Nova

While Artis was traveling, I threw myself into work, sitting in on sessions with other engineers. Their work ethic is impeccable. Studio 3 has been going all week. I don't know if Romie made it home; he's had the same clothes since yesterday. I was grabbing a bottle of water from the lounge when we padded in there. His eyes were red-rimmed. He yawned. "You should get some rest, Romie."

Romie nodded. "I know, but the artist is on fire. He can't rest. This album is going to be a classic." He said with a tired smile. "Who's the artist?" I asked, curious. "You don't know? He's the one everyone's talking about, Krossroads." He said, naming one of the hottest artists. "Oh wow, I haven't had the chance to work with him yet."

Romie nodded again. "You're going to love him. He's a genius, just like Artis." He stood up and stretched. Thanks for checking on me, Nova. You're a real one baby." He said before stumbling back into the studio.

As I returned to my station, I couldn't help but think about Artis. His passion for music was contagious—it's what drew me to him in the first place. And now, here I was, feeling the same way about the industry. I missed him so much. I got to his office, sat on his couch, and texted him.

Me: "Guess where I am," My phone buzzed almost immediately.

AG:"In my thoughts," he replied with a winking emoji. I chuckled. He always knew how to make me smile. Me:"Actually, I'm in your office," I texted back, taking a selfie with the dimly lit room as the backdrop.

The response was quick. AG:"Missing me already?" His words sent a warm tingle down my spine. Me:"I do miss you.. so much. When you get back, you should let me give you another dread massage," I replied, feeling a bit bold.

AG:"Is that a promise?" he responded with a smirk that I could almost see through the text. Me:"Absolutely," Smiling to myself.

AG:"I'm gonna hold you to it," he replied with a massage emoji. Me:"Trust me, I got you, baby, hurry back to me."

The days without Artis felt like an eternity. The studio was alive with music, but the energy was different—less electric and more professional. I found myself counting down the hours until his return, replaying our conversations and the way his touch made me feel.

I was in studio 5 with the green light on. Pouring my heart into a slow, sensual beat. It's giving me 'Stay' by NNavy vibes. Sexy. I was standing at the board. I rolled my neck left ..then right. Self-massaging, trying to loosen the tightness. "I can help with that," said a voice behind me. A mile-wide smile came across my lips. "did you miss me, mama?" he softly kissed my neck. "More than you know," I sighed, leaning back into his embrace. His arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer.

Artis spun me around, his hands finding my face. He studied my eyes, searching for something, before crushing his lips to mine. The kiss was fiery, full of need and desire. His tongue slipped into my mouth, and I moaned, the sound echoing in the empty studio. It had been too long since I felt his touch, and my body was craving it like a drug.

He picked me up, placing me on the soundboard, his hands exploring my body as if he were learning it all over again. His touch was rough and urgent, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake. I could feel his erection pressing against me.

Quick footsteps approaching. "Shit," he murmured, setting me down gently. He quickly turned on a random track. We straightened ourselves up, trying to look as professional as possible. The door swung open, and in walked Romie, and Krossroads the artist he'd been working with.

"Art," Romie said, his voice a little too loud. He needs to stop with the Red Bulls. We're ready for you in 3." Artis nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "Give me ten," he said, his voice low and gruff. Romie nodded and left. Krossroads followed, glancing back at me with a knowing smile.

Artis walked over to the soundboard and turned the music down. "I gotta go," he said, his eyes dark with desire. But I'll be back." He kissed me again, a soft, lingering kiss. He moaned. "I'll be waiting," I whispered, trying to sound casual despite the fire burning in my veins.

As he left the studio, I couldn't help but smile. "At least he's back, "

AG

The studio was buzzing with energy as I walked in. Artists and engineers swarmed around the consoles, the smell of weed and takeout mixing with the electric hum of creativity. I scanned the room, looking for a reason to justify my visit. This shit better be worth my time, or I'd be shutting it down, no questions asked.

"What's good, everyone?" I called out, my voice cutting through the noise like a hot knife through butter. Heads turned, eyes widened, and conversations hushed. They knew what time it was.

Yo, Artis, we've got the hook on loop," one of the engineers yelled over the din. "You gotta hear this."

