Page 47 of The Write Midlife

Nate met her gaze, his sea-blue eyes blazing with an intensity that took her breath away. "I know it will. Melody, I believe in this book. I believe in you. We just need to show the board that taking a risk on something different can pay off."

His words delivered a blow, knocking loose all the emotions she had been trying to keep in check. "You really mean that, don't you?"

"Every word," Nate said softly. He reached across the desk, his hand covering hers. "Melody, you're not just another author to me. You're... you're extraordinary."

Suddenly, her own breath felt thick in her lungs. She was acutely aware of the warmth of his hand on hers, the way his thumb traced small circles on her skin.

"Nate," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. "What are we doing?"

He stood slowly, never breaking eye contact. "I don't know. But I'm tired of pretending I don't want to find out."

In two strides, he was around the desk, pulling her to her feet. They stood there for a moment, their bodies inches apart, the air heavy as if holding its own breath.

"This is a bad idea," she murmured, even as she leaned into him.

"Probably," Nate agreed, his hands settling on her waist. "Want to do it anyway?"

Instead of answering, she closed the distance between them, crushing her lips to his. The kiss was electric, sending shockwaves through her entire body. Nate responded immediately, pulling her flush against him as his tongue traced the seam of her lips.

She parted her lips, granting him access, and the kiss deepened.

It was nothing like their first encounter – that had been all heat and urgency. This was slower, more deliberate, but no less intense. Nate kissed her like he was trying to memorize every detail, his hands roaming her body with a reverence that made her weak in the knees.

"God, Melody," he groaned against her lips. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that."

She pulled back slightly, her breathing ragged. "Oh? Care to show me just how long?"

Nate's gaze—usually ocean-blue—deepened to the color of an evening sky. In one swift motion, he lifted her onto his desk, scattering papers and pens to the floor. "With pleasure."

His lips found hers again as his hands worked at the buttons of her blouse. She fumbled with his tie, desperate to feel his skin against hers. When her hands finally made contact with his bare chest, she couldn't help but moan in appreciation.

"Like what you see, Archer?" Nate teased, his voice husky.

She raked her nails lightly down his abs, relishing in the way his muscles twitched under her touch. "Not bad for a corporate suit."

Nate chuckled, the sound sending vibrations through her. "I'll take that as a compliment."

His lips trailed down her neck, leaving a path of fire in their wake. When he reached the swell of her breasts, he looked up ather, his eyes seeking permission. She nodded, arching into his touch.

Nate took his time, his mouth and hands exploring every inch of exposed skin. It was maddening and exhilarating all at once. By the time he finally slipped a hand between her thighs, she was practically begging for release.

"Nate, please," she gasped, her hips bucking against his hand.

He grinned wickedly. "Patience, Archer. I intend to savor every moment of this."

He dropped to his knees, his hands sliding up her thighs, pushing her skirt up to her hips. She could feel his breath, hot and tantalizing, as he leaned in, his tongue tracing a path up her inner thigh. She shivered, her body aching with need.

"Oh my God, Nate," she moaned, her hands gripping the edge of the wooden desk, her fingernails carving crescent moons into the striated grooves.

He looked up at her, his gaze flitting from one eye to the next. "Is this what you want, Melody? You want me to taste you?”

She nodded, her breath pulling into her lungs in small sips. "Yes. God, yes."

Nate grinned, his hands hooking into the waistband of her panties, pulling them down and off. He leaned in, his tongue finding her clit, circling it slowly. She cried out, her body arching off the desk.

He took his time, his mouth and tongue working her into a frenetic chaos. She could feel the orgasm building, her body tensing as he brought her closer and closer to the edge.

"Nate," she gasped. "I'm going to…You’re making me…”