Who Wants to be Lonely

Part 1

It had been a busy three months, and Terri was looking forward to a little down time with the new man in her life. However, as she spoke to her parents on the phone about her present situation, they bombarded her with questions as she sat in Gene's Mansion at Beverly Hills.

"So when are we going to met this new man in your life, Terri?" asked her mother over the phone.

"Well, he's in Beverly Hills, and right now I don't think it's easy to just come over for dinner…" Terri responded, crossing her legs as she leaned back in the sofa.

"Well, is he a chemist? Or is he some actor or producer you met?" came her mother's next question. "You said he was in the entertainment industry. Just what sort of new friends are you making?"

"Well, this company is right in the middle of Hollywood. The pyrotechnics are used by a lot of very well known customers..."

"So, this Eugene. Is he your age? You haven't told me much about him…"

"He comes across as rather abrasive to some. But underneath it all he's a sweetheart who cares about me very much," Terri answered. "He's been trying to help me find an apartment…"

"Terri, I know you probably think this man's the love of your life, but you've only known him for how long…"

"About four months…" Terri responded.

"That's not a very long time… and you're staying with him? Terri, I thought you knew better then to move in with someone without being married! I thought you and I had talked this over…"

"Mom… please! The rent in this city's crazy. He insisted it would be for the best. And his home has more then enough room… at least till I find my own place…"

There came a big sigh, "Terri, we only want what's best for you. But moving all the way across the country to take a job… couldn't you find something closer?"

"This job is the best one I've had. People like and respect me, and I'm happy for the first time in two years!" Terri protested. "And I'm in love! I need my own life, a fresh new start. If you don't agree with this, I'm sorry."

"Terri…"

"You make it sound like I'm some hootche kootchie girl in Vegas!" Terri groaned.

"There are some dangerous people who are out to use young women like you for sex," Terri's mom protested. "I hope you know what you're getting into with this Mr. Klein…"

"Please… Aren't you happy I'm not destitute on some street?"

"You know you could always have moved back in with your father and me. You're just so far away…"

"Mom… don't start that again… please. Look, I'll try and see when I have some time off…"

"Your father and I would very much like to meet this Eugene. Are his intentions honorable?"

"Nothing but the best," Terri answered. "He loves me, and already he's done far more for me then I ever imagined. Someone was trying to extort money from me in my company… and he helped me catch them and take them to the authorities… he believed in me when nobody else would…"

"Terri…"

"I have to do this my own way Mom," Terri said firmly. "I love you very much. But you have to trust me. I'm almost thirty. I just hope, in time, you will see that this is the best thing that happened to me…"

"Just… be careful…"

"I have to go now…" Terri said. "I love you…"

"Love you too, sweetheart. Watch yourself… and please call! Can you at least be home for the holidays? Maybe you could bring your gentleman friend to meet the family… if he's the 'one'…"

"We'll see Mom," she said. "He takes a lot of trips out of the country. His job schedule's tight. But I'll ask him…"

Just then she saw Gene wander in, holding two glasses of Fresca in either hand. He stopped when he saw Terri was on the phone, waiting patiently at the entrance the to the living room.

"Goodbye," Terri said, and hung up the phone. She let out a sigh, and leaned back. Gene joined her, handing one glass of soda to her before he sat down next to her.

"Everything okay with your folks?" he asked.

"Yes… they still don't like the fact I'm living with an unmarried man. But they'll just have to deal," Terri looked up at him.

"Hmm, their little girl is living in sin," Gene teased. "Sorry… it's just they sound a lot like my parents did. And Paul's. You sure they're not Jewish?"

"Very funny. I wonder what would happen if I got your mom and my mom together in the same room?"

"They'd probably go at it for a few rounds, then end up trading childhood trauma stories…" Gene laughed. "What all did they want to know about little ol' me…"

"I only told them what they asked," she shrugged. "I don't want to seem like I'm lying to them… but if my mom knew I was living with Gene Simmons of KISS…"

"Well from what I could hear, you weren't lying. After all, that's my professional name, and Eugene's the name on my driver's license. And I am a producer. So what's the problem?"

"You know how parents are…"

"I should! I have them myself, don't I?" he laughed, patting her thigh. "And anyway, they'll find out sooner or later when they twist your arm and bring me home to give me the third degree over casserole."

Terri burst out laughing at the mental image of Gene sitting calmly at her parent's dining room table, trying to explain just what he did for a living. She could just see her Mom and Dad trying not to launch into some tirade about KISS and painted faces. Either Gene would burst out laughing, or they would. How would it be?

