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.

open up the car to let my gang bound out in a melee of

surf is much stronger today, the sea roiling, forbidding under the threatening sky.

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

in, I sprint back up the beach,

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

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 car where, as I lift the hatch, as one, the

The car’s going to be wet and

I sprint once more to the beguiling warmth of the bar, fling open the door

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

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

say to the

a

warming my fingers, but

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

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

got a clean pullover in the car. Back in a jiffy….” He strides out, car keys jangling, returning a minute or so later, his hair wet

that on you. There’s a bathroom

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

not realised before how broad-shouldered

bit self-consciously, I return to the bar. He eyes me, mouth puckering. “Not exactly

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 eyebrow

sip my

a

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

if you’re not interested, that’s fine. I didn’t mean to offend you.” He looks down, then away, out