I recoil at the ‘No Dogs’ sign on the door, heading instead

going to be wet and stinking for

now, I sprint once more to the beguiling warmth of the bar, fling open the door and then stand

them, my numb fingers struggling with the knots. But

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

I say to

dropping a few coins on the

my fingers, but still shivering. My clothes are clammy

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

sunshine when I left home. Didn’t think I needed

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

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

argue. My jeans are still

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

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

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 I borrow it to go home in? I’m happy to post it back

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

sip my

a

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

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