Hey, sorry it's taking so long for updates but my schedule is sooo busy and finding the time AND focus to write is NOT easy. Anyways, this chapter is nice and long. I was in a rare zone and got carried away and had to reign it in or it would have been even longer. For any readers of this story that also read my other STAR fanfic, I will be udpating that hopefully no later than Sunday night. Once again, thanks for reading guys. XOXO

"Is it official? Can we finally lock this track in" Zeke asked, as he hit a button on the soundboard. It was early morning and they were still in the studio. Everyone else had left over an hour ago but they had been too in the zone to leave.

"Lock it in" Alex laughed.

"Are you sure? You're not going to come into the studio tomorrow talking about you have a couple new ideas, are you"?

Alex pushed Zeke on the arm playfully. "I can't help that I'm a perfectionist. But I promise, we're done with this song. If a new idea pops up, I'm just going to have to ignore it".

Zeke nodded. She was good at ignoring things she didn't want to deal with, Zeke thought. He wasn't crazy; he knew Alex felt the chemistry happening between them. But she insisted on acting like their relationship was strictly professional. Zeke had no choice but to play along because if he forced the issue, he had no way of knowing how Alex would react. She was an unpredictable and volatile storm and he didn't want to get caught in her path of destruction. Zeke knew firsthand that wasn't a pleasant experience; they'd gotten off to a rough start when they'd first met and had almost been unable to work together. Now, two months later they were in almost complete synch with each other; and he'd gone from hating her to wanting to make love to her.

"Where'd you go" Alex asked, after Zeke remained quiet longer than usual.

"Sorry. Just thinking about a few things".

"Like what"?

Zeke slowly looked over at Alex. He still didn't understand how one person could have so much beauty and talent; and once he got past her tough exterior, it had also surprised him to learn how warm and caring she was too. "I was remembering when we first met. We couldn't stand each other. It's a small miracle we work together so well now".

Alex felt heat pool at the bottom of her tummy. She'd been getting that sensation a lot lately, every time Zeke looked at her. His gaze was so intense; it felt like he was staring straight through to her soul. Not for the first time, Alex wondered what it would feel like to have more than his eyes on her; like his hands and lips. And not for the first time, Alex stopped her thoughts in their tracks before she could get too carried away. She had to stop thinking like that. Her life was finally back on track. There was no personal drama to distract her and her music was the sole focus. She didn't need a man coming in and disrupting everything she had worked so hard for; even if that man was Zeke, one of the kindest, passionate, and sexiest men she had ever met. Alex shook her head, trying to clear her unwanted thoughts. "I know what you mean. When I first met you, I thought you were one of the most cocky and arrogant jerks I had ever met. And considering we work in the music industry, that says a lot".

"And I thought you were the most spoiled and entitled brat I had ever met; who was used to getting everything she wanted and had never heard the word, 'no'. And considering we work in the music industry, that says a lot" Zeke joked back.

"Ha-ha, very funny" Alex said sarcastically. "But seriously, after I got to know you, I discovered that you are just someone who is serious, dedicated, and passionate about their craft; you want every artist you work with to reach their full potential. You're not afraid to push and challenge someone to step out of their comfort zone, but at the same time you're equally supportive and encouraging. I hate to admit it, but I needed that and I'm really thankful".

Zeke smiled appreciatively. "Thank you. You're not so shabby yourself. After I got to know you, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that you are one of the most talented and hardworking people I've ever worked with. You never use your father's name as an excuse to rest on your laurels; in fact, you work harder than anyone to show how determined you are to make it on your own, without his influence. And you will because you're too talented not to. I admire your tenacity and it's been a privilege to work with you".

"Wow, thanks" Alex whispered, her mouth gaping open slightly. No one truly knew how desperate she was to stop living in her father's shadow; yet, Zeke had noticed in a short time span. To have someone read and understand her like that was unsettling and comforting at the same time.

