The Mystery Man

I opened my art exhibition at the gallery in Aroeira and gave the visitors a glass of my ART wine. The event lasted all afternoon. People seemed impressed: the drinks were flowing, the music was alive and the chatter was loud. I knew it was going to be a long but very successful day that finished in the evening.

Just before closing, a man steps inside. When I gave him the glass of wine, he spoke to me and said. ‘Your red lips are beautiful’ and look in my eyes.

He walked away and I was surprised by his words. Never a man spoke to me in this way. Who was he? I haven't seen him before. I like to go behind him and ask, who are you?

As always, we have opportunities and we take it or not.

It was closing time and I needed to finish and pack my things together. On my way to the door, I couldn’t stop thinking about him. I ask the last visitors if they knew him and if they could tell me something about him. Nobody saw him before and they didn't know anything.

When I stayed in my car, he passed and smiled at me and drove away in the darkness. I was sad since I didn't follow him when I had my chances and start a conversation. Now I had nothing but the memory that I had beautiful red lips.

On my way home, I decided to start to find who this mystery man is.

The next morning I called my friend Isabel, the gallery owner, and asked if she knew that man. I described him and asked if she had photos from the opening. Yes, she had pictures but not from the entire exhibition. How could I find him like that? However, my description of the man was clear enough that she thought she knew who he could be.

She believed he had come from the Netherlands and had been living in Portugal for a few months. He has been trying to build up a business with golf holidays in the area of Lisbon. My friend told me to find him at the golf club Aroeira. She heard that he become a member of the club.

So, I decided that my next step was to have lunch at the club. I wouldn’t say I liked to go alone, so I invited my friend Maria. She is also an artist and we know each other very well. Maria is a strong woman who has a good vision of the world and people as well. She is a positive person with a good perspective of life. I trust her advice and I enjoy her company.

There was a good atmosphere on the terrace. The bright sunshine and soft music in the background turned it into a lovely afternoon. We decided to enjoy ourselves with a bottle of white wine and some fish. The time being, golfers passed our table but not the man that I was looking for.

I told Maria the real reason why we were there and she chuckled. “Who is this Mystery Man?” she said, winking at me and we went on with our conversation. In the meantime, we enjoy our fish and wine on this sunny day.

I was enjoying seeing the golfers playing on the last hole in front of the terrace. I didn't think that golf could be so exciting and fun to watch. All players shook hands after the game and went to the clubhouse to have food and drinks. They were very enthusiastic about the game, drinking their beers and having a good moment between them.

The mystery man didn’t show up and I needed to ask the club manager if he knew the person from the Netherlands. They knew him and he was sure he would be playing in the tournament next Sunday. My friend told me immediately that we needed to go to see the match. The manager informed us that most players would come to the clubhouse to celebrate the results after the game.

The following Sunday, we arrived at the clubhouse and it was another glorious sunny day! We walked to the restaurant and saw already golfers on the terrace, but the tournament was still going on. We took a seat at a table, a little bit behind, but with a view at hole 18. The mystery man was playing today and was in the last group of the tournament. In one hour, I would meet him again.

Yes, my lips were red and with the touch of my lipstick, I felt his lips on mine. I dream away with feelings of holiday on a boat with the calm wind in the sails. My dress was tight around my body with a plunging neckline. My black nylon stockings fit around my legs and stand on my stiletto pumps. I was dressed to impress. A sexy woman with red lips.

At this moment, it was tea time. We ordered two glasses of rose with some small finger food. Through our sunglasses, we could see that the golfers were surprised by our visit. Maybe they like how we are dressed today with our jewellery. It was nice to recognize that we dressed well and also looked sexy.

The last group played now the final hole of the tournament. We saw a few balls on the fairway. A lot of golfers at the terrace went to walk to see everything closer. I saw my man. He walked there and arrived at his golf ball. He stayed there and looked around to measure his distance to the flag. He took his golf club out of his bag and made an exercise swing. He walked behind his ball to determine the flight, took his stance and hit his ball with a flight that stopped 2 meters from the flag on the green. The people give him applause for this beautiful shot.

The last group finished the game and walked to the clubhouse. Would he recognize me and shall he say something to me? The uncertainty gets a bit of a hold on me. I was nervous about this meeting. My girlfriend noticed and smiled at me. ‘Please take a quick sip of the wine’; she encouraged me. He walked into the restaurant through the terrace to report his result of the match. He passed our table and stopped.

He was smiling at us. He held out his hand and I put my hand in his. He brought the back of my hand to his lips and just before they can touch his lips, he kissed but did not touch my skin. He apologized that he has to bring his scorecard inside the restaurant and drink first with the group of players before he comes back to us.

When he left, my girlfriend looked happy for me. She told me he is attractive and charming. She was interested in him also. We drank our rosé wine and waited for him to come back to us. I looked over my shoulder and caught his eyes on me.

I looked away and giggled like a schoolgirl. A smile appeared on my face. At that moment I saw my girlfriend looking up and I looked back and there he was suddenly behind me. Had he discovered my smile? He walked around the table and reached out to my friend, who put her hand in his and the ritual repeated itself.

He apologized for not being able to introduce himself due to the rush immediately. He was happy to see us again and asked if he could join us. At our welcoming gesture, he took the chair and as he sat down in his chair, he leaned forward and told me that my lips were just as beautiful red as the last time. I blushed and it struck my heart.

He had touched me only by showing his awareness. Of course, his fitness, bronzed skin and blue eyes were also beautiful to look at. Now it was time to find out more about who exactly this mysterious man is.

The mystery man image

The award ceremony

We had a pleasant conversation about his round of golf, the ups and downs but overall a good game. He asked me how I found him again; he was curious about it. I couldn’t tell him I already asked about him last week. I was consciously here today to meet him. No, it had to be something else.

I told him it was a coincidence. My girlfriend’s visit meant that we wanted to have lunch and she suggested doing this at the golf clubhouse. We were surprised that they were running a tournament, but we enjoy the atmosphere and like to stay.

He was charming and told me that my art was creative. He likes to see the colours because it tells him that the artist is happy and positive in life. ‘Why do you think this way?’ Filipa asked. He said that a long time ago, he saw in a TV program that children from war zones made their black and white drawings because of their past traumas. ‘That’s new for me,’ I said

I introduced my girlfriend and told him she is also an artist. They shook hands and she blushed at this touch. He asks which kind of art she created. She looked at him and giggeld. Maria answered that her passion in art was to create colourful abstract and vibrant paintings.

She starts from her vision in her mind and goes from there. When she wakes up, she has her breakfast outside in the garden. The warm sunshine on her skin, the taste of the food and fruit gave her so much inspiration to spend the whole day in her atelier. He told her that it’s sound like good foreplay and after sex on the white linen.

She was happy with his attention because she recognised that he had expressed his words with a sense of experience. A man who had listened to her and translated it nicely the way he felt it. All innocence and sincerity.

There a bell rang; the organisation wanted to start with the results of the tournament. A few people were in the spotlight and prizes were given. There were two competitions. One was the handicap with the playing strength and the other without it. The handicap competition awarded with much applause. There was the moment: who had been the best golfer during the tournament?

The name called was Jerome. I couldn’t hear his family name because of the applause. The mystery man at our table stepped forward and received the prize and champagne. They asked him if he wanted to say a few words. He took the microphone and started to thank the organisers and sponsors.

