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, barking enthusiasm, racing off ahead of me

is much stronger today, the sea roiling, forbidding under the threatening

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 to shelter quickly, I’m going to

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

or so later, the whoosh of water hammering on to the sand, before it catches up with me, battering through my thin

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

wet and

the bar, fling open

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

says a familiar voice. “Or hot chocolate perhaps?” It’s Ben, sitting at

I say

a few coins on

my fingers, but still shivering. My clothes are clammy with

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

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

jiffy….” He strides out, car keys jangling,

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

bit odd, accepting 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

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

bar. He eyes me, mouth

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….

to me, perhaps when we

my coffee,

wants a

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

I didn’t mean to offend you.” He looks down, then away, out of the window at the