Alex's parted lips were begging Zeke to taste them. He felt his jeans getting uncomfortably tight. He'd had enough torture for one day. It was time to go home, take a shower, and relax so that he would have enough strength to be tortured the next day by Alex's presence. "It's the truth. And with that said, I think it's time we get out of here. It's way past bedtime" he said, getting up from the soundboard. He made sure his back was to her so she wouldn't notice how she was affecting him.

Caught off guard by his abruptness, Alex shook her head to clear the minor daze she'd been in. she turned around to check the clock on the wall. It was after 2 O'clock in the morning. "Oh my God, you're right. I didn't realize it was so late".

"Time flies when you're having fun and getting work done" Zeke said, going to gather his things off the couch behind them.

"True" Alex agreed, as she followed suit and went to the couch to grab her belongings. Being so close to Zeke, she could smell his cologne. It didn't matter what time of day it was or how long they'd been working, the man always managed to smell amazing. A small part of her was tempted to lean over and get another trace of his scent. Alex didn't realize she was actually leaning over until it was almost too late. Right before her nose touched the back of his T-shirt, she turned back to the couch to grab her things. She was grateful her chocolate cheeks wouldn't betray her flush of embarrassment.

"Well Crane, I'll see you…" Zeke stopped talking mid-sentence. He had turned around while speaking and had not realized how close Alex was standing to him. Because she was still bent over the couch grabbing her belongings, when he pivoted, Zeke bumped into her backside.

Alex froze; she could feel Zeke right up against her ass. Was it an accident? Had he done it on purpose? Alex didn't know, but she had to get out of there. Before thinking it all the way through, she stood up straight; big mistake. Now she could feel the full magnitude of Zeke's body against her; and how tight his jeans had become. She froze again, not knowing what to do.

Zeke silently groaned when Alex straightened against him. Now he was sure Alex could feel what she had done to him. So, why wasn't she moving? Zeke felt his heart skip a beat. Was it possible that she might finally be ready to admit something undeniable was happening between them? "Alex" he said slowly.

Alex heard Zeke calling her name, but she didn't respond. She closed her eyes and tried to breathe. She knew she should walk away but she felt stuck to Zeke like glue. And if she was honest with herself, she knew that she didn't want to walk away.

Nervously, Zeke reached out and placed his hand on Alex's hip. He felt her jump, but she didn't make an attempt to move. Slowly and tentatively, he turned her around. "Alex, look at me" Zeke demanded.

Alex felt like a moth drawn to a flame. Slowly, she lifted her head until her eyes connected with his. The raw desire that emanated from him shook her to the core.

"I'm going to count to five and if you haven't walked away before I finish, I'm going to kiss you" Zeke said.

"One..." this was her chance Alex thought.

"Two..." Why weren't her feet moving?

"Three..." Had someone nailed her feet to the floor?

"Four..." Why fight it she thought. She wanted to stay.

"Five" Zeke whispered as he pulled Alex flush against his body and took her mouth with his. A knot that had been coiled in his chest ever since they met suddenly disappeared. Kissing Alex was what he imagined heaven felt like. Her lips were soft and lush; and the more he tasted her, the more he craved to learn what the rest of her body felt and tasted like. As he slipped his tongue in her mouth, Zeke's hands navigated down the sides of her body until they settled on the firm roundness of her ass. He squeezed.

Alex gasped in pleasure, breaking the kiss. It didn't distract Zeke from his mission. He began kissing down her neck. How could this man have her ready to fall apart after one kiss? His tongue and lips were even wreaking havoc down her throat, sending chills through her body and causing tiny explosions between her thighs. Alex needed Zeke's mouth back on hers; she needed to feel how perfectly his full lips molded to hers. Grabbing his chin, she pulled his face back up and nibbled on his bottom lip before taking his mouth and kissing him with every ounce of passion in her body.

Zeke groaned. In one fell swoop, he picked her up and fell backwards onto the couch, taking her with him. As soon as his butt hit the leather cushion, Alex straddled him and began to move against him, gyrating her hips at a pace that almost made him lose it right there. Alex kissed like a mad woman, a fatal seductress. If her kissing was any indication of how she fucked, he knew he was going to have to muster up as much self-control as possible. He wanted them to both enjoy the ride.