‘I am happy with the game today and delighted that so many people are present to play this fantastic sport. I like to thank all the sponsors and the organisation! I hoped to meet everyone again at the next tournament. I wish everyone happiness and health’. People cheered him on as he walked back to our table with his prizes.

We kissed him at the table. He put his rewards on the table. It was a beautifully painted plate of the city of Lisbon. After he was back in his chair, we saw my red lipstick on his cheeks. I was very proud of his result. Maria saw it too and laughed at my clumsiness. Should I tell him or let him wait and enjoy it! My mischief won and I enjoyed it for a while. Maria winked at me and Jerome noticed that.

He asked us if we were having a good time and if we enjoyed the ambience. Maria said that the whole experience was quite inspiring. It was gorgeous to recognise. He suggested we have a drink on this beautiful sunny day where we got to know each other. He passed the order to the waiter and not shortly afterwards; it was on the table. We clink glasses and cheered to friendship.

After a sip of my wine, I couldn’t resist and told him about the lipstick on his face. I took an ice cube and a napkin, leaned over and looked into his eyes. With the ice cube, I went to his cheek and saw that he looked into my cleavage. After wiping the lipstick away, I tapped his nose with my finger and returned to my chair.

He looked at me mischievously but managed to turn the conversation. Had I seen clear that he find me attractive, or was it me that want his love? We asked him how long he had been living in Portugal. He pondered it for a second, ‘I came to Portugal in January and since then, I have been on a journey of discovering new cities, regions and people. I get to know the country and its culture. I have visited and lived in many countries, but I dare to say that Portugal is the best country I have lived in so far. ‘What do you think of your country’ he asked us.

Maria said what I was thinking and that we are very proud of our country. ‘We enjoy a good life here with all the trimmings. The people here take good care of each other and the family ties are very close. The food is always a celebration of the day. The sun gives smiles, even in the difficult times that Portugal has gone through.’

He had already received that experience from the country and the population. He thought it is a beautiful country where he thinks the Portuguese themselves do not know they live in paradise. I looked at him and asked, ‘Is there anything that you like to change?’ ‘I just failed to understand that the Social government made gasoline prices so expensive. I realise that the tax must levy to make investments again, but the average salary and gasoline cost ratio is out of balance.

‘How is your life, are you married and do you have children?’ He asked us. Maria told him she was married and had two daughters. I told him that I was also married and had a son with my second husband.

‘Are you married and do you have children?’ No, I am not married and have no children. A nomad has no time for that was his answer’. He took the last sip of his wine and apologised for leaving us.

Time had flown by and he had somewhere to be. I couldn’t help but ask if he was on his way to see his girlfriend. ‘No, but you don’t work for the police, I hope,’ was his humorous answer. I smiled at him and said I enjoyed the conversation.

‘Hopefully, we will see you again and can continue the conversation,’ I said. Jerome smiled and said, ‘It will be my pleasure.’ He paid the bill, took his prizes and nodded goodbye. When he walked away, I checked to see if he would turn around. He didn’t.

Then I wondered: How would we meet again? We have not made an appointment; we have not exchanged phone numbers. How do we meet each other now? Maria looked at me and knew what uncertainty was running through my mind.

Maria said that everything would be fine. We had a wonderful afternoon with a good lunch and a good conversation. ‘He had a great time too and he is today’s winner. Your cleavage has awakened him and is looking for you; pay attention!’ ‘Well, I hope you are right because I want to know more about this man.’

The mystery man image

The lunchroom

Three weeks passed and my term at the gallery was over. I had to pick up the paintings. It had been a successful period and the gallery owner Isabel was thrilled with the results. After loading the art pieces, we went for lunch together to celebrate. We happily entered the lunchroom Golf Aqua, a nice quiet restaurant around the corner. Isabel was a regular and they greeted us with glee. We were sat by one of the big windows and immediately offered a menu. I ordered a goat cheese salad with honey and Isabel took the waiter’s suggestion of smoked salmon with tagliatelle. We ordered a light dry white wine and reminisced about the sales in the previous week.

Isabel told me that the sales were impressive and she wanted me back next season. ‘Of course, I would love that!’ The exhibition also gave me some extra money that I could use to buy new things for my work. Extra money is always nice to live a comfortable life; she thought. We enjoyed our wine as the food arrived at our table. Everything looked and tasted delicious.

Wow, it was great to taste the goat cheese and the walnut crumb with honey on my tongue. What a pleasure it is to be able to taste it. The sensation swept through my body and I took a sip of the white wine to regain my senses.

Isabel kept talking business, but all I could focus on was the fantastic food in front of me. She stopped and asked me if I agreed with her points. ‘ Sure, of course, I do’, I replied, not really knowing what I was agreeing to. She looked at me and smiled. ‘ I never asked...what happened with that man you were after?’ I choked slightly and tried to play it off. I told her about the tournament and how exciting it was ‘ But I don’t know, I don’t think he is the type of man you see more than a couple of times in your life...if that makes any sense?’ Isabel sipped her drink and nodded in agreement.

Did you know that he has been in my gallery and bought something from your art? ‘Oh yes?, I said, utterly amazed. ‘Yes, I thought the abstract one, number 25, if I’m not mistaken.’ Isabel took a bit of her salmon. He saw it as a good investment and wanted to know more about the artist. ‘What you told him about me?,’ Filipa asked curiously. ‘Not so much more, but I told him; I am sure you will meet her again so you could ask her yourself.’

I pretended that it didn’t faze me, but it was a nice boost for me. The idea that he had something of mine in his house made me feel...well powerful. Every time he would look at the painting, he would think of me. Or, at least, I hoped so. As I took my last bite, a group of happy and loud men walked into the restaurant. Jerome walked in last. Isabel waved at him and he made his way towards our table.

‘Ladies, how are you?’ Isabel told him about the sales and salmon. Everything was great. ‘How are you enjoying your new painting Jerome?’ He looks at me and gives me a cheeky smile. ‘ Very much so. I’ve found the perfect spot for it, looks great’ ‘Can I ask where?’ He looked at me and took a second before replying ‘above my bed.’ I nodded, not really knowing what to say. He knew what he was doing and I didn’t want him to see it was working. ‘Well, it was great seeing you both’ Isabel got up to kiss him goodbye and I did as well. As he got close to me, he asked me in a low voice, ‘ no red lips today?’ ‘ Only for special occasions.’

‘Well, let’s plan one. Can I have your card?’ I grabbed my wallet and gave him one. ‘ I’ll call you, Filipa.’ I nodded and said it needs to be tomorrow at noon. He walked back to his group and friends. Isabel and I watched him leave.

Isabel looked at me, slightly shocked at the interaction she just witnessed ‘What was that?’ I shrugged. ‘Nothing?’ My lie didn’t even convince me. ‘That was not anything. That was a man trying to seduce a married woman, and by the looks of it...she rather enjoyed it’ She was right.

But I would never tell her that. ‘ It’s all very innocent, don’t worry’ ‘Just watch out, Filipa. Don’t ruin your marriage’ I sipped my wine. I knew she was right, but it was stronger than me. It was stronger than anything I’ve ever felt. I had to learn more about him. And if that meant a bit of danger...well, so be it.

Isabel and I started talking about other things and had a lot of fun for the rest of the lunch. When I left the lunchroom, I looked at Jerome and said goodbye to him and his friends.

