Page 25 of The Write Midlife

But then he thought about the consequences. If he told Melody, he would be betraying his father's trust. He would be potentially jeopardizing a major deal for the company. And let's face it, his position there wasn't exactly secure as it was.

On the other hand, if he didn't tell her, he would be letting Melody walk into a trap. He would be betraying her trust, her faith in him as her editor and... friend? Partner? Whatever they were.

He groaned, dropping his head onto his desk with a thud. "When did publishing become so complicated?" he muttered into the polished wood.

He sat up, a determined set to his jaw. He needed a plan. A way to navigate this minefield without blowing up his career or his relationship with Melody.

He pulled out a legal pad and started jotting down ideas. Maybe he could convince his father to modify the deal. Or find a loophole that gave Melody more control. Or maybe...

The intercom on his desk buzzed, startling him out of his plotting. "Mr. Carlisle? Ms. Archer’s here to meet with you.”

He glanced at his watch. How did an hour pass so damn fast? "Thanks, Janet. Send her in."

He quickly shoved the ghostwriting contract into a drawer and pulled up Melody's manuscript on his computer. As he heard her footsteps approaching, he took a deep breath and plastered on what he hoped was a neutral, professional smile. It was showtime, and he had never felt less prepared for a performance in his life.

THIRTEEN

A lot could changein an hour.

For Melody, it already had…thanks to Carmen’s quick call.

She marched into Nate's office, her blood practically boiling. The sleek, modern decor that once impressed her now felt cold and impersonal, much like the deal she was there to discuss. Nate looked up from his desk, his blue eyes widening slightly at her thunderous expression.

"Melody, I?—"

"Save it, Carlisle," she interrupted, slamming the door behind her. "I just got another call from my agent Carmen on the way in. And now? I want answers, and I want them now. What's this ghostwriting deal really about?"

Nate sighed, his hand flexing over the knot of his perfect tie. His “tell” for stress. Good. He should be stressed.

"How much do you know?" he asked cautiously.

She laughed, but there was no mirth in it. "Oh, not much. Just that your father wants to turn me into some kind of romance-writing robot. Care to fill in the blanks?"

Nate stood, circling his desk to lean against it. He was close enough that she could smell his cologne, a scent that usually made her knees weak. Right now, it just made her angrier.

"Melody, it's not what you think. The deal is?—"

"A betrayal?" she finished for him. "A complete disregard for my artistic integrity?"

His jaw clenched. "It's a business opportunity. A chance to reach a wider audience."

She stepped closer, jabbing a finger at his chest. "By writing badly punned romances under a fake name? That's not reaching an audience, Nate. That's selling out."

"It's not selling out," he argued, his voice rising to match hers. "It's being smart. Do you have any idea how competitive this industry is?"

She threw her hands up in exasperation. "Of course I do! But I'd rather struggle and stay true to my voice than churn out soulless drivel for a paycheck."

Nate's eyes flashed, the ocean-blue hue growing darker. “Soulless drivel? That's a bit harsh, don't you think? Millions of people read and love those books."

"And good for them. But that's not what I write. That's not who I am as an author."

They were standing toe to toe now, the air inside his office growing warm. Part of her wanted to slap him. Another part... well, let's not go there.

"Who you are as an author," Nate said, his voice low, deep—intense, "is talented. Passionate. But also stubborn as hell. This deal could set you up for life, Melody. Give you the freedom to write whatever you want."

"Freedom? By signing away my creative control? That's not freedom, Nate. That's a gilded cage."

He ran a hand over his face, frustration evident in every line of his body. "Why can't you see this as an opportunity? A chance to grow your brand, reach new readers?"