Alex felt like a woman possessed. Every kiss, every touch fed a growing hunger that demanded to be satisfied. Grabbing the hem of Zeke's shirt, she pulled it over his head and found his mouth again. She trailed her fingers down his rock-hard abs until she reached his belt. Unbuckling it, she undid his jeans button and yanked the zipper down. As soon as Zeke's dick sprang free, Alex bit her lip and moaned with anticipation. He was long, and thick, and beautiful, and with every passing moment, Alex was becoming more and more desperate to feel him inside of her.

Keeping one hand on her ass, Zeke managed to lift himself up from the couch just enough to pull his jeans and boxers down to his knees. Alex attempted to stand to undress herself, but Zeke was too impatient to wait. Thankful she'd worn just a simple denim dress today, he yanked her back and took her mouth yet again. In a lightning fast move, he reached under her dress and pulled her lace panties to one side and thrust inside her. She was slippery wet, hot, and tight. Again, Zeke almost lost his control. "Alex" he growled low and deep.

Alex moaned long and hard. She couldn't remember how to breathe. Throwing her head back, she kept gasping, but air refused to fill her lungs. Zeke being inside her, filling her felt better than anything she could have ever imagined. Still adjusting to each other, they weren't even moving, and she could already feel an orgasm building in the pit of her stomach. How was that possible? Taking a deep breath, Alex finally felt fresh oxygen fill her chest. She sighed in relief. Looking down, she stared into Zeke's eyes. Her heart fluttered; his gazes were always so intense and she could tell he was experiencing the same wonderment as her. Slowly, Zeke's face came towards her and he gave her the softest, most sensual kiss. He kissed her again and again, each kiss becoming more aggressive and more intense. Alex began to move her hips, easily at first. But just like Zeke's kisses, with each rotation she increased the pace, ramped up the intensity. She rode him like her life depended on it. She muttered curses under her breath as the pleasure increased.

Zeke gradually lowered the zipper down the front of Alex's dress until it fell away and he threw it across the room. Unclasping her bra and discarding it, he roughly palmed her breasts. He tore his mouth away from Alex's and teased, licked, and suckled her right nipple before moving to the other side and doing the same.

"Oh my God, oh my God" Alex screamed, her eyes starting to roll in the back of her head. She rode him harder, squeezed tighter around him.

"Fuck" Zeke groaned, as Alex began to have her way with him. He was trying to hold on, but Alex was trying her hardest to break his self-restraint. Grabbing her hips, he slowed her pace, controlled how deep he was penetrating her. He took her mouth again, slipping his tongue in and out of her mouth at the same pace he pumped in and out of her.

"Zeke, please Zeke" Alex begged and pleaded as he continued to deliciously torture her. She didn't know what she wanted more; for him to keep going or to be put out of her misery. Eventually, her body made the decision for her. The pressure building between her thighs finally reached its limit and the dam broke as an orgasm came flooding out of her. Alex was shaking so bad, she felt like she was having a seizure. Her throat felt raw from screaming.

Zeke fought with every inch of his being, but when Alex started to orgasm, she squeezed tighter and tighter around him until he could no longer hold back. Like a volcano, he violently erupted. He came so hard and so long it scared him. No woman had ever made him want so badly, made him come so fiercely. He took several deep breaths, trying to get his heart rate to slow down.

Alex collapsed against Zeke's shoulder, completely spent. Her arms and legs felt like Jell-O and she wasn't sure she would ever be able to walk again. She felt so safe and protected when Zeke wrapped his arms around her.

"Well, that was...something" Zeke laughed, at a loss for words. It was hands down the best sex he'd ever experienced, but there were no words in the human vocabulary to describe it. He kissed Alex's shoulder.

"Yeah, it was just okay" Alex joked. Slowly, she sat up and looked at Zeke. "I guess being a great record producer isn't your only skill. Good to know" she teased, giving him a peck on the lips.

