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.

my gang bound out in a melee

forbidding under the threatening sky.

from the bar than I intended. Turning, I see 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

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, the whoosh of water hammering on

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’

wet and

more to the beguiling warmth of the bar, fling open the

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

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

I say

dropping a few

cup, warming my fingers, but still shivering. My

me, brow furrowed. “Hey, are you okay? You really

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

He strides out, car keys jangling,

me, “Get that on you. There’s a bathroom out

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

is not 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

to the bar. He eyes me, mouth puckering. “Not

trying to free my hands to pick up my coffee mug. “I really appreciate it. Er…. do mind if I borrow it to

back to me, perhaps when we meet up

sip my

a date with

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

you.” He looks down,