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.

to let my gang bound out in a

stronger today, the sea roiling, forbidding under the threatening sky.

realise that I have walked much further from the bar than I intended. Turning, I see rain sheeting down over the sea

is the 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 co-operation,

yards short of the cafe, I hear the splatter of raindrops behind me, and a second or so later, the whoosh of water hammering

moments 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 the

to be wet and stinking for the drive

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

only manners to remove my boots before I go any further, and I unlace them, my numb fingers

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

I say to the

says Ben, dropping a few

my fingers, but still shivering. My clothes

caught you, then? It almost got me too, but I must run faster than you.” He looks at me,

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

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

it at me, “Get that on you. There’s

feels a bit odd, accepting clothes from a near stranger, but I’m in no position to argue. My jeans are still sopping, but with the warm jersey,

I’d not realised before how broad-shouldered Ben

self-consciously, I return to the bar. He eyes me,

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

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

sip my

a date

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

mean to offend you.” He looks