By Theresa Meyers

Disclaimer: Paul Stanley and KISS are property of themselves, and this is a work of FICTION. It is for entertainment only, and is not meant to demean or harm. Other characters are copyright by the author.

Chapter 9

She fingered the envelope containing a plane ticket. Should she or shouldn't she, she wondered. In the dim light of the sitting room she had dressed as quietly as possible. That sharing of passion had burned out the sadness and bitterness lingering since the previous day's events. Even so, the strange awkwardness drove her to slip out of his possessive grasp and leave his bed. Weighing it in her hand, she picked up her car keys and briefcase as she left. Paul turned over in bed, muttering slowly to himself. He didn't hear her leave.

The hotel room was dark from the night, and it must have been close to 1 am. Teri looked at her watch, and stole out of the room. She put together her outfit as much as possible, and tossed the ticket down. She well knew when Paul had to leave for Los Angeles, and the next tour date.

"Goodbye Paul," she whispered as she stole out of the room. Ever so slowly she crept from the door, noticing that the security guard had left. It wasn't too far to the parking lot where her car was parked. Silently she hoped Paul would sleep through the night. One last night of passion before she would sever the ties. It was for the best, she told herself. Even though she appreciated the job offer, this was something she had to face alone. It was her life, wasn't it?

Chapter 10

Her feet ached when she left Chemistaff 1, a temporary staffing service. So far the interview had gone well, and they promised to call her as soon as a job came up matching her criteria. Fortunately they had been willing to schedule an interview as soon as she had walked in with her resume. Even so, she wondered if this was the right choice.

Glancing at her watch she noticed it was 1 pm. Twelve hours after a night she would never forget. Twelve hours after a fresh night's sleep and a good hot shower in her own apartment. Fortunately she had enough saved up to cover this month's expenses. But beyond that, who knew? Around her neck something jingled and tugged at her neck. She reached into her blouse and tugged the chain free of her bra strap where it had caught. Between thumb and finger she peered at the rose pendant, worked with a shimmering diamond among the rose petals.

Where was he now? She remembered he had a tight schedule to record the last track in LA, or so he had said. There was no question he had to leave now or else lose a profitable day's recording at the studio there.

There was no question that all band members had to make this recording session, followed by a press conference and their latest performance. She couldn't think of this now without feeling her throat knot up. Quickly Teri pushed those latest revelations from her brain when she pulled up to her apartment, and parked on the street in front. When she exited the car and walked up the stairs to her front door, she didn't notice the black limo pulling up opposite the house where she made her apartment...

Teri pushed open the lace curtains in her bedroom to let a little more light in. She knew there was a chance that someone might look in, but who the hell would be tempted this time of day? Quickly she stripped off her encumbering business suit and draped her nylon stockings over the back of her desk chair. For a moment she let the wind hit her bare skin before digging out a T-shirt to pull on. Strains of "Only You" drifted in the background. Despite what many KISS fans thought, she liked this 'concept album' which many thought was the biggest mistake the band could have made.

It was then that the phone rang. Raising an eyebrow she debated about whether or not to answer it. She let it ring, and the machine clicked on. Oddly enough whoever it was hung up. Teri wandered into her living room, bare legged with her T-shirt hanging around her knees. Under her feet the carpet felt soft and inviting, and she enjoyed the feel of it on her aching toes.

"Dark Light" clicked on, and she wandered into the kitchen to fix herself something for a late afternoon snack. Again the phone rang, and she whirled about at the sudden sound. Should she answer it? It could be the agency with a possible contract. She hadn't bothered to check the messages she had accumulated while she was gone, electing to erase the tape. Teri could guess who had left the five messages recorded there on LCD.

Again the phone rang. "This is getting silly!" Teri muttered. Angrily she picked up the phone, automatically saying, "I don't want any! I can't afford..."

"Hello yourself sweetheart," came a voice. She shivered when she realized who it was.

"If this is some charity... I just lost my job..."

"This may be your lucky day. You have a minute to talk?"

"Depends on what it's about," she answered. "If this is some sick joke..."

"Look, I really need to talk to you. It's important..."

"How do I know you're really Gene?" she asked.

"Ask me anything..."

"What color underwear am I wearing?" she asked with a slight smirk.