"Terri, you're not a kid who doesn't know what the hell she's doing. After all, you're a grown woman, and have your own mind. You don't need to apologize for doing what you want to with your life. I know parents are a pain in the ass, but like it or not, the umbilical's gotta be cut some time."

"I know that. They know that. But I've been living so close for so long, I needed a major kick in the pants to get me out of the nest… and with the grad school, then the job…"

"Seems like you really needed to get away then," Gene nodded. "Now you can do what you want to do."

"That's just what I was thinking about Gene. After the farewell tour's over… what then? I know you said a lot of rock bands employ pyrotechnicians… but I can't help but want to apply for jobs at chemical companies locally…"

"Whatever you want to do is fine with me," Gene said slowly, taking her hand. "It's not my life, it's yours. I just want you to know that you always have a place here, with me. Whether you stay or go it's up to you… but I would you to be part of my life… and I would like to be part of yours…"

"Gene, it amazes me how you can be so sweet when most people think you're a pain in the ass…" she smiled, fingering his cheek.

"If I didn't mean it, I wouldn't have said it," he raised an eyebrow. "And right now I'd like to take a little bit of your time, sweetheart. Say a little pool?"

"Well I've enjoyed the one pool…" she grinned, giving him a small kiss on the cheek. His growing goatee tickled her cheek. She liked the fact that he was letting it grow in again over the few weeks of hiatus they had. It was the first time in two months they'd had a good chance to spend some time alone together for more then one or two nights at a time. Even away from KISS Gene filled his days with record producing and other activities. Terri had spent a good amount of time sending her resume to other chemical companies, and had even checked out the local universities for Ph.D. programs.

All in all it seemed like a far cry from her life in Philadelphia. Not that she had been lounging by a pool idle sipping gin and tonic. Gene respected her privacy, as she respected his. All in all not a bad arrangement.

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

"Now if you just hit the seven right to the side, you can make it bank of the side and hit the 11 into the 6 ball, and it's 6 in the corner pocket," Gene pointed with his cue. Terri leaned over the edge of the table, resting one hand on the felt while she slipped the cue between her index and pointer fingers. Gene leaned close, his body only inches from hers. Her brown eyes fixed to the line of site, but when her shot flew, the cue ball coasted straight, clacking into the seven directly, and nudging the eight ball out of the way.

"Why'd you do that?" he asked.

"See if you can sink anything now," she grinned. Gene scratched his head and soon realized she'd left him with no open shot, other then a few complicated banks. He was odd, she was even, and her single shot approach compared to his multishot had him winning over her hands down. Still she kept up a good fight.

"Clever," he nodded. He rested his cue between thumb and forefinger, his large hand wrapping easily around the end of the stick to guide it. With a precise amount of force he cracked the cue ball, which coasted quickly into the end, then bounced to the corner, sideswiping the eleven. It nudged the seven into the corner pocket, while the eleven coasted lazily into the side.

"Now… the side's open," he grinned. He walked around to the opposite end, dragging his hand along the varnished wood. She leaned on the one end while Gene bent over at the waist, his brown eyes fixing the line of site. Only the five was left for him, while she had three balls left on the table. A wicked idea came into her mind, and she reclined over the table to pretend to be watching his expertise. Today she wore a tight tank top, with a low cut scoop neck. Overtop was a cardigan buttoned just at the neck, but she slowly unbuttoned it revealing her bare neck. She rested her breast on her folded arms, so Gene had a very nice view of her cleavage when he rechecked his siteline. Over her left breast, where her heart would be was a lovely new tattoo she had just gotten the second month of the tour. Just after they had left LA, Terri had returned home with a large bandage plastered over her chest. When the gauze fell free the Demon was revealed in his glory in red and black ink. Gene was flattered to see she had taken the pattern from one of his bases and used it as the tattoo design. Every time he glanced at her now he'd be reminded of the change their new relationship had taken, for the better.

"Damn," he muttered when the momentary distraction set the force of his shot much harder then he wanted. Right into the corner pocket the five slammed, followed by the cue ball, making Terri jump back.

"Scratch! 'she laughed.

"I'll scratch you," he laughed. "Your shot… make it a good one…"

Terri strode over, cue in hand. She retrieved the cue ball and set it right near the seven and the eleven. If she placed the shot just right, she could sink one or the other. Gene moved behind her, seeing her skirt ride up just so when she leaned over to try and judge the angle. That tight above the knee shirt curved nicely over her hips and butt, its black coordinating with the solid red cardigan and tank top she wore.