The first appointment

The next day he would call me and we would make an appointment for another meeting. Last night I had already dreamed about being together with him; I was sure that this dream could not become a fraud. Was I falling in love with him, or was it just curiosity? I couldn't give a clear answer to that. I thought about Isabel's words to be careful. She was right about that, but this time I wanted to be a little naughty. If he called me, I certainly intended to continue. Of course, I can stop later if it gets too hot for me.

I skipped breakfast because, at the moment, I can't get a bite through my throat. I went to my studio with a coffee to put the things I had picked up yesterday back in place. It was a beautiful sunny day and I opened the windows.

The sun's rays reached my studio and I heard the birds chirping early in the morning. I pushed my chair in front of the window and placed my coffee on the side table. My schedule was also ready and I took a seat in the chair. Now nothing could happen to me and I took a sip of my steaming coffee.

'What would it be like if he called? Where would we meet?' Maybe at his home or somewhere on a terrace at the beach. I closed my eyes and I feel the sunshine on my skin. I unbuttoned my blouse so I could feel the warmth of the sun as if it were his body pressing against me. I couldn't resist touching my body; he was driving me crazy. It was his hand that feel my erotic parts of my body! My fantasy took hold of me and brought me to higher spheres. Wow, this was an incredible pleasure! It was all my imagination. I opened my eyes again and looked very blissfully in the garden. Take my cup and finished my coffee. I buttoned my blouse correctly again and started my work. My energy level got a boost from the whole situation.

No doubt I cleaned up and picked up brushes to sketch for my next creation.The ideas flew easily on paper and I had fun. Would I create something of what I am experiencing now? On the one hand, the fantasy of just being delicious, but I heard Isabel say Watch Out again. No, I left it at this and went to get another coffee.

My cat at home walked up to me and stroked my leg with her head. She was affectionate from birth whenever it suited her. I picked her up and stroked her. She accepted and I enjoyed her pleasure to be caressed. So we said good morning to each other.

The coffee poured into my cup and I put my cat back on the floor. I took my second cup of coffee and checked the clock. It was almost noon; he will call later. I sat back in my seat by the window and waited. There the phone rang, I didn't know his number, but he was punctual. I answered the phone and it was him. Hi Jerome, it's me, Filipa.

He immediately said it was finally time to have a good conversation together. I told him the pleasure was all mine and looked forward too. He asked my preference, a quiet place or somewhere with several people. I answered wherever he wanted to be with me and it made him a little shy. It was silent for a while on the other side. I could guess where he wanted to be with me, but I had to keep this to myself.

'How about a place by the water in a port near Lisbon. Does that suit you?' he asked me. ‘That is undoubtedly good. Where exactly do I have to be?’ I asked him. ‘You must be in Doca de Belem; you know where to find it?’ ‘Of course, I know this place’. ‘That's close to Jeronimos Monastery, right?’ ‘ He said precisely, as did my first name Jerome.’

‘Which day is convenient for you?’ he asked. I'll check my calendar. Which day should I choose, I thought. Tomorrow would be too much and I also wanted to spend the weekend with my husband. It must be next week. ‘How about next Tuesday?’ ‘That would be perfect’, he said. ‘So that will be yours’, I answered.

Then he would expect me at the parking lot at 1.30 pm at the monastery on the side of the harbour. ‘I look forward to seeing you next Tuesday’. ‘That sounds good’, I said; ‘see you next week Jerome’. ‘Goodbye Filipa, see you next week and good luck this week’.

Gosh, it was only Wednesday; I have to wait a whole week. I already regretted not having planned it this week. Finally, I was going to have a moment alone with him and a week in between might be better if I let Isabel's words run through my mind.

Watch out, Filipa!

The mystery man image

Belem Harbor

I opened my eyes: It was the day I was meeting him. I laid in bed, contemplating the idea and the more I thought about it, the more the smile on my face became undeniable. My thoughts felt so good that I kept dreaming in my bed for a while. The cat came into my bedroom and jumped on the bed. She came so close that I could caress her. The cat greeted our good morning ritual with a grunting sound of pleasure. I also wanted to be touched by Jerome this afternoon and then snuggle up close to him.

My cat became vigilant about the birds outside the window and she crawled over to the windowsill to startle them. My voice corrected her to leave that, but unfortunately, it was not strict enough. She jumped on the windowsill and the birds flew away and this had fully awakened me. I left my bed and went to the bathroom to take a nice hot shower and then down in my dressing gown to have breakfast. I had wrapped my hair in a towel and tied it up so that I didn't waste time and could have my first coffee.

I looked at the kitchen table and saw the newspaper with a note. Good morning my love and good luck today. That was sweet of him, I smiled and a wave of guilt came over me. He didn't know about my appointment, but I told him it was a business meeting with lunch. This wasn't exactly a lie because he bought a painting of me and was interested in my art...Right?

During my breakfast, my mobile phone rang and I saw Isabel calling me. I took a deep breath and answered. 'Hello Isabel, how are you’? She said it was fine. 'I am excited about our appointment this afternoon’. ‘Our appointment this afternoon’? I reply. ‘Yes, at lunch last week, I asked you to get back together on Tuesday afternoon to put you in touch with a colleague of mine from Porto. This man would like to meet you and he came to Lisbon, especially for you. He finds your work very interesting and would like to exhibit your work in Porto. So that's why I'm calling you now to agree where we can meet.'

My eyes closed hard and I rubbed my forehead in frustration. Oh my god, what's going on now? What am I going to do? Of course, I had not understood the question because my mind was so far away. 'Isabel, I hate to ask, but do you think there's any way to move the meeting to tonight?' Isabel was slightly agitated; 'Filipa, he is leaving tonight and it's far from ideal to change this last minute'. ‘Okay, I understand the situation Isabel, can I call you back to answer this.’ ‘Take your time’, she said,’ but I do expect a time for this to continue this afternoon’.

She was right. I had confirmed that I was okay, although I had not understood what she was asking me. It was also an essential appointment for my work and Porto is not next door either. How could I solve this because I also wanted to continue my lunch with Jerome? I was almost waiting for a whole week for this appointment. It had to stick to lunch and I had to make an appointment somewhere nearby at 4 pm to spend as much time with Jerome as possible.

I called back to Isabel to say it would be best for me to meet at 4 pm. We could meet at Pastéis de Belém so that I didn't have to travel far from where I already parked. She was satisfied and was looking forward to our meeting.
I will confess that this had upset me a bit as I was expecting a wonderfully relaxed afternoon with Jerome. Now it will be only a few hours, but it was the best solution.

After breakfast, I walked back to my bedroom to make myself chic for the afternoon. I took out my high heels again and started wearing them with beautiful nylon stockings with a stripe at the back. My dress was tight around my body also and my bosoms were clearly visible behind the delicate fabric. Using the appropriate earrings and necklace, I could see that my red lipstick beautifully accentuated my lips. After spraying the perfume, I was ready to go.

My car pulled into the parking lot by the Mosteiro do Jerónimos and I saw him waiting for me. I parked the car and he opened the door and reached out. I gave him my hand as I got out and we kissed each other on the cheek. 'It's so nice to see you.’ ‘You look beautiful. I am happy to welcome you today on my boat. My boat is here in the harbour and we will have our lunch there.'

