Liz sighed as she hung up the phone. She had been working as a freelance fashion designer for 6 months now. Her business had slowed some, and she was starting to get upset and thinking she would have to go with an agency. It had been all of 4 months since she had broken up with Paul. She still loved him, but she needed some sort of commitment, something he couldn't give her. She had understood why, but it hurt, because he knew she'd do anything to make him happy. She still kept in touch with Terri, but had not spoken to her for awhile because either Terri was with Gene, and she was afraid to see Paul again, because she knew she could not keep from loving him.

Paul sighed as he turned over in bed. He missed having a warm female body pressed against him during the lonely nights. Sure he could have a groupie or two if he wanted it, but he only wanted one woman. He cursed himself daily for letting Liz walk out of his life. She hadn't ever done a thing but stand by him and love him. He knew she'd never break his heart, but he'd broken hers by not being able to totally commit to her. Damn Pam anyway. If she hadn't done such a number on him, he wouldn't be in this situation. Liz would be his and be right here in his arms where she belonged. Now, the band had decided to do yet another tour, and it looked like a long road ahead. Maybe he would find someone to replace her, but he highly doubted it.

Gene sat in his office trying to think of whom he could get to design the new costumes for the upcoming tour. They had wanted newer ones made based on their Dynasty costumes. Still, the designs he'd seen lately form the offers he had gotten just weren't cutting it. Terri walked into the room to se him sitting at his desk, frowning at the newest batch of designs.

"Hi baby," she cooed as she walked over and sat on the edge of his desk, crossing her shapely legs. "Still haven't found a designer?"

"No, and its starting to get on my nerves too. We were shooting to start the tour in 2 months. I need to find someone who knows KISS' style, these things look like shit," he said, pointing to the designs. Terri looked at the designs and frowned. Paul's looked almost feminine. "And on top of that," he continued, "Paul is so moody right now that he couldn't give a shit. I wish I could find Liz and bring her back to him, maybe then he'd lighten up." Terri kissed him softly on the lips.

"I have a solution that can help in both of those departments, I think" she smiled.

"Really?' said Gene with a slow smile.

"Well, Liz and I have kept contact off and on, and last I remember, this…" she said, handing Gene a slip of paper, "is her cell number. You know Liz is a freelance designer, why not let her try her hand at designing the costumes? And at the same time, Paul will HAVE to see her again, won't he?"

"Terri you are a genius! I could kiss you," he said with a wicked grin sweeping her up in his arms and kissing her full on the lips.

*************************************************************

Gene Simmons clicked the number on his office telephone, and waited for a voice on the other end. "Hello?" came the familiar voice. "Liz here… can I help you?"

"Hello, I'm representing an interested party that requires your expertise in costume-making…"

"Gene? Is that you?" Liz asked, suspiciously. She felt like hanging up then and there, but decided since it sounded official she should give Gene a chance. This wasn't his fault.

"Hello, Liz, I need your help as a fashion designer. KISS is doing a Dynasty 2001 tour, and I think you're the perfect woman for the job…"

"Gene, I can't do that… you know… did Paul…"

"Has nothing to do with my decision. You came highly recommended… why many of my ahem… female contacts have spoken about your fashions and how comfortable and classy they are…"

"Oh… okay. But I don't want to speak to…"

"Let's leave personal affairs out of this," Gene said crisply. "You'll be well paid for your trouble…"

"Good, I'm glad. What sort of costumes do you need, and what all will you require?"

"I will be flying out to New York two weeks from now. Since you're familiar with KISS Dynasty costumes, I leave it to your creativity to come up with good designs. I'll be happy to peruse them…"

"Great. But I will need exact fittings after you approve my designs…" said Liz.

"Sounds great. See you in two weeks, Liz… ciao…" Gene said. He glanced up at Terri, who was still sitting on the edge of his desk, making it very difficult for him to concentrate much longer.

***********************************************************

Gene walked up to the door of Liz’s apartment and knocked on the door. Liz answered it, smiling at her friend.

"Hey, Liz, its been awhile, you’re looking good," he said with a low whistle. Liz blushed a little and let him inside, same old Gene, she thought. Liz went to her desk and pulled out a portfolio of the design templates she had done for the band’s new costumes and handed them to Gene. He studied them close, a slow smile spreading over his face. This girl was good at her job.