Zeke immediately hardened again. How was it possible he could want her again so soon?

Alex's eyes widened when she felt Zeke grow stiff against her inner thigh. "You can't be serious..." she began, but she wasn't able to finish her sentence. Zeke had flipped her so that her back was now flush against the couch. She watched as he stood up and quickly finished undressing by kicking off his shoes and pulling his jeans all the way off. Standing in front of her in all his naked glory, Alex was astounded at how hard he was again. She was still having aftershocks from her first orgasm. "Ho... how are you..." Alex stuttered.

Zeke cut her off. "It's you. You're doing this to me". Reaching down, he pinched the elastic waistband of her panties, slowly pulled them down her legs and tossed them on the floor. Starting at her left foot, he planted light kisses on her heated fleshed, occasionally licking and sucking, and trailed up her legs until his mouth reached her inner thigh. He paused, taking a moment to breathe in the mouth-watering smell of her.

By the time Zeke had reached her center, Alex was floating on a different planet. Her back had arched off the couch and her fingernails were clawing at the leather. Her chest was heaving up and down so hard, she thought she might break a rib. "Zeke" she cried.

He blew a cold stream of air on her sensitive nub before he took his first taste of her. She tasted like the sweetest candy. Grabbing her thighs, Zeke pulled Alex to him and buried his face inside her. He licked and sucked on her clit like it was a lollipop. When Alex began to beat and claw at his back, it only encouraged him to keep tasting and exploring. He wanted her to know just how much he wanted her, craved her, would never get tired of her.

Alex's legs began to shake uncontrollably. Zeke grabbed her thighs to keep her still, but she could feel the waves of another orgasm approaching. Right when the floodgates opened, Zeke surprised her again and pushed inside of her, filling her completely. Alex wrapped her thighs around him and held on for dear life. After what seemed like a lifetime, Alex's orgasm finally subsided but she didn't get a chance to fully recover. Zeke began to slowly push in and out of her with deep long strokes. He leaned down and kissed her.

"Are you okay, Alex? I'm right here, I got you" he whispered between kisses, continuing his slow pace.

"Yes" Alex moaned. "Just don't stop" she demanded, kissing him back as they descended into another long round of lovemaking…

"Alex, snap out of it" Simone yelled.

"Huh" Alex said, looking around confused as her memories faded and she came back to the present.

"I said snap out of it" Simone repeated. They were sitting on the couch in Alex's hotel room, eating Chinese takeout from the carton while the TV played in the background.

"Sorry. My mind was…"

"Stuck on Zeke" Simone interrupted. "I know; and I want details so spill. How did it all go down"?

"Simone, do we really have to discuss this" Alex whined.

"We tell each other everything. You don't get to stop now because you're running away from your feelings".

"I'm not running".

Simone rolled her eyes. Alex was the most stubborn person when it came to handling situations she didn't want to face. "If you say so. I still want the deets".

Alex sighed. "A few nights ago, we were working late in the studio and it just happened".

"You can do better than that".

"I don't know how to describe it. We were talking about how we didn't like each other when we first met and how that changed once we started working together; then as we were gathering our things to leave, we bumped into each other and…" Alex paused.

"And"?

Alex took a deep breath; if she couldn't trust her best friend, who could she trust? And Simone was right; as they'd grown closer, they'd developed the habit of confiding in each other about everything. She couldn't stop now because she was afraid. It was time to be honest with herself and Simone. "And he turned me around and told me to look at him. Simone, when I looked up at him and saw the way he was looking at me…. I couldn't fight it anymore if I tried. It's like all common sense and logic left my head and all I knew is that I had to have him inside me".

Simone squealed at the juicy details. "You repressed your feelings for so long, they finally exploded out of you. I picked up on the sparks the first time I visited you and Zeke in the studio. And when I came back the second time, the vibe was even stronger".

"Maybe so. I honestly don't know what you were picking up on in the beginning. I honestly thought Zeke and I were just building a good friendship. But gradually something began to happen; something shifted and before I knew it, I had caught feelings. And now we've had sex, and everything is a mess".

