Ok, girl7. This is going to be a jumble of nonsensical praise and frantic re-quoting. Just so you know.

1. she'd fancied herself turning him on to the point at which he had her against the wall of her apartment before she'd even had time to close the door behind them. Holy fuck, Pam. Me too, me too.

2. He blinks, looking utterly serious. "Oh, they already think you're an impossible drunk, so...no worries."
"Oh really?" She's enjoying this, suddenly seized with the urge to ask him if he wonders sometimes whether or not the last three years have been a prolonged form of verbal foreplay. Yes, Pam, yes they are. Now go do something about it.

3. She doesn't have to even think about it, of course; the answer is immediate, almost visceral. Still, she can't help but retort, "What do you wanna do?"
He blinks slowly as she grins, watching his face even as he tilts his head slightly, his eyes meeting hers, gravel in his voice when he replies, "I, uh...think it's pretty...obvious what I wanna do." This, this right here? This is why I love them and most definitely why I love when you write them.
4. And this is what it’s really all about, isn’t it: But she's still holding onto him, and as he gradually settles against her, he feels almost as if he's been tranquilized...as if he's really breathing again for the first time since he'd looked her in the eye, told her he was in love with her.

Seriously, girl7, you’ve outdone yourself here. I mean, Jesus, just hang up your writing pencils now (WAIT! DON’T! I TAKE IT BACK, I TAKE IT BACK!) because this is the most perfect thing you’ve written. It’s not just the steam, even though that is extremely steamy, but it’s the feeling behind it, the way you know these characters and the way they know each other. So amazing. I commend you, my friend.

PS: What kind of wine were you drinking when you wrote this? Because fuck, I need to get me some of that.

Author's Response:

It absolutely slays me that you would possibly apologize for anything in your reviews, as they are always -- ALWAYS -- just made of awesome.  Seriously. 

In all honesty, your reviews are always so amazing -- you take such care with them, pointing out specifically what you liked and why, and with that humor that makes me literally laugh out loud every damn time.  :o)  In short: You are awesome, my friend!  (And I've not yet gotten to do my fic-reading spree, but that starts next week; I've got a schedule mapped out and everything...which probably makes me pathetic, but whatevs....you're on the top of my list.)  ;o)

And I was drinking Barefoot Pinot Grigio, which is relatively cheap but highly rated (91 points!).  I would definitely recommend it, as it's obviously conducive to writing smut.  :oD

Thanks for everything!

9

I'm so glad you decided to post it. it's hot and yeah, hot.

One of the other things I thought you did well (other than the smut, obviously) was the "how far does she want me to go" bits and "how do I tell him where I want this to go" thread throughout the chapter.

Jim is such a sweetheart, when he says "I, uh...think it's pretty...obvious what I wanna do." I just wanted Pam to retort "and it's not obvious what I want to do?" No wonder it took these two years to get together. They're both so careful and considerate (and you nailed that perfectly here) (TWSS)

Great story!

Author's Response:

Oh wow -- thank you so much!  It's one of the things I always struggle with when I'm writing these two: the whole how-far-would-they-go-how-soon? question.  I think that even though they're both experienced adults, they'd still be a little cautious about taking that leap, because it'd be a huge deal for them, not to mention an enormous transition.  (There's surely a TWSS! in there, but...well, I don't dare, lol.)

Thanks so much for your kind words & feedback! 

This chapter is so damn hot, i was on the edge of my seat while reading this. Seriously, like for real...AWESOME! and about time, chapter 19, I mean I think we all know how Jim felt, waiting all this time...Sweet Releief!!!!!

Author's Response: I'm so glad you enjoyed it, iwantphillyjim!  I won't lie; it was a bit fun to write it.... :O)  Thanks so much for reviewing!

This story has never disappointed! Thanks so much for this new steamy chapter. As other reviewers have mentioned, it is so 'them'. Their awkwardness (at the beginning) is exactly how I would have imagined it. And nothing too kinky--I must be a prude but I wouldn't expect that for a 'first time'. Great job. Your writing is just beautiful.

Author's Response: I'm glad you found this to be realistic -- and I'm with you: I can't imagine that they'd be too far out there the first time.  I really appreciate your taking the time to review!

10

Just me again ;-) I just had to reread this chapter and wanted to come back and share my favorite very hot, very sexy part.

He just kisses her for a few breathtaking, seemingly mind-blowing moments, as if he somehow gets it that the anticipation alone is enough to make it difficult for her to breathe. Then he abruptly stops, but he doesn't pull away, just hesitates there on top of her, breathing into her mouth, his lips deliciously close, parted. He shifts slightly, eliciting another gasp from her -- and just like before, the stillness vanishes; in its place is a fast-moving, blurry heat that takes over her, chasing away her inhibitions and any lingering awkwardness.

Why is the idea of him pausing, in the midst of something he's waited so long for, to simply kiss her and sort of breathe her in, So. DAMN. HOT?! Guh. Just love it. Alright. (And thanks for your response below . . . so flattering to hear you like my smut ;-) Truly. When a gifted writer finds anything to like in my writing, it sends me to a very happy place. So thanks so much.) Okay, now, I'm off to . . . whatever.

