Bbcpie.23.09.23.melanie.marie.sauna.temptation ❲PLUS❳

A long silence. The hiss of water hitting hot stones. Then Marie shifted, moving to sit on the same bench, close enough that their knees almost touched. “I booked this sauna for us because I wanted to talk without the office walls,” Marie said. “And because I’ve noticed you watching me for months. At the copy machine. During depositions. Last week at happy hour.”

Outside, the autumn rain began to fall. Inside, the steam held them like a secret finally told. bbcpie.23.09.23.melanie.marie.sauna.temptation

Melanie pulled her closer. “Breakfast,” she breathed. “Definitely breakfast.” A long silence

The temptation wasn’t a lightning bolt. It was a slow, deliberate melting—like the ice Melanie had poured over the stones minutes ago, surrendering to steam. She could say this is a bad idea (boss-subordinate, age gap, the retreat’s thin walls). Or she could lean in. “I booked this sauna for us because I

“I’m not accusing you.” Marie reached out and brushed a damp curl from Melanie’s forehead. Her fingers lingered. “I’m telling you I’ve been watching back.”

“You’re staring,” Marie said without turning around. Her voice was low, amused.