There was a momentary hesitation, and the sound of rustling papers. "White, with purple flowers on them..." came the answer. "Goes well with that solo album shirt you have on your lovely body. The one Paul gave you..." That was Gene alright, she nodded to herself ruefully. Only he would be bothering to play peeping tom. "Which comes to why I'm here..."

"I thought you'd be in LA recording those last tracks..."

"We hit a technical snag...

"Gene, why are you here?"

"I understand Paul offered you a job. I was just here to ask you why you didn't take it?"

"I'm considering all possibilities..." she said.

"Why?"

"Unlike you gentlemen I can't just pull up my tent stakes and go wherever I like. For instance I signed a one year lease on this place...and there's a little thing called money that I have very little of..."

"Something that we'd be willing to help you out with..." came Gene's voice.

"I'm a professional Gene," she said. "A chemist. I can't just take any job that comes along..."

"Look, it's hard to talk like this. Can't you let me speak to you face to face?"

"Okay," Teri relented. "Give me a minute to make myself decent... not like I really need to..."

"Fair enough..." Gene agreed. She clicked off the phone. A few minutes later she answered the knock at the door. Swinging it open she glanced up into a pair of soft brown eyes that towered head and shoulders over her. Black leather pants conformed to a wrestler's body, matching the leather jacket and black T-shirt he wore. His long hair was pulled back into a ponytail at the nape of his neck, and she could see the distinctive markings of age lining the handsome face. Still he looked damned good, she inwardly thought. She'd have to watch it with him, knowing how he could be around the ladies.

She could feel his eyes tracing up and down her body, dressed casually in the solo album T-shirt and blue sweat pants with Villanova in large white letters down the left leg. Teri knew she could resist his charms well enough. At least for the time being.

"So why are you really here? Did Paul send you to come get me?" she said, resting a hand on her hip. "To drag me kicking and screaming to the opportunity of my lifetime?"

"I came of my own volition, doll. I'm worried about a friend," Gene said seriously, the 'I'll eat you alive' look fading from his face when he went from leisure to business in thirty seconds.

"C'mon in," she said, realizing he wasn't going to leave. It would be rude to slam the door in his face, because despite her better judgment she did admire the man.

"Want anything to drink?" she asked. "I'm afraid diet Pepsi and water's all I have..."

Gene watched her turn to the kitchen, and shut the door behind him. She grabbed two cans of soda and turned to find Gene right behind her.

"All right, there is a thing called personal space..." she sighed.

"I'm serious. I need to talk, doll. Level with me..." he said, leaning his arm against the fridge and pinning her there between his body and the door. "You and Paul... you care about him, right?"

"Here's your soda," she said, pushing the can into his hand and dodging under his arm to move into the living room.

"Teri... why didn't you take the job he offered you? We start performing in only a few hours! And Paul's worried sick that you..." Gene asked, chasing her into the living room. She sat down on the couch and cracked open her soda. Picking up the remote she switched on the TV.

"Okay, you want it straight Gene?" she asked, when he lowered himself to sit right next to her. "I like him a lot... but I resent being uprooted in my life. I worked hard to build a career as a chemist. Most of my life spent in school. The type of life you guys lead... its one city to the next. He might be with me now...but when I'm no longer the flavor of the month... I need to know I have something to fall back on."

"Damn, you know the drill, don't you," Gene shook his head.

"I have no illusions. I know who you guys are. Love 'em and leave 'em."

"Don't you think for a moment that you might be different?" Gene asked.

"You're asking me that?" she laughed sadly. "Gene, I'm a scientist. I deal in facts and statistics. I know from past experience what KISS is like when it comes to women."

"He was damned disappointed when you didn't join him on the plane..." Gene said, exasperated. He was getting nowhere fast with this one. "I wasn't lying when I said I came myself. I saw how down in the dumps he was when we got on the plane this morning."

"Paul has faced disappointment before," Teri glanced matter of fact to Gene, sipping her coke.

"Not like this. I had to almost wring it out of him what happened. Guy's in such a funk he said he didn't give a shit about tonight's show... I knew there was a chance maybe I could convince you myself to come back with me and take the job he offered that I'm offering you now... "

"That's too bad. I'm only trying to make things easier for both of us in the long run. I can't throw my life away on Paul's whims... any more then you could throw your life in KISS away on some woman you met. You and Paul are KISS, as much as I am a scientist. It's my profession. The same as yours or any other man's."