‘What a surprise’ I said, ‘but I have to tell you I have a business meeting near here at 4 pm’. ‘Then we have enough time to enjoy our lunch in peace’, he said like a true gentleman. He gave me his arm and we walked through a tunnel under the road to the harbour. I was delighted to spend lunch on his boat.

As we walked down the stairs, I thought about the idea that he might be able to hug me and touch my mouth with his lips. Unfortunately, I was able to delete this again because there was an old man in the middle of this dark but well-lit tunnel playing the accordion. When we passed this street musician, I saw that his hat on the ground was not yet richly filled. We had come up again and it was not a long walk to his boat.

There were all larger sailing yachts in the harbour here. I looked around the port; what a gorgeous place and so close to the Padrão dos Descobrimentos. He took me to his boat but went up first to help me. I had to be careful with my high heels and tight dress, but Jerome was gallant as he is the saving angel. When boarding, there was not much space and stood right against him and we looked at each other in the eyes. I felt his body against mine, and it seemed endless before we moved on to a more spacious area where he had laid thick cushions on the benches.

We both got smiles on our faces and he asked me if I would like to have a drink. He had a white dry wine cold. When filling the glasses, I saw that he had already prepared everything. He asked if I was hungry. ‘Yes,’ I answered, ‘but I am curious about your boat’. ‘Would you like a small tour later?’, he asked me. ‘Yes’, I nodded, ‘but it won't be easy on these shoes, I said.' ‘Just pull them off so that it is a bit more pleasant on the boat.'

We first took lunch, an excellent lobster with samphire and a Hollandaise sauce. It was delicious and we had a good conversation about my art and travels. I also told him I would later have a conversation with a gallery owner from Porto. He asked me all kinds of things, but I wanted to ask him who he was and how he got here. After a while, I got this chance and asked him, 'How did you get here in Portugal?'

'I returned to the Netherlands after many wanderings, but I didn't feel at home there. Friends of mine had visited Lisbon before the summer and were very enthusiastic; I thought I also would like to visit the city. It also helped that an ex-girlfriend had just moved here and I was able to see her, what I did. Shortly after, I repeated the experience and it felt good to go to Portugal’.

‘Life here is as I like it with the many hours of sunshine on top. The people are friendly and willing to help you with anything. I missed that in the Netherlands and the climate is usually wet, just like in Great Britain.' 'What are you going to do here?' 'I had already learned from my stay in Tunisia that you need to have to do something because otherwise, freedom will quickly get boring.’

‘I try to build a life with a travel agency of golf trips with golf lessons. I did this job for a longer time for a Dutch travel agency. I know I could do this better myself from Lisbon. Everyone goes to the Algarve to play golf, while here in this area you could play beautiful courses combined with Lisbon's beautiful city.’

‘I really believe that success here lies in combination with culture and the Algarve cannot offer that. The temperature is only slightly lower and so this is the place to be for playing golf. At the moment, I am building up my business and I know I'll have to wait a few years before I can live off it.' When I asked if this would not work, he said with a wink, ‘I can always sell my boat’.

Time flew and I had to keep an eye on the time for my next appointment. I took the final sip of my wine and looked at him, 'Aren't you going to show me around?' ‘Please take off your shoes and put them on the couch for a while’. When he got up, he immediately became a lot bigger for me and when descending a narrow staircase, he assisted me. I felt his hands on my hips. When putting my feet down on the bottom, I noticed that his hands were still around my waist. I looked back and gave him a smile as a thank you.

We were in the cabin that was also the living area. The drawing board with the sea maps were placed in a corner with the VHF within reach. When walking to the boat's point, we passed the toilet area, where the shower was also spacious. Even further, you came to a sleeping area for two people. When walking back to the living room, you could turn the benches and table to make three sleeping places.

Then there was a cooking area with a counter and sink. The refrigerator was there with an oven above it. You walked back through a corridor with cupboards and then you came out in the best bedroom for two people. It was a lovely big sailing yacht and I was impressed. He asked me if I would like to go sailing on the Ocean another time.

I immediately said yes, looking deep into his eyes as I passed him and continued to the living area. He stood behind me and told me to be careful on the stairs because if I walked on my nylon stockings, it could be slippery. My hands took hold of the handrail and I was about to get ready to put my foot on the first step. I suddenly felt his hands around my waist and I sighed at this agitation of his.

I put my right hand on his hand and pressed the back of my body against his. It was a feeling I could no longer suppress. His hand, where my hand was stored, moved towards my breasts and he felt the hard nipple through the fabric of my dress. I pressed his hand a little harder against my sensitive breast and looked at him, thirsty and longing for sex. His other hand touched my other breast and gently massaged it. After going through this for a while, he kissed me on my neck and one hand slid down. The hand squeezed my bottom softly and went forwards along my hip. From there over my leg and slowly moved to my hot crotch.

I turned around and told him, gasping for air, that this was not possible because I was married after all. He kissed my neck again and whispered in my ear that I looked beautiful and irresistible. I looked up and brought my red lips to his and kissed him tenderly. Then I said ‘sorry for putting you in this situation’ and turned and took the stairs.

Upstairs I put my shoes back on and checked my watch. It was 3:30 pm. We looked at each other and said nothing for a moment. Jerome said after a while, he respected my perspective, but I should not regret it. It was a romantic moment he will not forget. Nevertheless, on a future visit, he will abide by the rules so that nothing can go wrong. He doesn't want to hurt anyone. I told him it was my fault to let go of desires that came to my mind. We just had to take a time-out before seeing each other again.

'That means in any case that there will be another time and that makes me happy inside,' he said. I answered with a smile and thought it was a good time to leave the boat. Jerome helped me get off the ship and walked with me to the car. When leaving the site, I asked him not to walk further to my car and that I just wanted to walk a little further myself.

He took my hand and kissed the top and this time, he did touch my skin. I couldn't suppress my smile because I have a weakness for real gentlemen. I thanked Jerome for the delicious lunch on board of his sailing yacht and kissed him on the cheek. I turned around and walked away and when I went down the stairs, he stood there and waved after me. When walking down the stairs, I realized that this man impresses me. He was exciting and I already knew more. Gosh, if I didn't have that next appointment, what would have happened!

The accordion music of the street musician in the tunnel awoke me again and I saw that his hat was still not well filled. As I walked through this dimly lit tunnel, I turned and took out my purse. I gave the man € 10.00 and he gave me a friendly smile so that I could see his less-filled mouth with teeth. He was happy with my donation and suddenly, while I was walking through the tunnel, he played, you are so beautiful to me. At the stairs, I turned to him and waved a smile. Now to Isabel and the man from Porto.

The man from Porto was very enthusiastic and well prepared. Isabel had sent him pictures of my recent artworks. He seriously wanted to make arrangements to use in his gallery for my work next year. We had already agreed upon the percentage he would receive from the sales. We would keep in touch and he would choose the best customers he had at the gallery to show my works. It all looked very promising.

I did have to work to finish some more paintings for next year. He also gave me the information that his clients preferred to see in pictures. I did not want to compromise with that because I like to let my inspiration flow into my creations. Even so, I have taken the information with me and we'll see how it turns out. The man from Porto left the establishment and made his way home. Isabel and I had a few more drinks and I also went home to my dear husband.

