A Muse Her

Chapter 7

"So, now that we're kind of getting to know each other," Maia said, opening another bottle of wine. "Where did you move here from?"

"I'm from Oost den Burg. It's an island off the coast of the Netherlands."

"I've heard of that place." Maia said, filling her glass. "It's part of the Netherlands, but technically it's its own country, right?"

"Yeah, I'm surprised you know that," he said, smiling as she topped up his glass too. "I wouldn't expect many Americans to know that niche European fact."

She shrugged. "It's something I picked up while living in Amsterdam."

Mateo raised an eyebrow. "Is that where you live when you're not in Crested Butte?"

"Yep. I'm either in LA with my sister or Amsterdam. Lately I've been spending most of my time in Amsterdam."

"Really? So, spreek je Nederlands?" Mateo asked, pouring on a heavy Dutch accent.

Maia nodded. "Ja natuurlijk."

A bright smile spread across Mateo's lips. "You're full of surprises. How long have you lived in Amsterdam?"

"I bought my little houseboat five years ago after I got my first major book deal," she said with pride. "But I'd been living between LA and Amsterdam for years. I used to work for an arts dealer that was based in both cities."

"Oh, so you weren't always an author, huh?" he said, lighting another blunt.

"No, I've only been a full time author for about four years. I spent my twenties curating art galleries and supporting upcoming artists to realize their dreams," she said, taking a sip of her wine. "And then I finally got to realize my own."

"That's amazing. I'm glad you get to do what you love. Not too many people get to say that."

"Thank you. To be honest, I have my sister to thank for the life I have and the fact that she's my agent who works for an amazing publishing and entertainment company."

"Yeah, but you wouldn't have this life if you weren't so talented," Mateo said, passing her the blunt. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but how old are you? I kind of thought you were still in your twenties."

"That's the melanin running through my veins." Maia grinned, taking the blunt. "And I don't mind you asking, especially with that nice compliment attached," she said, taking a drag. "I'm thirty-five and I hope you're not going to tell me you're still in your twenties. Don't make me feel old, please."

"You're not old." He chuckled. "You're younger than me. I'm thirty-six."

"Oh good, I thought that beard of yours was just making you look older."

"Nope, but it's a new addition to my face," he said, running a hand over his kempt facial hair. "I thought I'd grow one when I moved out here to fit in with the locals."

"I seriously can't imagine you as a cleanly shaven, suit wearing office type. This rugged mountain man look suits you."

And if she were honest, she was glad she hadn't witnessed Mateo suited and booted, otherwise, there was a good chance she'd find him far more attractive besides that rippled chest of his.

That was the last thing she needed.

"My mother would say otherwise," he said, reaching for a cookie in the basket. "She's not a fan of my new look, but my sister thinks my beard makes me look distinguished."

"Are you close with your sister? You talk about her a lot."

"I am." He nodded. "Eline and I are a lot alike even though she's fifteen years younger than me. We're both the odd ones in our family and tend to do our own thing when we can."