"Well, you could put the ball right here," Gene said, picking up the cue ball and setting it right near the eleven and seven. "Then just rest your stick here, hit the cue ball just so… and you'll sink both in one shot…"

"Works for people who aren't vertically challenged," she laughed. Even though she wore four-inch platform sandals he still towered over her by at least eight inches.

"Well that's what a bridge is for," he grinned, leaning alongside and putting his hand into a fist. "Just rest the cue there… just like… that…"

Together they bent over, Gene standing right behind her. He stood only an inch from her, his arm passed over hers, other hand resting behind hers on the cue. She felt his dark hair tickling her ear. "What was that again?"

"Hit the cue… right there…"

"Right there…" she smiled, and fixed her line of sight carefully. The world narrowed to a point just before her eyes. She felt Gene lightly brush up against her butt while they were leaned over, but she ignored the pins and needles. Despite this she was determined to sink one or the other. Her stick coasted right into the ball, sending the Eleven into the corner.

"Still your shot…" Gene whispered into her ear, moving her hair aside. "If you approach it from the right angle…"

Lightly his hand caressed over her ass, with a feather touch. She smiled, and looked back, scolding, "You're making it awfully hard to concentrate…"

"Who me?" Gene asked, pulling his hand away and trying to look innocent. Whirling around she playfully tapped his jeans with the tip of the cue.

"Better stand back if you don't want to wear this stick in a very uncomfortable position,"

"Ooh, that’s fighting words," Gene laughed. A small circle of blue chalk marked his thigh. She traced the cue over his chest, lightly stroking it down his arm. What she didn't expect was for him to grab the end, and tug her toward him still holding onto it.

She was pressed close to him, and backed into the pool table. Lightly he stroked up her cheek to the spring clip in her hair, and loosened it. Softly her brown hair fell loose over her shoulders. Slowly Gene worked his hand over her scalp, while she was pinned between his body and the edge of the hard table.

"Now you're playing dirty," she pretended to pout.

"I've only just started," he laughed. She loved the feel of his body pressed against hers, his hands moving down her back in firm massaging strokes. There seemed magic in his touch. She couldn't let him have all the fun, so she reached up under his arms and began to give him a backrub. Gene sighed and arched his back, relishing the feel of her small strong fingers working his muscles while he eased the knots out of hers.

The cue stick clattered to the floor beside them. Terri turned to pick it up, but stopped and brushed her hip against his groin. He reached down, slowly tugging the cardigan sweater off her shoulders and tossing it over the table. A low moan of pleasure escaped his lips at the feel of her backside rubbing lightly against him. Using the table for leverage, she turned around in his arms again till she was front to front once more. Gene lifted her up onto the pool table, hooking her legs over the edge. Then he rested his back against her knees, and took her hands to rest on his back. For a few minutes she massaged his shoulders, back and down toward his rear. Slipping her hands between his belt and shirt she reached and ran her hands down to his rear between the denim of his Levis and the cotton of his underwear. He waited to see what she would do next, suppressing his moan of pleasure into a low growl. Terri smiled, slipping her hands round to his front and lightly rubbing there.

He turned again, and pushed her down firmly on the table, climbing on top of her. Still she kept her one hand thrust between the waistband of his jeans and his shirt, reaching further in. He let loose a stifled growl, her fingers working around his growing stiffness. He realized what an awkward position this put him in, because he didn't want to lay on her arm too hard. Beside her head he rested his weight on both hands, lightly running his long tongue teasingly over her lips. She had a devilish smile he loved, for as he tried to keep out of reach of her lips, that made it easier for her to reach further into his jeans. Small strong fingers stroked and massaged more quickly now, and he was fast going crazy. Still he didn't want her to think she had total control. Shifting weight from both hands to one, he temporarily tugged at her shirt, resting his knees to straddle her legs. Lips lowered to lick a path down between her breasts. A low gasp sent her hand deeper inside.

"Why don't you make it a little easier?' Gene asked her softly, and put both her hands on his belt. Instead she tugged his shirt out of his pants, and unfastened the buttons. Well, if she insisted on teasing him, he had to even the score. His hands slipped up her thigh, pushing her skirt up. His slow smile came with the discovery of the garters.

"You wore them," he laughed.

"I hate pantyhose. Never though these would be less of a hassle… considering my generous attributes."