I strolled over. The beat was fire, no doubt about it. "Lay it down." I nodded towards the den. Krossroads jumped into action. I stood and listened, bobbing my head.

"I gave Krossroads a little direction," I said to Romie, nodding my head in approval as the artist sang. "And tell him to watch the bass. It's overpowering the vocals." Romie nodded, scribbling notes down on a pad. He knew the drill. "I got it"

The next few minutes were a blur of adjustments and tweaks. I could feel the song coming together, the magic of good music mixing with the electricity in the air. The bass dropped lower, the highs balanced out, and Krossroads's verse hit that sweet spot, floating perfectly over the track. The change was immediate and palpable. The room felt alive again.

"That's it," I said, my voice firm. "Now, let's hear it from the top." The artist nodded, his eyes focused. The play button was hit, and the music filled the space. This time, it was perfect. The room nodded in unison, the vibe just right. "This is going to be big," I murmured to Romie, who grinned back at me.

But my mind was already racing ahead. With every beat, every lyric, I could see the potential. This was the kind of record that could change the game. "Come here, in 3 baby." I texted Nova. She appeared in the doorway, a look of curiosity on her face. "What do you think?" I gestured to the speakers.

Her eyes lit up as she listened, nodding in time with the music. "It's fire," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "But the mix needs a little tweaking. The bass is ..off."

I smirked. "I knew you'd be the one to catch that." I stepped aside, gesturing to the board. "Show me what you got." She slid into the chair, her confidence unwavering. As she worked, I couldn't help but watch her, the way her hands danced over the controls, the way she moved her head with the beat. Her passion for music was undeniable.

When she was done, she played the adjusted mix. The difference was subtle but significant. The bass didn't overpower the lyrics anymore, allowing Krossroads's storytelling to shine. "Perfect," I said, impressed. "You've got a good ear, Nova."

Her cheeks flushed with the praise. "Thank you, Artis," she replied, her voice a mix of pride and surprise. "It's just a small adjustment."

Krossroads called out, "Ay, Nova. Thank you, baby," smiling and shit. I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "Let's get you out of here before I shoot this muh'fucka," I murmured in her ear, and she giggled, playfully slapping my chest. "Don't start," she whispered back, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

We stepped out of the studio, leaving the music to fill the space behind us. "How was your trip?" she asked, her voice soft as we made our way down the hallway.

"Long," I replied, my eyes never leaving hers. "But it's over now, and all I can think about is you."Her cheeks flushed at my words, and she bit her bottom lip. "I missed you too, baby," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I leaned in, my hand finding the small of her back, and whispered in her ear, "Let's go to my office."

Once we were behind the closed door, I pulled her into my arms, my mouth finding hers in a soft kiss. I hugged her tight. "I can't be away from you that long, baby." I buried my face in her neck. She ran her fingers through my dreads.

"I know," she murmured, her breath hot against my skin. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

I pulled back, looking into her eyes. "I know, I know," I said, frustration seeping into my voice. "But it's hard when all I want to do is show you off and love on you out the open. I sat on the edge of my desk and pulled her to me. "You coming with me tonight, you hear me?" I said, hugging her. "Artis, you're a little spoiled, aren't you?" I nodded. "Rotten," I said with a smirk. "But that's what makes me, me."

Her laughter filled the room, and I felt my heart swell. "Okay," she said, "but only if we can grab some food first. I'm starving."

"Food first, love later," I agreed, kissing her forehead. We stepped out of the office, prying eyes watching us. We stealthily went in opposite directions.

The rest of the day was a blur of bullshit and more bullshit and final touches on various projects. I glanced at my watch. 7 PM, time to collect my prize. I texted Nova, "Ready to go?" Her response was swift, "Be right there."

When she walked into the office, she had a bag slung over her shoulder, looking like she'd just stepped out of a magazine. "You look stunning," I said, my voice thick with desire. She blushed. "Thanks. I just went home to freshen up."

We grabbed a quick bite at a nearby Italian spot, a low-key place for celebrities to eat without being hounded by paparazzi. She's happy when she eats, and I love to watch her enjoy herself.