Se gostou da leitura por favor goste e compartilhe esta publicação, o seu apoio é muito importante. Obrigado

Illustration - Mylène da Silva | Editor - Culturando | All rights reserved

The Mystery Man

I opened my art exhibition at the gallery in Aroeira and gave the visitors a glass of my ART wine. The event lasted all afternoon. People seemed impressed: the drinks were flowing, the music was alive and the chatter was loud. I knew it was going to be a long but very successful day that finished in the evening.

Just before closing, a man steps inside. When I gave him the glass of wine, he spoke to me and said. ‘Your red lips are beautiful’ and look in my eyes.

He walked away and I was surprised by his words. Never a man spoke to me in this way. Who was he? I haven't seen him before. I like to go behind him and ask, who are you?

As always, we have opportunities and we take it or not.

It was closing time and I needed to finish and pack my things together. On my way to the door, I couldn’t stop thinking about him. I ask the last visitors if they knew him and if they could tell me something about him. Nobody saw him before and they didn't know anything.

When I stayed in my car, he passed and smiled at me and drove away in the darkness. I was sad since I didn't follow him when I had my chances and start a conversation. Now I had nothing but the memory that I had beautiful red lips.

On my way home, I decided to start to find who this mystery man is.

The next morning I called my friend Isabel, the gallery owner, and asked if she knew that man. I described him and asked if she had photos from the opening. Yes, she had pictures but not from the entire exhibition. How could I find him like that? However, my description of the man was clear enough that she thought she knew who he could be.

She believed he had come from the Netherlands and had been living in Portugal for a few months. He has been trying to build up a business with golf holidays in the area of Lisbon. My friend told me to find him at the golf club Aroeira. She heard that he become a member of the club.

So, I decided that my next step was to have lunch at the club. I wouldn’t say I liked to go alone, so I invited my friend Maria. She is also an artist and we know each other very well. Maria is a strong woman who has a good vision of the world and people as well. She is a positive person with a good perspective of life. I trust her advice and I enjoy her company.

There was a good atmosphere on the terrace. The bright sunshine and soft music in the background turned it into a lovely afternoon. We decided to enjoy ourselves with a bottle of white wine and some fish. The time being, golfers passed our table but not the man that I was looking for.

I told Maria the real reason why we were there and she chuckled. “Who is this Mystery Man?” she said, winking at me and we went on with our conversation. In the meantime, we enjoy our fish and wine on this sunny day.

I was enjoying seeing the golfers playing on the last hole in front of the terrace. I didn't think that golf could be so exciting and fun to watch. All players shook hands after the game and went to the clubhouse to have food and drinks. They were very enthusiastic about the game, drinking their beers and having a good moment between them.

The mystery man didn’t show up and I needed to ask the club manager if he knew the person from the Netherlands. They knew him and he was sure he would be playing in the tournament next Sunday. My friend told me immediately that we needed to go to see the match. The manager informed us that most players would come to the clubhouse to celebrate the results after the game.

The following Sunday, we arrived at the clubhouse and it was another glorious sunny day! We walked to the restaurant and saw already golfers on the terrace, but the tournament was still going on. We took a seat at a table, a little bit behind, but with a view at hole 18. The mystery man was playing today and was in the last group of the tournament. In one hour, I would meet him again.

Yes, my lips were red and with the touch of my lipstick, I felt his lips on mine. I dream away with feelings of holiday on a boat with the calm wind in the sails. My dress was tight around my body with a plunging neckline. My black nylon stockings fit around my legs and stand on my stiletto pumps. I was dressed to impress. A sexy woman with red lips.

At this moment, it was tea time. We ordered two glasses of rose with some small finger food. Through our sunglasses, we could see that the golfers were surprised by our visit. Maybe they like how we are dressed today with our jewellery. It was nice to recognize that we dressed well and also looked sexy.

The last group played now the final hole of the tournament. We saw a few balls on the fairway. A lot of golfers at the terrace went to walk to see everything closer. I saw my man. He walked there and arrived at his golf ball. He stayed there and looked around to measure his distance to the flag. He took his golf club out of his bag and made an exercise swing. He walked behind his ball to determine the flight, took his stance and hit his ball with a flight that stopped 2 meters from the flag on the green. The people give him applause for this beautiful shot.

The last group finished the game and walked to the clubhouse. Would he recognize me and shall he say something to me? The uncertainty gets a bit of a hold on me. I was nervous about this meeting. My girlfriend noticed and smiled at me. ‘Please take a quick sip of the wine’; she encouraged me. He walked into the restaurant through the terrace to report his result of the match. He passed our table and stopped.

He was smiling at us. He held out his hand and I put my hand in his. He brought the back of my hand to his lips and just before they can touch his lips, he kissed but did not touch my skin. He apologized that he has to bring his scorecard inside the restaurant and drink first with the group of players before he comes back to us.

When he left, my girlfriend looked happy for me. She told me he is attractive and charming. She was interested in him also. We drank our rosé wine and waited for him to come back to us. I looked over my shoulder and caught his eyes on me.

I looked away and giggled like a schoolgirl. A smile appeared on my face. At that moment I saw my girlfriend looking up and I looked back and there he was suddenly behind me. Had he discovered my smile? He walked around the table and reached out to my friend, who put her hand in his and the ritual repeated itself.

He apologized for not being able to introduce himself due to the rush immediately. He was happy to see us again and asked if he could join us. At our welcoming gesture, he took the chair and as he sat down in his chair, he leaned forward and told me that my lips were just as beautiful red as the last time. I blushed and it struck my heart.

He had touched me only by showing his awareness. Of course, his fitness, bronzed skin and blue eyes were also beautiful to look at. Now it was time to find out more about who exactly this mysterious man is.

The mystery man image

The award ceremony

We had a pleasant conversation about his round of golf, the ups and downs but overall a good game. He asked me how I found him again; he was curious about it. I couldn’t tell him I already asked about him last week. I was consciously here today to meet him. No, it had to be something else.

I told him it was a coincidence. My girlfriend’s visit meant that we wanted to have lunch and she suggested doing this at the golf clubhouse. We were surprised that they were running a tournament, but we enjoy the atmosphere and like to stay.

He was charming and told me that my art was creative. He likes to see the colours because it tells him that the artist is happy and positive in life. ‘Why do you think this way?’ Filipa asked. He said that a long time ago, he saw in a TV program that children from war zones made their black and white drawings because of their past traumas. ‘That’s new for me,’ I said

I introduced my girlfriend and told him she is also an artist. They shook hands and she blushed at this touch. He asks which kind of art she created. She looked at him and giggeld. Maria answered that her passion in art was to create colourful abstract and vibrant paintings.

She starts from her vision in her mind and goes from there. When she wakes up, she has her breakfast outside in the garden. The warm sunshine on her skin, the taste of the food and fruit gave her so much inspiration to spend the whole day in her atelier. He told her that it’s sound like good foreplay and after sex on the white linen.

She was happy with his attention because she recognised that he had expressed his words with a sense of experience. A man who had listened to her and translated it nicely the way he felt it. All innocence and sincerity.

There a bell rang; the organisation wanted to start with the results of the tournament. A few people were in the spotlight and prizes were given. There were two competitions. One was the handicap with the playing strength and the other without it. The handicap competition awarded with much applause. There was the moment: who had been the best golfer during the tournament?

The name called was Jerome. I couldn’t hear his family name because of the applause. The mystery man at our table stepped forward and received the prize and champagne. They asked him if he wanted to say a few words. He took the microphone and started to thank the organisers and sponsors.

