Jessica had finally managed to carve out a ten-day vacation from her demanding work schedule.

Being the owner of a small but successful company wasn’t easy. Most of the responsibility rested on her shoulders, and there was always something that needed her attention. Still, she loved what she did and took pride in it. The problem was that she hadn’t taken a proper trip abroad in six years, and lately she had begun to feel mentally exhausted. She needed a break—a chance to clear her head and recharge.

This time, she chose Spain’s southern coastline as her destination.

Traveling alone, she spent her days exploring small seaside towns and villages scattered along the coast. Her Spanish was almost nonexistent, but the locals were friendly, and so far she had managed to get by with smiles, gestures, and a handful of basic phrases.

Most afternoons were spent searching for quiet beaches where she could swim, relax, and soak up the sun.

One day she wandered onto a beach where many of the women were sunbathing, swimming, and walking around topless. The sight felt unfamiliar to Jessica, but also strangely fascinating. For a moment she considered removing her own bikini top and joining them, but in the end she decided against it.

By the eighth day of her trip, she had developed a beautiful golden tan.

That afternoon she spent several hours on a beach near a medium-sized village. Later, while strolling through the village streets, she noticed posters attached to walls and fences. Although she couldn’t understand most of the text, it seemed obvious that some kind of celebration or festival was taking place that evening.

Since her only alternative was spending the night alone in her hotel room, she decided she might as well see what all the excitement was about.

The evening air was pleasantly warm. Jessica slipped into a yellow summer dress that reached her knees. It complemented her sun-kissed skin perfectly, and she couldn’t help feeling attractive as she looked herself over in the mirror.

Following the distant sound of music toward the village square, she paused briefly in front of a shop window and admired her reflection.

There was no denying that she was an exceptionally attractive woman for her age. Despite her busy career, she found time to work out regularly, and it showed. Her arms and legs were beautifully toned, her waist was slim, and nature had blessed her with generous curves and a striking figure.

When she reached the square, she found it packed with people.

At one end stood a stage where a live band played energetic dance music. Some people danced in front of the stage, while others sat around long wooden tables set up throughout the square. Families and friends chatted, laughed, ate, drank, sang, and enjoyed the warm summer evening.

The atmosphere was lively and welcoming.

Jessica bought herself a cocktail, found an empty seat at one of the tables, and settled in to enjoy the evening.

People-watching had always been one of her favorite things to do while traveling.

Every now and then her eyes met those of a stranger. Usually both people would smile politely before looking away and continuing with their evening. Tonight was no different.

Several brief exchanges of smiles came and went.

Then she noticed a man sitting at the same table.

He appeared to be a local, and during the last few minutes their eyes had met several times. Each time they exchanged a small smile, Jessica looked away, and yet she wasn’t entirely sure whether he did the same.

After their gazes crossed once again, Jessica decided to hold his eyes a little longer to see what would happen.

The man was handsome.

Not in a youthful, polished sort of way, but in a more mature manner. He looked to be somewhere over forty, with sun-tanned skin, strong features, and an easy confidence about him. He wore a white linen shirt that suited him perfectly.

This time he didn’t look away.

Eventually Jessica felt self-conscious and turned her attention elsewhere. Before she did, however, she gave him a questioning glance and a subtle smile.

A few moments later she looked back in his direction.

He was gone.

She quickly scanned the crowd but couldn’t spot him anywhere.

After a brief shrug, she returned to her pleasantly tart cocktail and continued watching the people around her, assuming that was the end of it.

About ten minutes later, someone tapped Jessica on the shoulder.

She jumped slightly, not expecting it.

Looking over her shoulder, she saw the same man standing behind her, drink in hand. He didn’t say anything. Instead, he pointed to the empty seat beside her, making it clear that he wanted to know if he could sit there.

Jessica felt a little awkward but nodded.

The man sat down beside her.

The bench was crowded, leaving very little room between people. He sat so close that their hips were almost touching. Normally, Jessica would have found a situation like that slightly uncomfortable, but this time she didn’t let it bother her. In fact, she was beginning to feel a certain excitement.