"This outfit is hotter then hell, but I think you're a little overdressed for right now," he laughed, tugging her shirt. She pulled her hand out and raised both hands over her head to let him take off her shirt, and cradle her head temporarily to pull it off her head. Lifting her gently he reached around to unfasten her bra.

While both his hands were bust, she finally unbuckled his belt and slowly unzipped his Levis. He let out a gasp and moan of satisfaction when her hands closed around him, unconfined by the pants. Like she remembered doing with Paul she started to run her fingers lightly then more firmly around his hardness. Gene shifted his hips, working into her hands. His own hands traced over her exposed breasts, savoring the feel of them in his fingers. Eyes locked but he gave no clear indication of how crazy she was making him. It became an odd game, to see which one could work the other into a frenzy the fastest. He stroked down her chest and moved his fingers up her thighs to her own waiting need. She clenched her jaws, bringing a satisfied smile present. Waves of hot fire shot from her loins all to the furthest reaches of her body, and she guessed Gene felt a similar sensation, for his eyes flickered shut for a brief instant. Harder he began to thrust into the warm pocket her small soft hands made for him. It took both to reach around him, stroking with just the right balance of firmness and softness. Strange, Gene thought, for most women would have gone down on him by now.

"So how close are you?" she whispered, stifling her own gasps.

"Close enough to want to come inside you…" he growled softly, shifting forward. Her knees gently closed to push him back, hands reaching between them to continue her hand job.

"I want to feel your love in my hands…" she winked. For a moment she reached into her wetness and transferred it to him, wetting him down. The added contact brought Gene almost to the verge, and it was all he could do not to come then and there. He grabbed her knees, parting them as he thrust into her hands one last time.

Just then a jangling disrupted her conversation, and her fingers tightened convulsively. Gene's face contorted in sweet pain; a low moan drowned out in the second and third rings. It was all he needed to reach his shattering climax. Hot smooth excitement flooded her hands quickly, and Terri gasped with surprise.

A fourth ring jangled, and Gene reached into her hot wetness. She shrieked at the feel of his fingers working gently inside her.

"Damn!" she cried, and he pulled his hand away.

"What's wrong…?" he asked, shifting to the side. Terri licked her hands, struggling to keep the dripping mess off the table. Gene suddenly burst out laughing when he realized what the stain was right by her parted legs.

"Oh my god this is so embarrassing!" she groaned.

"It's damned funny! Just think of their faces… when they see that stain!" Gene guffawed, holding his sides as laughter seized him. Terri put her hands to her lips, licking off his ejaculate nervously.

"I'm sorry… I don't think protein will come out of felt…"

"Don't be sorry," he smiled, leaning over and kissing her softly. "That was absolutely incredible… "

Terri struggled not to laugh, but the look of amusement on Gene's face was enough to start her giggling too. Her face flushed hot when she held her own sides laughing so hard. They fell against each other, weak with their mirth.

"It's a hell of a way to christen a pool table!" she shrieked, barely able to talk she was laughing so hard. Gene made no sound, gasping for breath. They began to straighten their clothes once more when the phone rang three more times.

"Hey Gene! It's Paul! If you're there, pick up, dude!" came Paul's voice on the answering machine this time after it clicked on.

"Should you get that?" Terri asked. "What if something's wrong?"

"Gene… pick up! This is important!" Paul's voice continued.

Gene heaved himself off the table, and rushed to get the phone. He grabbed it and rushed back to Terri.

"I'll try to clean this up," Terri said.

"I needed this table redone anyway…" Gene patted her on the thigh, and then shouted into the phone, "Hey, what the hell is so freaking important, you putz!"

"Gene! Hey, did I interrupt anything?" Paul's voice answered.

"Is this a matter of life or death?" Gene grumbled.

"Hell yeah! Since when did you turn down a chance to come to a party?"

"I thought this was serious!" Gene shouted. "You little sneak…"

"Sorry," Paul laughed lightly. "I got your attention, didn't I?"

"You sure did. Now what is gonna stop me from coming over and trying to get your ass for jerking my chain?"

"A few close friends, good food, and some surprises?" came the response. "Later today?"

"I'll check my busy social calendar," Gene answered. "So is this a few as in a few dozen or a few hundred?"

"It's intimate," Paul explained. "A few dogs on the fire, out by the pool. Some wine and you bring the women. I invited the guys, and a special friend. I want her to meet all of you…"

"Special friend huh?" Gene teased. "Just how special? Did you and her get to the good stuff yet, Romeo?"

