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.

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

the sea roiling, forbidding under the threatening sky. I

the 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 that obliterates the view. The downpour is heading my way fast. If I don’t get

back up the beach, racing for cover. The dogs, in

short of the cafe, I hear the splatter of raindrops behind me, and a second or so later, the whoosh of water hammering on to the sand, before it catches up

‘No Dogs’ sign on the door, heading instead for the car where,

wet

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

unlace them, my numb fingers struggling with the knots.

It’s Ben,

please,” I say to the

me,” says Ben, dropping a few coins on

fingers, but still shivering. My

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

sunshine when

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

on you. There’s a bathroom out at the

to argue. My jeans are still sopping, but with the warm jersey, at least

me inside. I’d not

He eyes me, mouth puckering. “Not exactly

I owe you one.” I say, pushing the sleeves up past my wrists, trying to free my hands to pick up my

me, perhaps when we meet up for a meal?” He cocks

sip my

wants a date with

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

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