(I would like to say a very special thank you to longonenow2004 for his wonderful feedback and encouragement).
The art gallery was tucked away down a bumpy track and I winced as the wheels of my hire car hit yet another pot-hole, the suspension groaning in complaint. Idly wondering whether I was covered for intentional damage, I eventually pulled up next to the sleekest black Audi I had ever seen, my little Ford appearing small and scruffy in comparison.
The art gallery in the countryside of northern Mallorca had been recommended by a friend and I was on the look-out for a painting or sculpture to take home. My job as a wine journalist meant I was staying on the island for two months to write about the great wines emerging from some of the vineyards and I had rented a tiny villa in the north of the island for peace and quiet.
But staying on the island had another advantage because my 20 year marriage was at an end and it was only the thought of being somewhere so beautiful and peaceful that had kept me from dropping into the depths of despair. My house was being sold and my husband had found someone else to love. Perhaps it was time for me to do the same.
Locking the car I made my way out of the intense midday heat and into the cool of the art gallery. The walls inside were white and showed off the paintings to full effect, most of which were local scenes, full of colour and light, the rugged mountains and cliffs of the region accurately depicted in watercolour and oils.
Wandering around and admiring the artwork, I didn't see the man enter the room and stand close to me as I gazed at a view of the Tramuntana mountains.
"Beautiful, aren't they?" he murmured as I jumped in surprise. His voice was deep and smooth with an English accent and I turned to face him. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you jump. This is my favourite painting. We seem to share the same taste."
I nodded in agreement as I smelt the faint tang of his aftershave, his presence next to me making my heart beat a little faster. "I love the colours," I replied, almost kicking myself for not being able to find anything more interesting to say.
"This is a local artist, a friend of mine. She lives for her work and she's very passionate."
"I can see that. She has a lot of talent."
"Oh yes, the passion she has is clear and she normally shows in Palma, but as a gesture of friendship..." he tailed off and looked at me intently.
He was taller than me with dark brown eyes and I felt myself melt. His short dark hair was the colour of chocolate and I suddenly had an insane desire to run my fingers through it. How long had it been since I felt like that about another man?
We stared at each other and I could feel that old familiar desire stir within me. "Er, how much is the painting?" I asked trying to dispel the feeling that surrounded us.
He laughed and took my arm. "Let's have a look at a few more shall we? I hate talking about money!"
We moved to the far side of the room where a small oil painting hung, the colours highlighted by the spotlamps shining from above. "This is a painting of Valldemossa, where George Sand and her lover the musician Chopin stayed. Do you know the story?"
I nodded, my eyes taking in the beautiful colours and the intense light. "It's great there, I love it, but it can be a hell of a place at this time of year. Tourists everywhere. But in the evening when they've all gone, the village takes on another persona and returns to how it should be."
"I'm looking for a painting for my new house," I murmured, wondering if I could tell this man what was happening in my life. "New house, new beginning."
"Well maybe I can help you find what you are looking for. My name is Mark by the way. I own this place."
I looked back at the painting and smiled. "I love everything here, you're so lucky to have this."
Mark laughed again but I could sense a bitterness behind his smile. "Funnily enough, it was started by my wife. It was her idea and we used to live in the villa next door. But sadly she found other interests and I now run it with the help of my brother. I have another business in Palma which keeps me busy. Glad I was here today though!"
I blushed at his words and moved away to examine a stone sculpture of a man and woman entwined, their mouths meeting in a kiss. I thought back to my own marriage, how happy we had been, but that happiness now replaced with spite and mistrust.
The sadness on my face must have showed as Mark came over and picked up the sculpture. "You've got good taste. Will you tell me your name?"
I smiled. "Of course! I'm Jane, but friends call me Janie."
Mark laughed and I could feel myself relax as the warmth and humour was reflected in his eyes. "Well, Jane, let's hope one day I can call you Janie. What do you think? Perhaps I can take you to lunch as a thank you for visiting me today?"
