Page 49 of The Write Midlife

"Understood. Anything specific I should prepare?" His fingers drummed against the polished mahogany of his desk—the same desk where just hours ago, he had shown Melody exactly who was in charge.

"Just bring that sharp mind of yours. And leave any... distractions at home."

Nate's jaw clenched. If his father only knew what kind of "distraction" had been spread across his heir's desk last night. "I'll be there."

After hanging up, Nate stood at his floor-to-ceiling windows, surveying the Seattle skyline. Everything he could see from here was part of his world—or would be, once he took over Carlisle Publishing. And now he had complicated it all by giving in to his hunger for one stubborn, brilliant, maddening woman.

But god, what a complication she was.

He stalked the length of his office, energy thrumming through his six-foot-three frame. This wasn't some rookie mistake. This was Melody Archer—the one author who had challenged him, matched him, made him want to be better. The only woman who had ever made him consider risking his empire for a chance at something real.

His phone buzzed with a text from her:

Just wanted to say thanks for yesterday. The manuscript review, I mean.

The other stuff was pretty good too…

A predatory smile curved his lips as he typed back.

Always happy to provide thorough feedback. On all fronts.

Her reply came quickly:

Careful, Mr. Carlisle. That kind of talk could be considered sexual harassment in the workplace.

Only if it's unwelcome, Ms. Archer. We both know how much you enjoyed my... feedback last night.

Touché. Goodnight, Nate. Sweet dreams. ;)

He stared at his phone long after the screen went dark, a war raging inside him. On one side, there was the responsible executive, reminding him of the risks, the potential consequences. On the other, there was the man who was falling hard for Melody Archer, consequences be damned.

For now, the responsible executive won out. He couldn't tell anyone about this, not until he was sure it wouldn't jeopardize everything they had worked for. But as he turned back to his work, he couldn't help but wonder how long he would be able to keep this secret.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of half-read manuscripts and distracted thoughts. By the time he left the office, the cleaning crew was already making their rounds, giving him knowing looks as he hurried past. Great. Even the night staff could probably tell something was up.

As he drove home, his mind raced with possibilities and potential pitfalls. What if this thing with Melody didn't workout? Would they be able to maintain a professional relationship? What if it did work out? How would that affect their working dynamic?

And then there was his father and the board to consider. They were already breathing down his neck about Melody's book. If they found out about their personal involvement... He shuddered to think of the fallout.

By the time he reached his apartment, he had cycled through every worst-case scenario at least twice.

He collapsed onto his couch, loosening his tie with a heavy sigh. His eyes fell on the framed photo on his coffee table—a picture of his father and him at his college graduation. His father looked so proud, his hand on Nate's shoulder as they both beamed at the camera.

What would his father say if he knew what Nate was risking now?

He dragged himself to bed, setting his alarm for an ungodly hour. As he lay there, staring at the ceiling, he couldn't help but think of Melody. Was she lying awake too, mulling over the implications of what they had done? Or was she sleeping peacefully, untroubled by the storm of emotions swirling in his chest?

Sleep eluded him for hours, his mind a constant loop of Melody's smile, his father's disapproving frown, and the ticking clock of professional disaster. When he finally drifted off, his dreams were a confusing jumble of boardroom presentations and passionate encounters on his office desk.

He woke up feeling like he had been hit by a truck, his alarm blaring like a foghorn in his ear. As he stumbled through his morning routine, he tried to psych himself up for the meeting. This was important, he reminded himself. This could be a turning point in his career. He needed to be focused, sharp, ready for anything.

But as he knotted his tie, all he could think about was how deftly Melody's fingers had loosened it just yesterday. He groaned, resting his forehead against the cool surface of his bathroom mirror. This was going to be a long day.

He arrived at the office early, determined to at least appear put-together and professional. As he walked into the boardroom, his father was already there, engaged in hushed conversation with a couple of board members he didn't recognize.

"Ah, Nathaniel," his father said as he approached, his tone unreadable. "Glad you could join us. We have much to discuss."

Nate nodded, taking his seat at the long table. As other executives filed in, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was walking into something bigger than he realized. The air was thick with tension, and he caught more than a few curious glances thrown his way.