‘I am happy with the game today and delighted that so many people are present to play this fantastic sport. I like to thank all the sponsors and the organisation! I hoped to meet everyone again at the next tournament. I wish everyone happiness and health’. People cheered him on as he walked back to our table with his prizes.

We kissed him at the table. He put his rewards on the table. It was a beautifully painted plate of the city of Lisbon. After he was back in his chair, we saw my red lipstick on his cheeks. I was very proud of his result. Maria saw it too and laughed at my clumsiness. Should I tell him or let him wait and enjoy it! My mischief won and I enjoyed it for a while. Maria winked at me and Jerome noticed that.

He asked us if we were having a good time and if we enjoyed the ambience. Maria said that the whole experience was quite inspiring. It was gorgeous to recognise. He suggested we have a drink on this beautiful sunny day where we got to know each other. He passed the order to the waiter and not shortly afterwards; it was on the table. We clink glasses and cheered to friendship.

After a sip of my wine, I couldn’t resist and told him about the lipstick on his face. I took an ice cube and a napkin, leaned over and looked into his eyes. With the ice cube, I went to his cheek and saw that he looked into my cleavage. After wiping the lipstick away, I tapped his nose with my finger and returned to my chair.

He looked at me mischievously but managed to turn the conversation. Had I seen clear that he find me attractive, or was it me that want his love? We asked him how long he had been living in Portugal. He pondered it for a second, ‘I came to Portugal in January and since then, I have been on a journey of discovering new cities, regions and people. I get to know the country and its culture. I have visited and lived in many countries, but I dare to say that Portugal is the best country I have lived in so far. ‘What do you think of your country’ he asked us.

Maria said what I was thinking and that we are very proud of our country. ‘We enjoy a good life here with all the trimmings. The people here take good care of each other and the family ties are very close. The food is always a celebration of the day. The sun gives smiles, even in the difficult times that Portugal has gone through.’

He had already received that experience from the country and the population. He thought it is a beautiful country where he thinks the Portuguese themselves do not know they live in paradise. I looked at him and asked, ‘Is there anything that you like to change?’ ‘I just failed to understand that the Social government made gasoline prices so expensive. I realise that the tax must levy to make investments again, but the average salary and gasoline cost ratio is out of balance.

‘How is your life, are you married and do you have children?’ He asked us. Maria told him she was married and had two daughters. I told him that I was also married and had a son with my second husband.

‘Are you married and do you have children?’ No, I am not married and have no children. A nomad has no time for that was his answer’. He took the last sip of his wine and apologised for leaving us.

Time had flown by and he had somewhere to be. I couldn’t help but ask if he was on his way to see his girlfriend. ‘No, but you don’t work for the police, I hope,’ was his humorous answer. I smiled at him and said I enjoyed the conversation.

‘Hopefully, we will see you again and can continue the conversation,’ I said. Jerome smiled and said, ‘It will be my pleasure.’ He paid the bill, took his prizes and nodded goodbye. When he walked away, I checked to see if he would turn around. He didn’t.

Then I wondered: How would we meet again? We have not made an appointment; we have not exchanged phone numbers. How do we meet each other now? Maria looked at me and knew what uncertainty was running through my mind.

Maria said that everything would be fine. We had a wonderful afternoon with a good lunch and a good conversation. ‘He had a great time too and he is today’s winner. Your cleavage has awakened him and is looking for you; pay attention!’ ‘Well, I hope you are right because I want to know more about this man.’

The mystery man image

The lunchroom

Three weeks passed and my term at the gallery was over. I had to pick up the paintings. It had been a successful period and the gallery owner Isabel was thrilled with the results. After loading the art pieces, we went for lunch together to celebrate. We happily entered the lunchroom Golf Aqua, a nice quiet restaurant around the corner. Isabel was a regular and they greeted us with glee. We were sat by one of the big windows and immediately offered a menu. I ordered a goat cheese salad with honey and Isabel took the waiter’s suggestion of smoked salmon with tagliatelle. We ordered a light dry white wine and reminisced about the sales in the previous week.

Isabel told me that the sales were impressive and she wanted me back next season. ‘Of course, I would love that!’ The exhibition also gave me some extra money that I could use to buy new things for my work. Extra money is always nice to live a comfortable life; she thought. We enjoyed our wine as the food arrived at our table. Everything looked and tasted delicious.

Wow, it was great to taste the goat cheese and the walnut crumb with honey on my tongue. What a pleasure it is to be able to taste it. The sensation swept through my body and I took a sip of the white wine to regain my senses.

Isabel kept talking business, but all I could focus on was the fantastic food in front of me. She stopped and asked me if I agreed with her points. ‘ Sure, of course, I do’, I replied, not really knowing what I was agreeing to. She looked at me and smiled. ‘ I never asked...what happened with that man you were after?’ I choked slightly and tried to play it off. I told her about the tournament and how exciting it was ‘ But I don’t know, I don’t think he is the type of man you see more than a couple of times in your life...if that makes any sense?’ Isabel sipped her drink and nodded in agreement.

Did you know that he has been in my gallery and bought something from your art? ‘Oh yes?, I said, utterly amazed. ‘Yes, I thought the abstract one, number 25, if I’m not mistaken.’ Isabel took a bit of her salmon. He saw it as a good investment and wanted to know more about the artist. ‘What you told him about me?,’ Filipa asked curiously. ‘Not so much more, but I told him; I am sure you will meet her again so you could ask her yourself.’

I pretended that it didn’t faze me, but it was a nice boost for me. The idea that he had something of mine in his house made me feel...well powerful. Every time he would look at the painting, he would think of me. Or, at least, I hoped so. As I took my last bite, a group of happy and loud men walked into the restaurant. Jerome walked in last. Isabel waved at him and he made his way towards our table.

‘Ladies, how are you?’ Isabel told him about the sales and salmon. Everything was great. ‘How are you enjoying your new painting Jerome?’ He looks at me and gives me a cheeky smile. ‘ Very much so. I’ve found the perfect spot for it, looks great’ ‘Can I ask where?’ He looked at me and took a second before replying ‘above my bed.’ I nodded, not really knowing what to say. He knew what he was doing and I didn’t want him to see it was working. ‘Well, it was great seeing you both’ Isabel got up to kiss him goodbye and I did as well. As he got close to me, he asked me in a low voice, ‘ no red lips today?’ ‘ Only for special occasions.’

‘Well, let’s plan one. Can I have your card?’ I grabbed my wallet and gave him one. ‘ I’ll call you, Filipa.’ I nodded and said it needs to be tomorrow at noon. He walked back to his group and friends. Isabel and I watched him leave.

Isabel looked at me, slightly shocked at the interaction she just witnessed ‘What was that?’ I shrugged. ‘Nothing?’ My lie didn’t even convince me. ‘That was not anything. That was a man trying to seduce a married woman, and by the looks of it...she rather enjoyed it’ She was right.

But I would never tell her that. ‘ It’s all very innocent, don’t worry’ ‘Just watch out, Filipa. Don’t ruin your marriage’ I sipped my wine. I knew she was right, but it was stronger than me. It was stronger than anything I’ve ever felt. I had to learn more about him. And if that meant a bit of danger...well, so be it.