"Liz, these look great! You’ve definitely got the job!" he said.

"Thanks," she said, "when will you be needing them?"

"Well, we are shooting for two months form now to start the tour. Of course you know that when w are not together performing we have our own schedules, so I want you to plan the fitting times and either call me or fax them to me, so each of us knows when to come in."

"But... Gene... you know I can’t be around Paul…." Her voice trailed off.

"Listen, sweetheart, I know it may be a little rough, but look at it this way... its business. Treat it that way, and you will be fine." He said, smiling. Liz sighed and looked down, biting her lip. She didn’t know if she could stand being around Paul without wanting him. Gene looked at her.

"You still love him, don’t you?" he said, matter-of-factly. She didn’t even have to answer, for he could see it in her blue eyes. The two visited for awhile longer, then Gene had to leave for another meeting. Liz sighed as she shut the door behind him. This was going to be hard.

*******************************************************

Terri noticed that Paul was still irritable. He had stopped by to see Gene, but she had told him Gene was on band business and would be home shortly, but he was welcome to wait. She busied herself with typing a new chapter of the biography she was putting together for KISSTORY III, that Gene had suggested she act as an author on.

While she worked, Paul played in the small studio that Gene had at his house, and Terri could hear the distant music coming from there. He was strumming an acoustic version of Shandi, and so heartfelt was the song, that Terri felt tears coming to her eyes as she sat behind her computer. She desperately wanted to tell him what was going to happen, but out of respect for her friend decided against it. He would know soon enough, and then perhaps it would be up to them and Fate.

Just then, she heard Gene's voice distantly as the front door opened, "Terri! I'm home!"

"Hi Gene, I'm in here, sweetheart!" she called back. Gene strode into the main sitting room area, and saw her behind her laptop. She wiped tears from her eyes, and Gene could hear the distant guitar music.

"Paul came by?" Gene asked, and sat down next to her. "Hey… are you all right? Why are you crying?"

"I hate not telling him… about… you know…"

"I know it's hard, baby, but we gotta keep it a secret… till the fittings. Can you do that? Since you suggested this wonderful plan?" Gene asked her, slipping an arm around her shoulders.

"I hate that song it makes me cry," she sighed. "I mean I love it, but the way Paul's singing it…"

"Did he specifically say why he'd stopped by, or was it just for moral support?" Gene asked Terri. The music stopped, and they heard Paul's footsteps as he came into the room.

Paul looked at Terri and Gene thinking they both looked pretty guilty about something, but quickly dismissed it. Gene could see that Paul’s mood hadn’t changed much. After years of being friends, he knew when Paul was irritated.

"So, Terri said you were on band business, what’s up?" he asked Gene.

"Well, I had a hard time finding someone to design our new costumes. I mean you should have seen some of the designs I got," he said with a frown, "But I did manage to find someone. She is based in New York, and her designs are superb."

"She? Gene this had better not be another one of your plans to get me laid," Paul said, irritably. Gene smiled.

"No, but she is a lady, and you will have to go to her home in New York where her business is based for costume fittings, we all will. She gave me this schedule for you as to when she will need for you to come in. There are four of us, so she is juggling us around during the week." He handed Paul the neatly typed page. Paul stared at it and sighed.

"Who is she?" he asked.

"I forget her name, you know how bad I am with names, but she’s really good at her job and very professional." Paul eyed him with suspicion.

"Ok, Gene, whatever you say, man. I will get a flight out to New York for Friday." And with that, Paul walked out of the door and drove back to his lonely apartment. He missed Liz so much he wanted to cry, but he didn’t.

**********************************************************

"Well my mom and you really seem to click," Gene said to Terri, as they got out of the limousine near Liz' studio. Both had flown out together to NY so Terri could have some time to visit her brother that lived in Manhattan and Gene's mom while they were there for the costume fittings.

"She reminds me a little of my mom," Terri laughed. "It was so funny when she talked about seeing you in makeup for the first time and wondering which one was you!"

