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.

up the car to let my gang bound out in a melee of joyous, barking enthusiasm, racing off ahead of me to

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

over the sea a

sprint back up the beach, racing for cover. The dogs, in

the cafe, I hear the splatter of raindrops behind me, and a second or so later, the whoosh

I am drenched, and the wind picking 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

car’s going to be wet and stinking

warmth of the

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

perhaps?” It’s Ben,

I say to the

Ben, dropping a few coins on the

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

than you.” He looks at me, brow furrowed.

my head. “It was bright sunshine when I left home.

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

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

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

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

He eyes me, mouth puckering. “Not exactly a

you one.” I say, pushing the sleeves up past my wrists, trying to free my hands to pick up my coffee

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

my

a

An actual date?

It’s been a while….

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