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.

bound out in a

today, the sea roiling, forbidding under the threatening sky. I

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

the flat expanse of the beach, the only shelter is the cafe bar I left behind me. Calling the dogs in, I sprint back up

second or so

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

The car’s going to be wet and stinking

beguiling warmth of the bar, fling open the door and

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

It’s Ben, sitting at the bar, himself nursing a

I say to the

dropping a few coins

cup, warming my fingers, but

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

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

clean pullover in the car. Back in a jiffy….” He strides out, car keys jangling,

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

stranger, but I’m in no position to argue. My jeans are

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

bar. He eyes me, mouth puckering. “Not exactly

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 home

back to me, perhaps when we meet up for a meal?” He cocks an eyebrow at

my coffee,

wants a date

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

not interested, that’s fine. I didn’t mean to offend you.” He