Gene pressed the buzzer on the door, and they heard Liz' voice bidding them to come in. It had been ages since Terri and Liz had time to visit each other, and at sight of her the two women hugged tightly. "Terri, so good to see you girl!" she laughed, as Terri hugged her close.

"Likewise."

"I didn't expect you to come along!"

"You know Gene, always wanting company. Well this time I suggested I could get in some visiting, and some material for KISSTORY III, he could hardly refuse…"

"I know Gene would give you anything if you asked nicely enough," Liz winked at her. "C'mon in. All my stuff is ready. Ace was already by earlier this week for his fitting."

"Ace showing up before me? Holy shit, that's a first," Gene joked, walking into Liz studio. She worked downstairs and had her apartment upstairs. One or two assistants were answering the telephone and cutting material. She led them into the main room, and instructed Gene to take off his leather coat.

"Now, we'll just get your measurements…" Liz said. She took the tape measure from around her neck and began to get Gene's chest and arm length. She called out the measurements to one of her assistants. Terri stood by and watched with amusement. When it came to measuring the 'inside leg', Liz insisted that Terri have this privilege. There was a lot of joking during this, and Gene's flirtatious nature got the better of him.

"That's it. Sherri, you can get going…" she called out to one of the other girls, who started pulling out bolts of material. They began the long process of cutting and measuring for Gene's costume.

"This will take a while, but we should have some preliminaries done. Then we'll start on your armor…" Liz nodded. "If you could come back later today that would be great… or else you can wait upstairs in my apartment while we get this costume underway…"

"I hope you don't look like some mutated rock monster from star Trek," Terri teased Gene.

"You see what I have to put up with," Gene joked back, nudging Terri. Liz grinned and showed them up to her place where they could wait while they started Gene's costume.

They didn't notice another limo pulling up, and discharging its passenger in the street. Dark eyes fixed the place firmly into his mind as Paul glanced at Liz studio. It was the address Gene had scribbled on the business card, and it was Friday.

*********************************************************

Paul walked up to the door and walked in. One of the assistants, Lisa, was busy cutting out a costume. She looked up from her work to see Paul standing there. She’d seen the rest of KISS come in there and thought she was over the initial shock, but this man was gorgeous. She could see why Liz had been so into him.

"You must be Mr. Stanley, "she said, smiling," Right through there is where you need to go." She pointed to a door to the right of him. Paul smiled and said thanks and walked in, not knowing whom he was about to run into. He looked around the room, not seeing anyone at first, but then he saw a blonde with her back to him, looking at some designs.

"Hello?" Paul said, to get her attention. She turned around and Paul saw her face, her beautiful face…and it felt like a kick in the stomach, but at the same time, he was happy.

"Liz?" he whispered.

"Hello, Mr. Stanley, you’re right on time for your appointment." Liz steeled herself and was trying to keep it strictly business. Paul looked at her and for a moment Liz almost lost her steel and softened. Those eyes did it every time and she could almost see were it, sadness in them? Yet, his eyes had lit up when he saw who she was.

"Thank you…" he said, clearing his throat. So this was the way things would be? Well if she was going to be formal, he would play the same game, if it meant she would spend time with him.

"Step right this way, and we'll take your measurements," Liz said, indicating the way with her hand. He followed her into the small, yet spacious workshop where Sherri was already putting together a black spandex undersuit. He guessed it must be for Gene, because it was dark deep red.

She positioned him in front of a mirror, and began to measure him with the tape around her neck. She called out the measurements to Lisa, who began to write them down. Paul shivered at the feel of her hands lightly brushing his chest as she spanned it with the tape. Then she let it drop to his waist.

It was maddening to feel her so close, and yet so far. Especially when she dropped on one knee and mentioned, "Inside leg…" to Lisa. A hand brushed the inner surface of his thigh, and he gritted his teeth at the feel of her hand brushing against a very sensitive place. Lightly the fingers held one end of the tape in place while she ran the end to drop at his ankle. A low groan escaped his lips before he could stop it.

Lisa felt the tension crackling in the air. It was easy to see the look of torture in Paul's dark eyes as Liz was reaching into places that were very intimate, although they were covered by clothes.

Liz looked up and quickly looked down again when she saw he was looking at her with a tortured look in his eyes. Dammit, why did he have to look at her like that?