"Why does it have to be a mess" Simone asked. "Last time I checked, having five orgasms is not a mess. It's something to be celebrated. Are you worried about Zeke not liking you as much as you like him? Because let me tell you, the man is into you. The way he looks at you gives me goosebumps".

Having lost her appetite, Alex set her food down on the coffee table. "It's not that. I know Zeke would never sleep with me if he wasn't serious. He's too honest and genuine to play with my emotions. But Simone, I've finally gotten my life back on track. When I first came to Atlanta with you and Star, I was all about the music. Boys were not a part of the plan and then I went and fell for two of them. And while we still worked our asses off and were able to jumpstart our careers, I can't help but think life would have been so much easier If I could have avoided all the drama, focused solely on the music, and kept my legs closed. By leaving Atlanta to go on tour, I was able to find myself again and concentrate on my music without any distractions. I don't want to lose that again. Zeke is a distraction; a really sexy one, but still a distraction".

What Alex said was a lot to unpack. Simone set her food down on the table as well. "I understand what you're saying up to a certain point. But let me point something out to you. Music is the career you've chosen to do for the rest of your life. If you're determined to focus solely on your music, at what point will you be ready to let something or someone else in? Because let me tell you, you're too great of a person to spend the rest of your life alone".

"I…I…" Alex was stunned, and she didn't have an answer. She honestly had never thought that far into the future when it came to her love life.

"I have another point I would like to make. You know I have my issues with Noah because of him coming between you and Star, but since we're being honest, when his head is on straight, he's a great guy. It goes without saying how great Derek is. All three of you have flaws and made plenty of mistakes, but other than being in love with them at the same time, do you really regret meeting them and loving them"?

Alex thought about Simone's question long and hard. Despite all the pain and misery she'd endured by loving them, there had also been joy and elation. "No" she finally answered.

"Exactly. Derek and Noah were just bad timing. And yes, they were a distraction but as you pointed out, Take 3 was still able to become successful. We released not one but two albums; and the second album got us a headlining tour despite the group breaking up. So, at the end of the day, not all distractions are bad or worth giving up a part of our lives for".

"I get what you're saying Simone. But imagine how much more successful we would have been if boys hadn't gotten in all our ways".

"You don't know that for sure".

"Neither do you".

Simone sighed but decided to entertain Alex. "Okay, let's say you're right and our careers were even more successful without men distracting us. Is it worth it? Part of being successful is having someone to share it with. Sure, we have each other, but the first thing I did when I got home from our meeting today was call Angel. Him being proud of me makes the tour that much sweeter".

"How are things going for him in the Dominican Republic"?

"Nice try but we're not changing the subject. I'll tell you about him later".

"Simone" Alex whined. "I'll admit you've made some good points and made me think of things I've never considered but why are we still talking about this. What does it have to do with Zeke"?

"It has everything to do with him because you're in love with him".

"What?! Where the hell did you get that idea? Yes, I like him very much and yes, the sex was life changing, but in love? No way". Alex began to shake.

"Yes, you are" Simone said gently. "And you're fighting it and using your history with Derek and Noah to justify why you should concentrate solely on your music. But Alex, you don't have to choose. You can have love and music. It takes work and dedication, but they can coexist. Just because it didn't work out last time, doesn't mean it won't work this time".

A single tear ran down Alex's cheek. She knew Simone was right. As much as she wanted to deny it, she knew her feelings for Zeke had already gone past the point of no return before they'd even touched, kissed, or had sex. However, that still didn't stop Alex from feeling like getting involved with him would cause her to lose herself again. "I don't want to be in love. I don't think I can handle it" she whispered.

Seeing how overwhelmed Alex was getting, Simone finally backed off. At least her friend was being honest with herself. Lying to herself was one of the reasons her past relationships had failed. Pulling Alex into a hug, she rocked her gently and rubbed her back. "It will be okay, Alex. Everything will be okay".