"That's for me to know and you to find out… later," Paul laughed. "You bringing Terri?"

"What do you think?" Gene asked.

"Great. Bring a suit, and whatever else you want to stick in the cooler. This will be great…"

Gene clicked off the phone, and looked to Terri. Both guessed that this was a good sign for Paul, because this was the first time in ages he had invited anyone to his place since his divorce had finalized. He'd been morose and moody for so long that it was good to see a little of the old Paul resurfacing again.

"He sounds better," Gene said.

"I thought so. The way you guys are busting each other's chops… that's a lot more like I would expect you to act…"

"So, do you feel like going?"

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

It only took a few minutes to reach Paul's house, but they drove there in the Mercedes. Much smaller then Gene's house, the Mediterranean villa was a fusion of ironwork and graceful lines. Not too large, but not too small. A nice place. For a moment she wished she had been there with Paul to see it, but she pushed those thoughts from her mind. She would focus on the here and now, as Gene had begged her to do their first full night together, the second time they had made love. Already several other luxury cars were pulled up into the driveway. They had to pass through a security gate to reach Paul's neighborhood in the small division of Beverly. Gene stopped the car and left to walk around it. He opened the door, and extended his hand to help Terri out.

"Easy, just relax," Gene said when he felt her hand tense in his.

"This is silly! It's not like I've never been around you guys when you're partying before… but…"

"Just have fun…" Gene laughed. "I know I will…"

"Plenty of women in swimsuits…" she laughed. "And Paul in one… yum!"

Gene grinned, but felt a momentary pang of jealousy. It was a new sensation to him, but as Terri and he walked up to the grillwork front door, he hid it well. He depressed the doorbell and Terri half wondered if it would play Rock and Roll all Night like in the Exposed video. Instead it gave a normal if not pleasant chime.

The door swung open, and Terri drew in her breath sharply at the handsome figure behind it. Around his neck Paul wore a towel, but his gorgeous hairy chest dripped with water, his hair moist. Nudging in beside him in a purple French bikini stood Liz, with a huge grin on her face. Gene's eyes walked all over her curves while Terri's drank in Paul's handsome form in purple and black swim trunks. He wore flip-flops, but nothing else. That rose tattoo on Liz' arm with the small Phantom mask matched Paul's more faded one.

They looked like they belonged together, she inwardly reflected, and smiled. For the first time she was wondering if Paul was over her. "Hey! Terri, Gene! C'mon in!" he laughed, grabbing Gene's hand and shaking it while Liz and Terri embraced.

"Hope you brought your bathing suits!" Liz laughed. She held a can of diet coke in her hand, her long blond hair cascading in wet ringlets around her shoulders. Blue eyes laughed with an intensity that matched Paul's. Already her freckled skin showed the signs of a healthy Hollywood tan.

"Hey there Pretty lady," Paul smiled at Terri, ushering her in while Gene picked up Liz' hand and bestowed a soft kiss on it. "Are you having fun living in Sin, or is the big bad Demon getting you into trouble?"

"A little of both,' Terri blushed, and Paul winked. He didn't have that wistful look in his eyes, she thankfully noted. They passed through an open two-floor entryway, seeing the stairs curving gracefully up with the wrought iron railing. Gold records hung over the walls leading up, with a painting of the Unmasked album panel. Where KISS pulled off their masks to reveal their made up faces. A vase of red roses and baby's breath sat on a marble-topped entry table, and hardwood floors stretched under their feet.

"Say, I've got one of the guestrooms up there for changing, if you wanna go poolside," Paul smiled, pushing his sunglasses on his face. "And there's plenty of sodas and other potables in the fridge… I stocked it last night… and there's a barbecue going… Brad's setting that up…"

"Is Ace here?"

"He and his lady just showed up before you," Liz said, taking the plate of sandwiches Terri had made, along with the large tub of cole slaw Gene carried. She hurried both into the kitchen.

"C'mon poolside, and join the fun!" Paul laughed. Looking at each other, Gene and Terri rushed upstairs to change.

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

Later Terri emerged from the bathroom in her one piece red suit, which was low cut in front, yet slightly elasticized to provide a slenderizing effect. Around her waist she hitched a sarong, and a pair of flip-flops.

"Looking hot, doll," Gene nodded appreciatively. He had changed into his own swim trunks, and she spent a moment appreciating his handsome form while he draped a towel around his own neck.

"You think?"