"Ok, Lisa, all done, you can go get that all measured and cut," Liz called to the other girl. Lisa knew that was her cue to scram so she quickly made herself scarce. She turned to see Paul still standing there, giving her that intense look. She started to turn away again, but he caught her by her arm and turned her back to him and without a word, he kissed her, just like that. Liz tried not to respond, but she couldn’t help it. She found her arms moving up around his neck to finger his long mane of curls. She broke the kiss and stared at him.

"I-I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that," he said starting to turn away.

"Paul…" she got out, breathlessly. He turned to see her there, tears in her eyes. He walked back to her.

"Liz, I-I don’t know what to say about what happened between us. You know I loved you, hell I still do. I never stopped. I-I’ve missed you." Liz was crying openly now, and Paul reached to take her in his arms. She felt so good there.

"I’ve missed you too, Paul, and I am so sorry I was acting as if I didn’t care. I felt like I needed to protect myself. I can’t afford a broken heart again." Paul held her and let her cry.

"Oh Liz, baby, I’m so damn sorry, I don’t even deserve you." Liz looked up at him and he leaned down to kiss her, his tongue working its way inside her mouth causing her to moan. She could feel his excitement against her as he held her close. She tossed back her head to let his lips travel down her neck, throat, and then up to her ear.

"You taste so good." he whispered. Liz gasped as he gently nibbled her ear. Liz kissed his chest and let her hand wander down to the waistband of his jeans. He sucked in his breath sharply when he felt her hand graze him.

"It was so hard to touch you… without…"

"Shh baby… it's okay… I'm here now…" Paul silenced her, taking her hand and kissing it tenderly.

"I missed you so much…" she whispered back, hot breath fanning his ear. Naughtily she rubbed her hand against him, knowing this time she could touch him without fear. Reasons why this shouldn't be escaped her. He might leave and hurt her again… but she didn't care at that moment. All she could focus on was how good he felt in her arms.

"Baby… I know… I just had to take any chance to see you... but I had no idea this was…"

Both of them looked at each other, and a slow smile spread over Paul's face. Bless Gene and Terri. They probably did this deliberately! He loved those two sometimes. Especially now.

"Come with me…" she whispered. "Lisa will be back soon… but I know a place we can go to be alone and talk…"

Paul obligingly followed as she took his hand and led him up the narrow stairs. Like many buildings in NYC, it had apartments on the upper floors.

"You've done very well for yourself," Paul commented as Liz led him into her sitting room. The sofa was facing away, and she brought Paul toward the bedroom on a quick tour. Someone had left the TV on, but she figured it was just as well. Perhaps the timer had gone off. That fire was burning through both of them, and she loved the feel of his hands creeping over her backside.

Slowly someone lifted their head from the sofa, and peered over the top. Hair in disarray, Gene's eyes fixed on Paul and Liz tumbling past, their lips fused together. Apparently, Liz had forgotten all about letting the former couple go wait upstairs while Gene's costume was being sewn.

"Gene what…" came Terri's inquiry before Gene moved back down and cut her off with a kiss.

Paul pulled out of his own kiss with Liz to catch his breath. She grinned and whispered, "Yes… I have been busy lately."

"I would love a tour of your place," he whispered into her ear, making her shiver. She led him into the back, where there were two rooms, including her master bedroom. Paul pressed her into the wall and placed a hot kiss on her lips, his tongue dancing with hers in her mouth. She gasped as he scooped her up in his arms and carried her through to the back.

"Paul…"

"Let me know if I'm going too fast baby…" he whispered. "I missed you so much… let me show you how much…"

Liz rubbed his chest as he carried her to her bed, and gently set her down. He kicked the door shut, and locked it, just in case. He sat down next to her, and stroked her cheek. Soft kisses rained up and down his chest as she slowly unbuttoned his shirt and revealed his marvelous hairy chest. Paul arched his back and moaned as she pulled it out of his pants and pushed it off his shoulders.

With her weight resting on him, he sank back to the bed's surface. Under her, she felt his manhood straining against his pants. Very gently, she brushed her hand against it, making him moan again.

"It’s not nice to tease," he shook his finger at her. Flipping her over he straddled her on the bed, and began to unbutton her blouse. Once her bra was revealed, he kissed the hollow between her breasts.