Isabel and I started talking about other things and had a lot of fun for the rest of the lunch. When I left the lunchroom, I looked at Jerome and said goodbye to him and his friends.

The first appointment

The next day he would call me and we would make an appointment for another meeting. Last night I had already dreamed about being together with him; I was sure that this dream could not become a fraud. Was I falling in love with him, or was it just curiosity? I couldn't give a clear answer to that. I thought about Isabel's words to be careful. She was right about that, but this time I wanted to be a little naughty. If he called me, I certainly intended to continue. Of course, I can stop later if it gets too hot for me.

I skipped breakfast because, at the moment, I can't get a bite through my throat. I went to my studio with a coffee to put the things I had picked up yesterday back in place. It was a beautiful sunny day and I opened the windows.

The sun's rays reached my studio and I heard the birds chirping early in the morning. I pushed my chair in front of the window and placed my coffee on the side table. My schedule was also ready and I took a seat in the chair. Now nothing could happen to me and I took a sip of my steaming coffee.

'What would it be like if he called? Where would we meet?' Maybe at his home or somewhere on a terrace at the beach. I closed my eyes and I feel the sunshine on my skin. I unbuttoned my blouse so I could feel the warmth of the sun as if it were his body pressing against me. I couldn't resist touching my body; he was driving me crazy. It was his hand that feel my erotic parts of my body! My fantasy took hold of me and brought me to higher spheres. Wow, this was an incredible pleasure! It was all my imagination. I opened my eyes again and looked very blissfully in the garden. Take my cup and finished my coffee. I buttoned my blouse correctly again and started my work. My energy level got a boost from the whole situation.

No doubt I cleaned up and picked up brushes to sketch for my next creation.The ideas flew easily on paper and I had fun. Would I create something of what I am experiencing now? On the one hand, the fantasy of just being delicious, but I heard Isabel say Watch Out again. No, I left it at this and went to get another coffee.

My cat at home walked up to me and stroked my leg with her head. She was affectionate from birth whenever it suited her. I picked her up and stroked her. She accepted and I enjoyed her pleasure to be caressed. So we said good morning to each other.

The coffee poured into my cup and I put my cat back on the floor. I took my second cup of coffee and checked the clock. It was almost noon; he will call later. I sat back in my seat by the window and waited. There the phone rang, I didn't know his number, but he was punctual. I answered the phone and it was him. Hi Jerome, it's me, Filipa.

He immediately said it was finally time to have a good conversation together. I told him the pleasure was all mine and looked forward too. He asked my preference, a quiet place or somewhere with several people. I answered wherever he wanted to be with me and it made him a little shy. It was silent for a while on the other side. I could guess where he wanted to be with me, but I had to keep this to myself.

'How about a place by the water in a port near Lisbon. Does that suit you?' he asked me. ‘That is undoubtedly good. Where exactly do I have to be?’ I asked him. ‘You must be in Doca de Belem; you know where to find it?’ ‘Of course, I know this place’. ‘That's close to Jeronimos Monastery, right?’ ‘ He said precisely, as did my first name Jerome.’

‘Which day is convenient for you?’ he asked. I'll check my calendar. Which day should I choose, I thought. Tomorrow would be too much and I also wanted to spend the weekend with my husband. It must be next week. ‘How about next Tuesday?’ ‘That would be perfect’, he said. ‘So that will be yours’, I answered.

Then he would expect me at the parking lot at 1.30 pm at the monastery on the side of the harbour. ‘I look forward to seeing you next Tuesday’. ‘That sounds good’, I said; ‘see you next week Jerome’. ‘Goodbye Filipa, see you next week and good luck this week’.

Gosh, it was only Wednesday; I have to wait a whole week. I already regretted not having planned it this week. Finally, I was going to have a moment alone with him and a week in between might be better if I let Isabel's words run through my mind.

Watch out, Filipa!

The mystery man image

Belem Harbor

I opened my eyes: It was the day I was meeting him. I laid in bed, contemplating the idea and the more I thought about it, the more the smile on my face became undeniable. My thoughts felt so good that I kept dreaming in my bed for a while. The cat came into my bedroom and jumped on the bed. She came so close that I could caress her. The cat greeted our good morning ritual with a grunting sound of pleasure. I also wanted to be touched by Jerome this afternoon and then snuggle up close to him.

My cat became vigilant about the birds outside the window and she crawled over to the windowsill to startle them. My voice corrected her to leave that, but unfortunately, it was not strict enough. She jumped on the windowsill and the birds flew away and this had fully awakened me. I left my bed and went to the bathroom to take a nice hot shower and then down in my dressing gown to have breakfast. I had wrapped my hair in a towel and tied it up so that I didn't waste time and could have my first coffee.

I looked at the kitchen table and saw the newspaper with a note. Good morning my love and good luck today. That was sweet of him, I smiled and a wave of guilt came over me. He didn't know about my appointment, but I told him it was a business meeting with lunch. This wasn't exactly a lie because he bought a painting of me and was interested in my art...Right?

During my breakfast, my mobile phone rang and I saw Isabel calling me. I took a deep breath and answered. 'Hello Isabel, how are you’? She said it was fine. 'I am excited about our appointment this afternoon’. ‘Our appointment this afternoon’? I reply. ‘Yes, at lunch last week, I asked you to get back together on Tuesday afternoon to put you in touch with a colleague of mine from Porto. This man would like to meet you and he came to Lisbon, especially for you. He finds your work very interesting and would like to exhibit your work in Porto. So that's why I'm calling you now to agree where we can meet.'

My eyes closed hard and I rubbed my forehead in frustration. Oh my god, what's going on now? What am I going to do? Of course, I had not understood the question because my mind was so far away. 'Isabel, I hate to ask, but do you think there's any way to move the meeting to tonight?' Isabel was slightly agitated; 'Filipa, he is leaving tonight and it's far from ideal to change this last minute'. ‘Okay, I understand the situation Isabel, can I call you back to answer this.’ ‘Take your time’, she said,’ but I do expect a time for this to continue this afternoon’.

She was right. I had confirmed that I was okay, although I had not understood what she was asking me. It was also an essential appointment for my work and Porto is not next door either. How could I solve this because I also wanted to continue my lunch with Jerome? I was almost waiting for a whole week for this appointment. It had to stick to lunch and I had to make an appointment somewhere nearby at 4 pm to spend as much time with Jerome as possible.

I called back to Isabel to say it would be best for me to meet at 4 pm. We could meet at Pastéis de Belém so that I didn't have to travel far from where I already parked. She was satisfied and was looking forward to our meeting.
I will confess that this had upset me a bit as I was expecting a wonderfully relaxed afternoon with Jerome. Now it will be only a few hours, but it was the best solution.

After breakfast, I walked back to my bedroom to make myself chic for the afternoon. I took out my high heels again and started wearing them with beautiful nylon stockings with a stripe at the back. My dress was tight around my body also and my bosoms were clearly visible behind the delicate fabric. Using the appropriate earrings and necklace, I could see that my red lipstick beautifully accentuated my lips. After spraying the perfume, I was ready to go.

My car pulled into the parking lot by the Mosteiro do Jerónimos and I saw him waiting for me. I parked the car and he opened the door and reached out. I gave him my hand as I got out and we kissed each other on the cheek. 'It's so nice to see you.’ ‘You look beautiful. I am happy to welcome you today on my boat. My boat is here in the harbour and we will have our lunch there.'

