Choosing Her Lover

*****

‘An Illusion of Happiness’

A Tale of BDSM Erotic Romance

And the Meeting of Strangers

Part Two

An Illusion of Happiness

As I stroll across the sands, a familiar figure jogs towards me, a small dog trotting alongside; a terrier that looks as though it has been assembled from a junkyard of other dogs.

As the runner approaches, he angles my way. Drawing close, he pulls to a stop, huffing.

“Hi, Kirstie,” he says, “I was hoping I’d run into you. How are you?”

His face is severe. Ben is not an unhandsome man, but his natural expression is unsmiling, which detracts from his looks, making him appear austere, perhaps even puritanical.

And is that just an appearance….? Or is that really the man?

“Hi, Ben. I’m good. You?”

“Yeah, I’m great. Mind if we join you for a bit?”

“We?”

He nods down toward his dog. “Scruffy wants to make friends….”

True enough, Scruffy is making moves on my Meg, who rumbling low, curls up a lip, unimpressed by this rag-tag terrier.

“…. and he’s not the only one.”

“I’d love you and Scruffy to join us. I was about to have some coffee actually.” I hold up my flask. “Want a cup?”

“Great idea.”

Sitting on the dune, close to each other, we sip coffee. The wind blowing into our faces sends my hair streaming over my shoulders. It feels very comfortable, very natural.

sits, staring out to sea, not speaking. Then he turns to me. “Can I

reply, simply swaying in towards him. He leans to me, finishing the movement, tilting his head

sweet and warm and affectionate. He tastes of sunshine and fresh air, strawberries, and vanilla. His hand cupping my cheek, his touch is soft, his mouth pressed to mine in a gentle, almost

eyes, then he leans into me once more, but this time, his mouth opens over mine, and he pulls me in tightly

out to sea. “I wanted to do that the other

know what to say to him. It’s a long time since anyone kissed me in

excuse to break away. “Emma! Will you put that down….” Emma drops the semi-rotted fish she is holding, letting it fall to the sand. Archie immediately seizes the initiative

God knows I don’t want the car to smell of that on the way home.

start to roll too, competing for the stinking thing, then Scruffy joins

up. “Scruffy.

as far out into the waves as Ben’s long-armed throw can manage, and persuaded the dogs to play in the water long enough to get rid of the worst of the smell, we are both hot,

towards the bar further along the

he replies, with the kind of smile that suggests that ice cream is just an excuse for hanging

as he smiles, his face transforms. He

change in my pocket.

not sure. What have

a bitter chocolate and

a bit powerful for me.”

Of course you will….

but I think

You want something you’re

But…. You’re nice….

‘nice’ what I

eating cornets, licking

“For a living, I mean? If you don’t mind

chef. I know it’s one of those dream jobs for a lot of people, but I hated it. I’m starting a new job in a

“Something different?”

one of the

a change.

the one that went up so quickly after the old headquarters got burned

“My sister-in-law works there.

front desk, so I’ll be seeing people all the time. And the company

“Yeah, the sis said something about that too. She’s going

Well, maybe I’ll