Author's Response:

First: I deserve a freaking medal for taking the time to respond to my reviews (albeit three weeks after the fact, but whatevs) when I know you've just posted something new that's gonna be awesome.  (I've set aside next Monday -- as in, the entire freaking day -- to catch up on reading/reviewing fic, so you'll be hearing from me....)

Glad you liked that little detail; I really think that one of the things that makes Jim & Pam so...awe-inspiring (that's not the right term, but it's the best I can do at almost 10:00 p.m., heh) is knowing just how long he's wanted to be with her...so he'd certainly be soaking in every single aspect of being with her early on.  Sigh. 

And yes -- I LOVE your stuff, in case you hadn't noticed.  :o) ]

Thanks again for reviewing!

I would review, but you have killed me dead here, girl7.  And even though I have read many luscious steamy chapters of yours, I am amazed at your ability to bring something new to the table (or sofa, or bed as the case may be), but you've done it my dear.  Absolutely intoxicating.

Author's Response:

Don't threaten me that way -- do you have any IDEA how may people would come after me if you dropped dead after reading one of my fics??  Quite a fair few, Ms. Hoo, so don't scare me like that.  :o)

So glad you liked this and found it new, because I have to agree with what the awesome stablergirl said recently about writing smut -- that it always feels repetetive, because there are only so many words with which you can describe...uh, certain acts.  :o)

Thanks for reviewing (and for those amazing icons!)!

10

Okay, girl7, if that's a challenge for you, then you've got to keep challenging yourself . . . for our sake. Very hot, very them, very, very just . . . breath stealing. Detailed and steamy enough to satisfy the smut lovers (I think) yet subtle and gentle enough to not turn those of us off who hate four-letter words for body parts. Fan-freaking-tastic. You made my night. And maybe Mr. Wendolf's...

Author's Response:

Whooooooooooosh.  (That was me letting out the breath I've been holding ever since I posted the chapter.)  Seriously -- first, as a fan of your writing, it means a lot to hear/read your thoughts; second, given the fact that when I sent this to my beta (who is also a good friend), I felt compelled to say, "Don't you judge me" [/Joy's mom on MNiE], it's a relief to hear that you found it subtle.  Like I said, I'm certain I've written worse; in my earlier days, for whatever the reason, I was comfortable going into just a bit more detail.  Not sure why I'm more reticent now (maybe intimidated by all the author authors who write the steam/smut so well....looking at you, miss wendolf, lol).

Thanks so much for reviewing!  And, uh, you and Mr. Wendolf have a very pleasant evening.  ;oD

9

That was awesome! I laughed out-loud multiple times. Fabulous!
I'm egregiously behind on my fanfic consumption, but I'm glad I dug through the most recent page to catch up on this story. I'm excited to see what happens next!

Author's Response:

You need not tell me about being egregiously behind on reading fanfic; I'm soooo behind it's not even funny.  (But I'm about to have some time off, so look out MTT; ole girl7 will be gettin' what she wants!  lol)

So glad you're enjoying this!  Thanks for reviewing --

9

You are indeed correct that the steam content is WAY up - well done!! The bar hallway kiss? Extremely, vividly hot. I also love how they are so similar in their thought processes, with the escape route and also in coming to terms with the fact that they are really together.

I feel like the really good sex is going to be the next chapter - am I right?

P.S. I cannot buh-LIEVE someone said "This might take awhile" to you in real life!? That is sexy and I am jealous!!! DUDE! :)

Author's Response:

Oh sister -- you ain't seen nothing yet, lol; it gets much worse from here.  :o) Re: your prediction for the next chapter...uh, what gives you that idea?  You have a filthy mind, missy.  (I'm joking.  Yesssh, you are correct, sir!  Two Michael references in one for you there, lol.)

Yeah, a guy did say that to me in real life -- someone I dated off and my senior year of high school & the first year of college.  He was pretty damn hot, but unfortunately, he was one of those in-it-for-the-chase kind of guys (hence the off and on).  Eh well.  :o)

Thanks for reviewing!

10

Buckle in kids -- I'm several chapters behind in reviewing so this could be a long ride.

First off, I have to commend you again at your amazing ability to skillfully blend the tender with the funny with the sexy with the absurd. You manage the perfect balance of all of those elements that made us all fall in love with Jim and Pam in the first place. And second, you put Jim in both torturously tight and hot black AND white tees in back to back chapters. So major props for that creative choice because I'm taking those mental images with me to bed tonight. :-)

On to my favorites!

There's more she wants to say, but it's as if words have suddenly lost their value, and all that really has worth is giving in completely when his lips cover her own.

GUH. These are the moments where you just gut your readers with your amazing prose. Wordless communication has long been one of my favorite things about Jim and Pam so it was wonderful to see it carried beyond the boundaries of their playful banter and into this part of their relationship.

Their laughter slowly dies as he helps her with the sleeves, and all the while she's consciously aware that these are the final seconds of who they used to be -- who they've been forcing themselves to be: just friends, purely platonic.

