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 a melee of joyous,

surf is much stronger today, the sea roiling, forbidding under the threatening sky.

onto the sand, I realise that I have walked much further 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 downpour is heading my way fast.

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

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 with

for the warmth of the beach bar, I recoil at the ‘No Dogs’ sign on

be wet and stinking for the drive back

violently now, I sprint once more to the beguiling warmth of the bar, fling open the door and

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

“Or hot chocolate perhaps?” It’s

I say

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

the cup, warming my fingers, but still shivering. My clothes

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 you have

was bright sunshine when I

the car. Back in a jiffy….” He strides out, car keys jangling, returning a minute or so later, his hair

that on you. There’s a bathroom out at the back to

in no position to argue. My jeans are still sopping, but with the warm jersey, at least my top half is

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

the bar. He eyes me, mouth puckering. “Not exactly a fashion statement, is

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

handed it back to me, perhaps when we meet up for a meal?” He

sip my coffee,

wants a

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

fine. I didn’t mean to offend you.” He looks