Soon her dress was shed, along with Paul's boots. She pushed him off her and had him stand up as she unbuckled his belt and gently pulled his pants down. Paul twined his hands in her hair as she tugged his underwear down, and gently teased him with her tongue. He was more then ready when she formed a soft place for him to plunge within, his hips thrusting. For a moment he stopped her, and pulled her off him. Grabbing her skirt, he tugged it off and threw it down, then lowered himself to her on the double bed.

"It's my turn to tease," he whispered, kissing her feet gently. He worked a trail of hot kisses up her inner leg, to just below her underwear. Grasping it with his teeth he pulled them off and tossed them down, followed by her bra. She yelped and whimpered at the feel of his tongue finding her secret spot. All the things he had made her feel months ago came tumbling back with a vengeance.

"Oh god!" she screamed. "I need you!"

"You've got me!" he cried. Parting her legs with his hips, he plunged inside her waiting depths. She screamed his name at the feel of him filling her again, his hips rippling as he thrust fiercely within. They rode the blissful rise to a climax, which shuddered through them both.

Gasping, he collapsed on her, sweating. He kissed her breasts and cheeks, whispering her name.

"Oh Paul… I still love you," she sobbed, hugging his head to her breast.

"I still love you baby," he whispered back to her.

***********************************************

Paul's cries of passion did not go unheard. Slowly there came rustling on the sofa, and Gene lifted his head once more from behind. His hair in disarray, he glanced back and forth. There was no sign of Liz or Paul, and the door had suddenly slammed shut to her bedroom.

"What was that?" Terri whispered. "Or should I even ask…"

"Best to use your imagination," Gene whispered. Both had noticed that American Pie was on, and Gene insisted on watching it since Terri claimed she hadn't yet seen it. One thing had led to another when she had stroked her hand steadily further up Gene's thigh, and he had done the same to her. Finally, they were involved in a heated passionate embrace when Gene had heard Paul and Liz stumble through.

"Am I crushing you sweetie?" Gene asked as he pushed up off the sofa. After all his full weight rested on her, and sometimes he wondered if it got to be a bit much at times. Especially in light of the jelly donuts, they had both come to love of late.

"Mmm wonderfully," she whispered. He lay atop her again, sandwiching her between the sofa and his own body, still partly clothed. Terri slid her hands under his shirt, peeling it back so his bare chest touched hers. Her grunt of protest caused Gene to lean up yet again, with his brown eyes holding the question. What was the source of her discomfort, he wondered?

"I'm getting attacked by that damn belt of yours," she laughed.

"Easily taken care of," he laughed. Gene straddled her hips and leaned up to play with her bared chest, placing kisses over her goose-pimpled flesh. Then, moving off her, he raised her legs to bracket his knees on either side. He slipped her skirt up to her waist, and ran his fingers along her garter stockings.

"You know…" Terri whispered, as he leaned down to stroke his tongue down her neck. "They'll be finishing the fitting soon, and I'll bet you they'll want you to come down and try your new costume on…"

"They'll have to wait," Gene grinned lasciviously. "I haven't tried my first item on yet…"

"Why am I not surprised. I knew you were going to say that," she laughed as he untangled himself for a moment and unfastened his pants. She helped pull them down a bit before he moved into position again. Into her own tongue, she sank her teeth to stifle the gasp at his entry.

"Perfect fit each time," he laughed.

"I'd swear you never tired of experimenting… even though you already know I don't need any alterations," she laughed.

"That's the beauty of it, and of you," Gene laughed, nosing into her hair as he breathed into her ear. She arched her back under him at the feel of his tongue tracing over her breasts, and gently suckling her. Black curly hair tickled her as always, causing her to laugh aloud amidst her gasps of pleasure.

"Mm Gene, you and I never quit, do we?" she purred with delight under his ministrations.

"Not when we're exploring a new sofa…" he moaned back, enjoying himself immensely in the throws of lovemaking. "What better occupation for a scientist, then to show me how to experiment once in a while…"

"Once in a while?" Terri burst out laughing, despite her intense pleasure. The laughter sounded more like desperate gasps for air; mingled with moans.