My Love, My Muse

's

ly to avoid staring. My curiosity about him was almost overwhelming

ysterious artist' look or the 'I just woke up and I'm alrea

nding in a teasing tone, "Definitely the la

as I met

y. I want to capture that

e offense if my portrait turns out

be a very stylish ghost,"

center of the room from the corner of my eye.

ntion?" he said. The room fell

ime for a break. Feel free to explore the terrace and the building. Let'

h, Mia?" Will asked, a sl

me. Thanks for the offer, though,"

ia. Henry, would you like to j

ry quickl

Does no one want to have lunch wit

rom the table besid

ll join you," she s

o," Will replied, smiling warml

eaving Henry

y bag and tur

. I made enough for two. Would you li

tarted to walk toward the stairs, berating myself for being so foolish. Wha

rned to see Henry, who released my wrist as soon as he had gr

walking past me to the stair

beauty of the space-tables and benches scattered among a pl

I suggested, pointing

able. Being taller, he reached it

and setting my bag on the table.

ou, or do you usually pack lunch for

d to join me, but she had

glad she couldn't make it. Maybe

e type to believe in fa

es. You never know what som

" I said, ope

e remarked, loo

t. Enjoy your meal," I said, w

d. Thanks

ared. From his expression, it was t

, I packed up the boxes a

the older couple from

were your age-so young and in l

s seat before I had a chance to clarify that we wer

d spoke animatedly. His smile was the most genuine I'd seen all day. I couldn't help but admire him

astically mixing colors, not exchanging an

when Henry coughed,

lmost done

t about you?

e said, and I retur

retched in my chair and glanced at Henry, who was alread

th my painti

ee it?"

please don't judge too harshly!"

n the same boat," he reassured me, and we turned

d and full of color. He had avoided neutral tones entirely,

seen anyone use these colors for skin tones a

ice too," he replie

us-one for the wedding and have no one e

eekend?" I ask, trying to

eed to check my schedule. Are

lly yes," I admit, fee

t have to pretend we're in love for th

rm and inviting. "How muc

ancial need, but appearances can be deceiving. After a

t. "I don't want money. I'm

want?" I ask,

a playful gli

done. If you can't meet my requ

s, trying to rea

a deal. Let's talk more ab

tugging at the co

et you know once I'm

rns in my stomach. What could he possibly want that's worth more th