Wow...just WOW. I loved witnessing the moment where Pam paused to recognize that THIS (not necessarily calling off her wedding) was the moment that her life REALLY changed, really began to evolve into what she'd always dreamed it could be.

She falters, because his eyes are so green, and his scent is home; because she can feel him hard against her thigh, and it's difficult to hide from the fact that this moment stretches beyond all she's ever wanted.

How do you make something so hot while simultaneously making my eyes sting with happy tears? *sigh!*

…she's pretty damn sure that if he doesn't leave her apartment in the next hour, she'll have to just give in and jump him.

Pam, take it from me girl -- giving in will NEVER feel so good. Or so right. I mean, I'm all for taking it slow but I think even Emily Post would agree that three years is freaking slow enough. ;-)

And it only solidified the fact that yeah, she's definitely the woman of his freaking dreams.

And even though we've all contemplated this very fact a zillion times, seeing it in print always makes me squee like the little fangirl I am at heart.

"Wow." He pretends to be indignant as he informs her sternly, "Need I remind you that I am not a cow, nor is my milk free...?"

She smiles archly at him, her left eyebrow slowly lifting. "Really...? Couldn't I get a discount or something?"

And this may be the single funniest exchange between Jim and Pam ever written in the fandom. Seriously -- not exaggerating here. It just made me laugh so hard I had to read it out loud to my friends. A good laugh was enjoyed by all, I assure you.

But there's something about the way Jim looks at her that makes her feel almost like a sorceress or something -- as if she possesses the power to bewitch him, enchant him...drive him out of his mind.

It's a new sensation, but it's an addictive one.

You work it girl! But seriously -- this harkens back to some of the earlier chapters where we could see Pam finally realizing her own power and strength as a woman. So getting to see this moment where she's really growing comfortable with this side of herself is really charming and heartwarming. Seriously.

SO.

All that having been said, I will leave you with this: when "Nearing the Edge" finally draws to a close, there will be a veritable sea of readers mourning the end (while simultaneously celebrating your awesomeness).

Author's Response:

When I saw the sheer length of your review (uh, TWSS...?  Would she say that?), I was floored and so excited to read what you had to say! 

You are most certainly welcome for my wardrobe choices for Jim (though you should really thank JK for the tight white shirt, and Men's Health for the tight black one, LOL).  

Your comments re: my prose just made my night, seriously.  I'm glad you feel that way, and I'm also happy to hear that the scene made you emotional.  (That was a very odd sentence, no?)  While I have no problem with smut for smut's sake (it has its place), in longer stories like this one, I always try to capture the emotion that would surely be there in those moments.  Lately I've been trying to resist my tendency toward falling into melodrama (totally guilty of that), which is where all the banter in this chapter came from.  :o) 

And yay! that you really enjoyed the cow/milk exchange!  I have always found that particular saying to be totally offensive, both to women and men (hate hate hate hate gender stereotypes!), and it was too much fun having Jim & Pam mock it shamelessly.  Even though we'll likely never see it on the show, I've always envisioned Jim teasing Pam in that way -- i.e. accusing her of only being after one thing.  I don't know why I think that, but I could just imagine it....

As far as Pam growing into herself, I've always thought that it would have to have been nothing short of a revelation for her to go from dating a guy like Roy (who epitomized the concept of taking someone for granted) to a guy like Jim (who represents the most idealized figure -- a guy who loves and appreciates every single thing).

Thank you so, so much for taking the time to write such a detailed review -- seriously, I really appreciate it.  :o)

BWAHAHAHAAA!!!  What a fantastic and exceptionally brilliant escape.  Stupid Ryan.  (Brings even more after seeing last night's episode.)  Good ol' Dwight unintentionally helping out though.

Author's Response:

Your BWAAHAHAAHA! made me smile like a big idiot.  :o) Yessh, stupid Ryan indeed.  And I just love Dwight these days.  sigh. 

Thanks for reviewing!

Awww, that was so sweet and funny.  I mean, you don't expect so much humor in the middle of smut and it was just perfectly silly!  I also loved the confused mess of emotions and how desperately unable Pam was to even begin to express them.

Author's Response:

Thanks so much!  I know it's a big debate in the fandom (what a dumb word, BTW) re: how fast Jim & Pam would go.  While I don't agree with the depictions of Pam as near virginal (though I'm probably guilty of that in some of my way older stuff), I also don't think she'd be willing to just jump in with both feet.  I think she'd WANT to, definitely, but I think she'd at least put up some attempt at taking things slowly.  That said, I think her efforts would fail miserably, because...well, c'mon: it's Jim, you know?  :o)

Thanks, BTW, for always taking the time to review each chapter as you catch up -- such a really considerate thing to do! 

Okay, this is gettin' good! The Jim/Pam banter is spot on. LUV the Monty Phython reference! Say no more! PERFECT! More Please!

Author's Response:

Your review has left me confounded for days -- what Monty Python reference?  LOL  I am ashamed to say that I've not seen any of the Monty Python stuff.  *hanging head in embarrassment*  Seriously, my husband loves it and has been trying to get me to watch it with him; I think I'll do so now, hee. 

Intended or not, glad you enjoyed the reference!  :o) Thanks for reviewing!