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

sea roiling, forbidding under the threatening sky. I walk briskly, warming

the bar than I intended. Turning, I see rain sheeting down over the sea a mile or so

expanse of the beach, the only shelter is the cafe bar I left behind me. Calling the dogs in, I sprint back up the beach, racing for cover. The dogs, in a spirit of

don’t make it. A few hundred yards short of the cafe, I hear the splatter of raindrops behind me, and a second or so

Dashing for the warmth of the beach bar, I recoil at the ‘No Dogs’ sign on the door, heading instead for the car where,

going to be wet and stinking for the

the bar, fling open the door

my boots before I go any further, and I unlace them, my numb fingers struggling with

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

say to the

a few

my fingers, but still shivering. My clothes are clammy

you, then? It almost got me too, 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

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

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 but carrying

at me, “Get that on you. There’s

a near stranger, but I’m in no position to argue. My jeans are still sopping,

another one of me inside. I’d not realised before how broad-shouldered Ben is, or for that matter, how

He eyes me, mouth puckering. “Not exactly a fashion

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

when we meet up for a meal?” He cocks an eyebrow at

my coffee,

a

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

to offend you.”