I hesitated. A week had gone by already and I had not written a single word on wine. After my visit to the art gallery I had decided to drive to the town of Binissalem to try and arrange a vineyard tour. The deadline for my article was getting closer and now I was on my own, I needed every penny I could earn.
"I see you're not sure, but don't worry. I know an excellent restaurant nearby. We can take our own cars so you won't be alone with me."
I smiled. "I'm not worried about being alone with you!. It's just that I have work to do and I should really be doing that."
"Ah Jane, everything here stops soon and only the restaurants will be open. It's siesta time and perfect for a long lunch somewhere cool, where the food is delicious."
The thought was so tempting. I felt such a strong attraction for this man and a long lunch was perfect for getting to know him better. I could feel the attraction between us immediately and felt I deserved some relaxation after months of bitter turmoil.
"Ok," I said, smiling up at him as he grinned at me. "But you must let me pay my way."
"Oh no way!. This is my treat. Here in Mallorca we treat our women correctly and I wouldn't dream of making you pay for lunch."
After Mark locked the gallery, I followed him in his Audi back along the rutted track and out onto the main road. I was glad I had dressed for the heat of the Mallorcan July by choosing a short dress that fitted my curvy figue to perfection and strappy sandals that showed off feet just beginning to turn brown.
I had noticed Mark glancing at my legs as I got into my car and again felt that familiar stirring as I imagined making love to him, his strong brown hands stroking my full breasts and exploring my damp pussy which had been neglected for longer than I could remember.
Now, following him along the road I could see him glance into his rear-view mirror and I shivered with anticipation. Where would this lead?
The restaurant Mark had chosen was small and had views over the mountains. Tables and chairs shaded by umbrellas surrounded a small fountain which gave out a soothing sound while soft music played in the background. As we settled into our seats I glanced at him again. Probably late-forties with a smattering of grey in that dark brown hair, his face was one of intelligence and warmth. Dressed casually in jeans and a tee-shirt he certainly didn't look like a gallery owner and I I wondered what had happened between him and his wife. Had he taken a lover since the break-up of his marriage? Would this carefree lunch end in more heartache for me? I already knew that I wanted more of the man sitting opposite me and most of all I wanted us to make love, wanted to feel him inside me and crying out my name as we came together.
"What are you thinking, Jane?" he asked as he took the menu from a waiter. "You have such a wistful look on your face."
I blushed and looked down at the menu. "Oh nothing," I stammered, feeling foolish. He was probably only taking me out to lunch so I would buy an expensive painting and the thought made me cringe inside. Had he done this before with other potential customers?
The waiter appeared again and placed a small bowl of stuffed olives on the table accompanied by a creamy mayonnaise dip and crusty bread. A glass of dry white wine also appeared and I smelt the fresh aroma, before taking a sip.
"You look as if you know what you're doing," Mark said raising his glass as well. "What do you do for a living?"
"I'm a wine journalist," I answered and took another sip. "I'm here to write about Mallorca's wines, how they have improved recently. I'm hoping more will be exported."
Mark raised his glass. "This is a Chardonnay, from a vineyard near here. Have you visited? I know the owner well. I don't know a lot about wines but Enrico would be glad to tell you his vines and his family."
The conversation flowed easily between us and I relaxed, enjoying his attention, his eyes looking deep into mine. It had been so long since I felt this with another man as I had married my husband at 18 and had been a virgin. Although nervous of being single again I looked forward to experiencing sex with another man and Mark looked every inch the experienced and thoughtful lover I so badly needed.
"Here, Jane, try one of these." Mark picked up a plump juicy olive and held it out to me. "Taste how delicious it is." I opened my mouth and he placed it inside in such an erotic gesture that I felt my insides twist in desire. The longing was getting worse now and I couldn't believe how strongly I felt for this man who I had just met.
"Mmmmm, that's delicious." I murmured as Mark picked up another and held it to my lips.