"I don't think, I know," Gene laughed, nuzzling her hair. "Now let's go down and get some nosh. I'm starving…"

"Playing pool will take it out of you," she laughed. He gently swatted her backside with his towel when they rushed downstairs.

A blond in a blue bikini strode by, her hips swaying while she carried a beverage, and Terri realized it was Allison.

"Hey, good looking," Gene called out with a whistle. She turned and gave a warm smile.

"How's the air up there? Coming down to join us outdoors?" she laughed.

"Don’t' you know it," Gene nodded, and they joined her in the entryway.

"Terri, you look great! You're already tanner then I am!" Allison teased. "Man… what did you use?"

"I just tan naturally," Teri shrugged. She was glad that Allison and she had visited the salon, where she had experienced the pain of body waxing. It was well worth it, for free of the hair, Terri felt less uncomfortable about showing off her legs. She noticed Allison's large thighs, and felt some measure of relief.

"Hey, are you going to talk or are you gals gonna eat?" Gene grinned. They all entered the pool area, brick under their feet. Already steam wafted off a huge gas grill, loaded with hamburgers and hot dogs. An attractive thirtysomething man with buzz cut hair fussed over the food, expertly turning each item to an even grilled consistency. Allison strode up to him, and gave him a long deep kiss.

"Brad, this is Terri. And Gene you already know…"

Gene shook his hand with a smile while taking a quick look at what the others had brought. He stood up a bit on one toe and peered over the grill to do this. A quick splash rose while someone dived into the pool. A head of reddish brown hair broke surface, and its owner shook her hair out of her face. Under an umbrella table, Ace was tucked behind a laptop computer, sipping a Diet Coke. His chest was bare, but he wore long swim trunks that came to his knees. How pale his skin looked in contrast to Gene and Paul's!

"Hey Frehley!" Gene shouted. "Are you gonna swim in the pool or futz around cyberspace!"

"Hey Simmons! Who's that sexy chick with ya?" he called back. "Hey, Terri!"

"Hi Ace!" she waved, flushing with a smile when she realized Ace was indeed looking at her with appreciation. She even saw Paul's eyes dart over her form while he strode out in swimsuit and mirrored sunglasses.

Christy swum to the far side of the pool, and rested her chin on her arms. "Ace… don’t tell me you have a hundred emails again!"

"It's that list you got me into baby," he joked. "I can't help reading the stuff on it!"

"Nice," Paul smiled, giving Terri a kiss on the cheek. "Great tan!"

"Same as yours," Liz laughed, pinching Paul's butt as she walked past. He caught her up in an embrace, giving her a soft gentle kiss.

"Want a drink, sweetheart?" Gene whispered in Terri's ear.

"Sure," Terri nodded, and let Liz lead her to an umbrella table to one side. Gene moved over to where the food was, and bent over to get something out of the cooler. Terri got a nice shot of his backside while he did this, and had to admit he looked damned good too. Even though her eyes strayed back to Paul and Brad, Gene still managed to turn her head as well. It suddenly didn't bother her that Gene was ogling Christy and Liz. There was enough eye candy for both of them here.

"So, how's things, girlfriend?" Liz asked, with a wink.

"Incredible, in a word," Terri smiled. That KISS logo stood bright on her left arm, the icon symbols wrapping like a bracelet around her bicep. Liz noticed a new tattoo, of the Demon's portrait on her breast.

"Nice," she grinned.

"Just got that one last month…"

Suddenly Gene eclipsed their view of the sun, as he set down two cans of Fresca, and a plate piled high with food. He gently kissed Terri's ear, before joining them.

"Mind if I steal this place, ladies?"

"Go ahead…"

Just then Paul pulled up a chair and scooted in next to Liz. Playfully he stretched out his elbow and pretended to push for more space. Finally she surprised them both by shifting off the chair and sitting on his knee. Paul grinned and started to pick up some cole slaw on his fork. They began to feed each other.

"Where's mine, Mr. Know it all?" Terri nudged Gene. He shifted another plate out and took half the food from his plate and transferred it to hers with a smug "I've got this covered" grin.

They all began to eat hungrily, and Terri and Gene devoured a good portion of food each. Gene went back for seconds, insisting Terri not move a muscle.

"Wow, he's playing gentleman," Liz grinned at Paul, who passed an arm around her waist to hold her in place on his lap.

"Strange," Paul grinned.

"Hey, we're all missing the fun over here… room for a few more?" asked Allison.

Allison wandered over, with Brad, looking for a place to sit. Paul indicated the chair opposite Terri, and Brad sat in it, while Allison pulled up another.

