Page 65 of The Write Midlife

"Nate, that's brilliant!" she said, joining him at the board. "If we connect these two subplots here," she added, grabbing a marker and drawing a line, "it'll add a whole new layer of depth to the story."

Their hands brushed as they both reached for the eraser, and suddenly Melody was acutely aware of how close they were standing. She could smell Nate’s subtle, woodsy scent that makes my head spin.

"Melody," he said, his voice low and husky.

He clearly could see the effect he had on her, the way her chest rose and fell rapidly. The man knew he was so damn sexy sometimes she couldn't see straight.

Then he cleared his throat, stepping back. "We, uh, we should probably get back to work."

Melody nodded, and they returned to the manuscript, but the atmosphere had shifted. Every accidental touch felt charged, every shared glance loaded with something unsaid.

As the evening wore on, they made significant progress. The story was tighter, the characters more vibrant. They were both riding high on the success.

"We did it!" Melody exclaimed as they finished the final chapter. Without thinking, she threw her arms around Nate in a celebratory hug.

He stiffened for a moment, then relaxed, his arms wrapping around her. She could feel the solid, hard warmth of his body against hers, and it sent a jolt of desire through her.

When they pulled apart, Nate's eyes were already on her face. "Melody," he breathed, his hand coming up to cup her cheek.

This time, she didn't hesitate. She surged forward, pressing her lips to his in a searing kiss.

Nate responded immediately, his arms tightening around her as he deepened the kiss. His tongue slipped slowly between the seam of her lips, and she sucked on it, feeling him moan.

When they finally came up for air, Nate rested his forehead against hers. "We shouldn't be doing this," he murmured, even as his hands roamed her back.

"Probably not. Want to stop?"

In answer, Nate captured her lips again, walking her backward until she bumped into his desk. With a swift motion, he swept the papers aside, lifting her onto the polished surface.

Melody wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him closer. "You know," she gasped between kisses, "this is very cliché. Editor and author, getting it on in the office."

Nate grinned against her neck. "I thought you liked subverting clichés, Archer."

"Oh, I do," she purred, her hands making quick work of his shirt buttons. "So subvert away, Carlisle."

His shirt fell open, revealing the hard planes of his chest. She ran her hands over his muscles, feeling them flex under her touch.

“I don’t think I’ve wanted anything as much as I want you, Nate," she murmured, leaning in to press a kiss to his chest.

He groaned, his hands tangling in her hair as she trailed kisses down his stomach. "Melody, you're driving me crazy," he growled.

She looked up at him, a wicked smile on her lips. "That's the idea." She unbuckled his belt, slowly pulling it through the loops. His breath hitched as she popped the button on his pants, drawing down the zipper.

His erection strained against his dark slacks, and she ran her hand over the length of him, feeling him throb under her touch. "Commando, Nate?" she teased, looking up at him.

He smirked. "Easy access."

She laughed, a low, throaty sound, as she pulled him free, wrapping her hand around the velvety smoothness.

Nate's head fell back, a low groan rolling past his lips. “Hell, Melody, that feels so good."

She leaned in, running her tongue along the length of him, feeling him pulse in her hand. She took him in her mouth, swirling her tongue around the sensitive tip.

"Jesus, Mel," he grunted, his voice ragged. "You're going to make me come if you keep that up."

She pulled back, looking up at him with a wicked grin. "Can't have that just yet," she said, standing up and pushing him back onto the leather couch in the corner of his gigantic office.

The smooth fabric of the leather was cool against his back as she straddled him, feeling his hardness press against her through the cotton lining of her dress. She ground against him, feeling the friction build between them, and Nate reached up, pulling down the straps of her dress, revealing her lace bra.