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.

up the car to let my gang bound out in a melee of joyous, barking

stronger today, the sea roiling, forbidding under the

see rain sheeting down over the sea a

me. Calling the dogs in, I sprint back up the beach, racing for cover. The dogs, in a spirit of co-operation, weave themselves around my legs, forcing

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

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 car where, as I lift the hatch, as one, the gang jumps inside, shaking rain, slobber and hair over the

wet

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

further, and I unlace them, my numb fingers struggling with the knots. But nothing stops the steady drip of water from my

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

I say to the

Ben, dropping a few coins on

the cup, warming my fingers, but still shivering. My clothes

got me too, but I must run faster than you.” He looks at me, brow furrowed. “Hey, are you okay? You really

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

strides out, car keys

you. There’s a bathroom out at the

a near stranger, but I’m in no position to argue. My jeans are still sopping, but with the warm jersey, at least my top half is warm

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

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

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 to

back to me, perhaps when we meet up for a meal?”

sip my coffee,

wants a date

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

you.” He looks down, then away, out of