"Hey, Gene's sitting there," Terri laughed.

"I know…" Allison winked.

"Hey, what about us?" Christy asked, standing near them.

"Let's take the bench over here, and bask in their tans, babe," Ace cackled. They sat on a deckchair that Ace tugged up; both nestled next to each other. They put their plates on their laps, and dug in. Thankfully the laptop sat across the pool at the other table. Ace had finally decided to join real reality.

"Hey, what the hell happened to my chair?" Gene asked, standing over with a plate loaded with hot dogs and the rest of the coleslaw, not to mention a half dozen of Paul's homemade chocolate chip cookies.

"I dunno…" Paul looked at Allison, who winked.

"Don't look at me!" Ace cackled, biting into his cheeseburger. "I just got here!"

Terri got up, and indicated her chair. She was about to hunt for a folding chair nearby, but Gene tugged her to sit firmly on his lap after he put the new plate down. Silently she thanked Allison for her little stunt.

"So, you guys, what's up?" Ace asked, gazing at Paul and Liz.

"Depends on what you mean by up," Gene laughed deeply, his chest moving deliciously against Terri's bare back.

Ace cackled, and Christy joined in. She winked at Liz, and asked, "So, Liz, have you and Paul um… celebrated the end of this leg of the tour…"

"We've had a lot of fun, haven't we baby?" Paul smiled, feeding Liz a piece of hot dog, slathered in relish and mustard.

"Lots," Liz said.

"Well, did you christen that new bed?" Christy asked. Gene and Terri suddenly looked oddly at each other.

"What new bed?" Terri asked.

"Paul's got this new hand carved one from Italy," Ace said. "Isn't that right? Did you and your woman break it in yet?"

An awkward silence came over the group, punctuated by silent chewing and the distant noise of the radio blaring "Touch Me," by the Doors.

"Well how many rocket rides have you taken?" Liz shot back at Christy and Ace with a laugh.

"Enough to get plenty of frequent flier miles so we can head to Jupiter," Ace grinned, draping an arm around Christy's shoulders.

"Space Ace express does it again," Gene nodded. "But seriously Paul, haven't you gotten round to uh… you know…"

"We have a great Jacuzzi," Paul suddenly broke in. "Ace was telling me Christy, how you love a good hot soak after a long trip… and you guys just got here from Connecticut… didn't you?"

"Yeah…" Ace nodded. "Say, wanna give it a shot?"

"Yeah…" Christy grinned.

"It's right that way," Paul nodded. Taking each other's hands, Ace and Christy moved off toward the pool house.

Brad and Allison exchanged a look, and Brad announced, "I think I'm gonna throw a few more dogs on the fire? Anybody up for seconds or thirds?"

"Right here," Gene raised his hand. "These are quite good. What's your secret?"

"Look out," Paul laughed. "The Demon actually wants to know how to cook something?"

"He does make good omelets," Terri put in, chewing on a bit of cole slaw left.

"Don't forget the pool, you guys!" Allison called to them. She threw off her towel and jumped in. Soon Brad followed his head and shoulders breaking water as they splashed each other playfully.

"Don't change the subject, Paul," Gene said with a sly grin. "You and Liz have spent the last week together… surely something interesting has happened…"

"It's okay, we're al friends here," Terri said with a smile.

"Well, uh," Paul said slowly, glancing at Liz awkwardly. "She's been a great shoulder to cry on… haven't you, baby?"

"Anything for you, Sexyman," she grinned, giving him a peck on the cheek. Terri could swear she saw Paul blushing.

"Why did you and Gene give that funny look when Ace used the word 'christen?'" Paul asked quickly, again changing the subject. "Don't tell me you got a new bed, Gene…"

"Hardly," Gene sipped his Fresca.

"Well then, what's up with that?" Liz asked. "Is it some great in joke, or is it a nice hot dirty one, knowing your filthy mind, Gene?"

"Well, it wasn't so much a bed, as a pool table," Terri chuckled. She flushed almost as red as her swimsuit.

"A pool table?" Liz asked, eyes widening.

"Gene, that's so you. Out of one pool into another, dude!" Paul joked. "Got that right," Gene laughed. "But seriously, are you two an item? Or is it just our imaginations…"

"Gene, why don't you try the hot tub?" Paul asked. He seemed uncomfortable, shifting his weight on the chair under Liz. How far had they gotten in their relationship, Terri wondered? Gene seemed anxious to know. Perhaps it was time for one of their man to man talks.

