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.

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

under the threatening sky. I walk briskly, warming myself against the

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 dogs in, I sprint back up the beach,

hundred yards 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

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 car where, as I lift the hatch, as one, the gang jumps inside, shaking rain,

car’s going to be wet and

violently now, I sprint once more to the beguiling warmth of the

before I go any further, and I unlace them, my numb fingers struggling with the knots.

hot chocolate perhaps?” It’s Ben,

I say

a few coins on the

cup, warming my fingers, but

He looks at me, brow

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

out, car keys jangling, returning a minute or

on you. There’s

position to argue. My jeans are

easily accommodate another one of me inside. I’d not realised before how broad-shouldered Ben is,

self-consciously, I return to the bar. He eyes me, mouth puckering. “Not exactly a fashion statement, is

I owe you one.” I say, pushing the sleeves 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 it to go

perhaps when we meet up

sip my coffee,

wants a date with

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