‘What a surprise’ I said, ‘but I have to tell you I have a business meeting near here at 4 pm’. ‘Then we have enough time to enjoy our lunch in peace’, he said like a true gentleman. He gave me his arm and we walked through a tunnel under the road to the harbour. I was delighted to spend lunch on his boat.

As we walked down the stairs, I thought about the idea that he might be able to hug me and touch my mouth with his lips. Unfortunately, I was able to delete this again because there was an old man in the middle of this dark but well-lit tunnel playing the accordion. When we passed this street musician, I saw that his hat on the ground was not yet richly filled. We had come up again and it was not a long walk to his boat.

There were all larger sailing yachts in the harbour here. I looked around the port; what a gorgeous place and so close to the Padrão dos Descobrimentos. He took me to his boat but went up first to help me. I had to be careful with my high heels and tight dress, but Jerome was gallant as he is the saving angel. When boarding, there was not much space and stood right against him and we looked at each other in the eyes. I felt his body against mine, and it seemed endless before we moved on to a more spacious area where he had laid thick cushions on the benches.

We both got smiles on our faces and he asked me if I would like to have a drink. He had a white dry wine cold. When filling the glasses, I saw that he had already prepared everything. He asked if I was hungry. ‘Yes,’ I answered, ‘but I am curious about your boat’. ‘Would you like a small tour later?’, he asked me. ‘Yes’, I nodded, ‘but it won't be easy on these shoes, I said.' ‘Just pull them off so that it is a bit more pleasant on the boat.'

We first took lunch, an excellent lobster with samphire and a Hollandaise sauce. It was delicious and we had a good conversation about my art and travels. I also told him I would later have a conversation with a gallery owner from Porto. He asked me all kinds of things, but I wanted to ask him who he was and how he got here. After a while, I got this chance and asked him, 'How did you get here in Portugal?'

'I returned to the Netherlands after many wanderings, but I didn't feel at home there. Friends of mine had visited Lisbon before the summer and were very enthusiastic; I thought I also would like to visit the city. It also helped that an ex-girlfriend had just moved here and I was able to see her, what I did. Shortly after, I repeated the experience and it felt good to go to Portugal’.

‘Life here is as I like it with the many hours of sunshine on top. The people are friendly and willing to help you with anything. I missed that in the Netherlands and the climate is usually wet, just like in Great Britain.' 'What are you going to do here?' 'I had already learned from my stay in Tunisia that you need to have to do something because otherwise, freedom will quickly get boring.’

‘I try to build a life with a travel agency of golf trips with golf lessons. I did this job for a longer time for a Dutch travel agency. I know I could do this better myself from Lisbon. Everyone goes to the Algarve to play golf, while here in this area you could play beautiful courses combined with Lisbon's beautiful city.’

‘I really believe that success here lies in combination with culture and the Algarve cannot offer that. The temperature is only slightly lower and so this is the place to be for playing golf. At the moment, I am building up my business and I know I'll have to wait a few years before I can live off it.' When I asked if this would not work, he said with a wink, ‘I can always sell my boat’.

Time flew and I had to keep an eye on the time for my next appointment. I took the final sip of my wine and looked at him, 'Aren't you going to show me around?' ‘Please take off your shoes and put them on the couch for a while’. When he got up, he immediately became a lot bigger for me and when descending a narrow staircase, he assisted me. I felt his hands on my hips. When putting my feet down on the bottom, I noticed that his hands were still around my waist. I looked back and gave him a smile as a thank you.

We were in the cabin that was also the living area. The drawing board with the sea maps were placed in a corner with the VHF within reach. When walking to the boat's point, we passed the toilet area, where the shower was also spacious. Even further, you came to a sleeping area for two people. When walking back to the living room, you could turn the benches and table to make three sleeping places.

Then there was a cooking area with a counter and sink. The refrigerator was there with an oven above it. You walked back through a corridor with cupboards and then you came out in the best bedroom for two people. It was a lovely big sailing yacht and I was impressed. He asked me if I would like to go sailing on the Ocean another time.

I immediately said yes, looking deep into his eyes as I passed him and continued to the living area. He stood behind me and told me to be careful on the stairs because if I walked on my nylon stockings, it could be slippery. My hands took hold of the handrail and I was about to get ready to put my foot on the first step. I suddenly felt his hands around my waist and I sighed at this agitation of his.

I put my right hand on his hand and pressed the back of my body against his. It was a feeling I could no longer suppress. His hand, where my hand was stored, moved towards my breasts and he felt the hard nipple through the fabric of my dress. I pressed his hand a little harder against my sensitive breast and looked at him, thirsty and longing for sex. His other hand touched my other breast and gently massaged it. After going through this for a while, he kissed me on my neck and one hand slid down. The hand squeezed my bottom softly and went forwards along my hip. From there over my leg and slowly moved to my hot crotch.

I turned around and told him, gasping for air, that this was not possible because I was married after all. He kissed my neck again and whispered in my ear that I looked beautiful and irresistible. I looked up and brought my red lips to his and kissed him tenderly. Then I said ‘sorry for putting you in this situation’ and turned and took the stairs.

Upstairs I put my shoes back on and checked my watch. It was 3:30 pm. We looked at each other and said nothing for a moment. Jerome said after a while, he respected my perspective, but I should not regret it. It was a romantic moment he will not forget. Nevertheless, on a future visit, he will abide by the rules so that nothing can go wrong. He doesn't want to hurt anyone. I told him it was my fault to let go of desires that came to my mind. We just had to take a time-out before seeing each other again.

'That means in any case that there will be another time and that makes me happy inside,' he said. I answered with a smile and thought it was a good time to leave the boat. Jerome helped me get off the ship and walked with me to the car. When leaving the site, I asked him not to walk further to my car and that I just wanted to walk a little further myself.

He took my hand and kissed the top and this time, he did touch my skin. I couldn't suppress my smile because I have a weakness for real gentlemen. I thanked Jerome for the delicious lunch on board of his sailing yacht and kissed him on the cheek. I turned around and walked away and when I went down the stairs, he stood there and waved after me. When walking down the stairs, I realized that this man impresses me. He was exciting and I already knew more. Gosh, if I didn't have that next appointment, what would have happened!

The accordion music of the street musician in the tunnel awoke me again and I saw that his hat was still not well filled. As I walked through this dimly lit tunnel, I turned and took out my purse. I gave the man € 10.00 and he gave me a friendly smile so that I could see his less-filled mouth with teeth. He was happy with my donation and suddenly, while I was walking through the tunnel, he played, you are so beautiful to me. At the stairs, I turned to him and waved a smile. Now to Isabel and the man from Porto.

The man from Porto was very enthusiastic and well prepared. Isabel had sent him pictures of my recent artworks. He seriously wanted to make arrangements to use in his gallery for my work next year. We had already agreed upon the percentage he would receive from the sales. We would keep in touch and he would choose the best customers he had at the gallery to show my works. It all looked very promising.

I did have to work to finish some more paintings for next year. He also gave me the information that his clients preferred to see in pictures. I did not want to compromise with that because I like to let my inspiration flow into my creations. Even so, I have taken the information with me and we'll see how it turns out. The man from Porto left the establishment and made his way home. Isabel and I had a few more drinks and I also went home to my dear husband.

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Illustration - Mylène da Silva | Editor - Culturando | All rights reserved