"Liz, you wanna go for a dip in the pool? I haven't gotten my laps in yet…" Terri suggested.

"But you might just get yours in my lap," Gene whispered into her ear.

"Hold that thought," she whispered back, her gaze smoldering into his.

"Go on baby. I'll still be here when you get back, okay?" Paul whispered into Liz' ear.

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

"Gene, why are you being such a pain in the ass about this, jeez!" Paul snapped under his breath.

"I just wanna know if you're okay. Shit, you have a sexy groupie practically in the palm of your hand and you're asking me to believe you haven't done it with her yet? Are you sick?"

"C'mon dude, can you blame me? I mean some of us haven't just gotten out of a divorce."

"Paul, look, you are a guy, like me. You gotta move on. There's nothing wrong with a good sympathy fuck. Especially since that gal's hot over you! She can't wait to bang bang you, so what's up? Is your love gun gonna stay in it's holster the rest of your life?"

"Gene, you have the romance of a fucking bull in a…"

"A fucking bull, Paul. There's nothing wrong with sex after marriage, or divorce. You're free and final with Pam, aren't you?"

"Jeez, what is your deal…"

"You weren't so reluctant to trot with Terri," Gene pointed out. "As I recall, you had her walls tumbling down on the first night."

"That was different," Paul said.

"Bullshit," Gene laughed. "You're expecting me to believe that you wanted to be lonely? Come on! I know you…"

"Gene, I don't wanna screw up a good thing. Liz is such a rock. She's been there for me every step of the way. The girl… I just don't wanna hurt her."

"So did you sleep with her or not?" Gene asked.

"Well, we did horse around. She gives great head," Paul whispered. "And she's falling all over herself with the backrubs. She'd give you a run for your money in that department, dude!"

"What else?'

"It's just that she's so into me. It's like all I have to do is be myself, and that's enough for her. She only wants me to be happy. That first night, all I could do was cry my freaking eyes out. And she held me. Just held me all damned night."

"So, you finally have a woman who doesn't see the Sexy Starchild as a quick and fantasy lay?" Gene asked.

"Yes. She's so sweet, and she'd do anything for me Gene. You realize how long it's been since I've had someone feel that way about me?"

"You want a relationship, or a lay? You can have both or neither, you know…" Gene said. "I just want you to put Pam behind you and live in the present, not the past…"

"You've never been married Gene. You don't know what it's like to love one person, and make them the center of your world. And when that center rots, everything falls apart…"

"I guess I don't. I'm married to the band, Paul. That's the only lifelong commitment I'll make…"

"Gene, what about you and Terri. She seems so happy with you… and I'm happy for you. But…"

"She's a great gal, Paul. Really got this insecurity complex though. But I'm working on breaking her of that…"

Gene didn't want to reveal his innermost thoughts. Not even to his best buddy Paul. Not about how when he saw Terri enter a room, he wanted to protect her from any danger. How he loved the little ways she chewed her food, or laughed at his jokes. How every experience they shared she savored with the excitement and exhilaration of a child. All the things he took for granted she did not have, and reminded him of how far he had come in his long career. In bed how she took what he had to give and returned far more, not expecting him to be some larger then life celebrity. Or how he actually couldn't wait to show her a new trick or technique from his arsenal of lovemaking. Bringing her pleasure brought him so much more in return.

No, Gene Simmons didn't want to admit that he had fallen in love. With a sexy and intelligent woman he wanted to be part of his life for as long as he could have her. A woman he enjoyed waking up to these past three months. Who every day showed some new aspect of her life that surprised and delighted him. Was there no end to her secrets?

Neither did Paul want to admit that he too was on the verge of love. After a heartbreaking divorce with the woman who was his 'one', he hated to admit that there were places his heart could still go. That a groupie who had worshipped him all her life could be the one woman who could give him what he needed, pure and true love. All she wanted was his happiness, above her own, with no strings. He needed that right now. Dare he think it might be love? A piece of normal life in this glittery glamour world was just what the doctor ordered.

"Let's just say I'm feeling this out, like you are," Paul admitted. "She's great… but…"

"Don’t' be afraid to play, Paul," Gene said. "It doesn't have to be a lifelong thing. Enjoy what you have for a change…"

"I know. But Gene, is Terri really happy?"

"Yes," Gene said. "And so am I."

"Glad to hear it. You take care of her Gene, for me, okay? Don't let her get hurt… like I did…"

"I'll make sure," Gene said. "You don't have to doubt that, for a minute, dude."

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