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.

in

the sea roiling, forbidding under

sheeting down over the sea a mile or so out, a grey haze that obliterates the view.

in, I sprint back up the beach, racing

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

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

car’s going to be wet and stinking for the

once more to the beguiling warmth of the

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

perhaps?” It’s Ben,

I say to

me,” says Ben, dropping a few coins on the

wrap my hands around the cup, warming my fingers, but still

must run faster than you.” He looks at me, brow furrowed.

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

a jiffy….” He strides out, car keys jangling, returning a minute or so later, his hair wet but carrying a

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

clothes from 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

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

return to the bar. He eyes me, mouth

my wrists, trying to free my hands to pick up my coffee mug. “I really appreciate

handed it back to me, perhaps when we meet up

sip my

a

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

to offend you.” He