"You wouldn't be throwing your life away!" Gene smacked his thigh. "Don't you realize the opportunity..."

"Gene you are on your Farewell Tour..." she sighed, staring him straight in the face. "What happens to job security once you're done?"

"You can be guaranteed employment for at least the duration of the tour..." Gene said.

"After that?"

"There are many places in California to work... for our organization..."

"But it's the principle of the thing, Gene. To be handed some job because I was good in bed... that's not how I work. I like to at least know I have the criteria for the job..."

"But Paul offered you the job because he was responsible for getting you fired from your last one! Can't you let him help make it right?"

"Gene... I wasn't even hired based on my skills!"

"Well, if you'd like, I'd say I'd be interviewing you now," Gene sighed, folding arms across his chest. Paul sure knew how to pick them sometimes, he inwardly muttered. It was frustrating and a massive turn on to be dealing with such a stubborn girl.

"Check," she muttered back. Gene regretted not having had a chance with Teri himself. If she didn't want Paul... perhaps there was a slim chance. Teri leaned over and grabbed her briefcase. She extracted a cream colored sheet of paper and pushed it into Gene's hand. He peered over her impressive resume for a few minutes.

"Looks pretty damned good to me. You seem to have quite a broad experience as a chemist. Considering all the temp assignments you had before this latest job..."

"Yes..." she said, dark eyes fixing into his. He peered back, completely businesslike with no sign of that lascivious twinkle present.

"We offer a wide range of excellent benefits..." Gene continued. "And you have a good shot at employment as a pyrotechnician with other bands on tour. Plus excellent references."

"The best, right?" she lifted her eyebrow. "What about relocation expenses?"

"You drive a hard bargain, doll," Gene laughed deeply. "We could buy out the lease to this apartment."

"What's the big hurry?"

"I'm not reaching you with this am I? Well, how about I sweeten the deal?"

"How so?" she asked, staring him right in the face when she saw that mischievous look creep into his eyes. "Perhaps by some of the profits from the sale of that single you recorded... for the contest..."

"It was the condition that the prize be for each girl chosen to have the privilege of us recording her lyrics..."

"Well, let me put it to you this way, Mr. Simmons. I will consider your generous offer... and possibly return to LA with you... if and only if I have the royalties due a regular lyricist..."

"Check," Gene grumbled.

"And all the other girls too," she said. "Isn't it fair of you to give your biggest fans a piece of the action... a piece of KISStory of their very own?"

"You should have gone into business," Gene snorted. For a moment he looked ready to explode. But slowly a smile cracked that serious glare on his face.

"So, what will it be..."

"You've got yourself a deal," Gene laughed, extending his hand.

"One more tiny detail. Can we put it in writing?"

"Of course," Gene said, looking momentarily hurt that she would consider him doing anything less.

"So... do I really have to leave tonight? I mean this is all very sudden..."

"Let's just say that you would make a very solid paycheck on tonight's show alone. We really do need someone to help out our pyrotechnician. His assistant is sick..."

"So, you really do think I'm qualified?" she asked.

"Hell, you're a chemist aren't you? And you need a job, and we need another pyrotechnician. And we need one now!"

"But my things here..."

"You can always come back to take care of them," Gene said, taking another swig of diet Pepsi. "And if you hurry and pack, we can just make the next flight to Los Angeles... which leaves at four..."

"Okay... you got yourself a pyrotechnician," she nodded.

"Thanks... you won't regret this..." Gene said, grabbing her hand and giving it a firm shake. He leaned close, and pulled her shoulder to whisper in her ear, "And believe me when I say that Paul really was shaken up when you didn't come along. He really digs you, Teri..."

"Really?"

"He's my best buddy. Ever since he left for that press conference he seemed to be in space... shit, Ace had nothing on him!"

"Do tell," Teri said, leaning back and downing the last of her soda.

"I'll fill you in on the way..." Gene said, getting up. "Do you need help packing?"

"Sure. And just to show I'm a good sport, you can start with my underwear," she winked at him.

Gene grinned at her sense of humor surfacing. Hurriedly they set off to pack her things for the long flight back to LA.

Chapter 12

Tentatively she clung to the arm of the narrow seat, and peered out the window. Even though it was first class, she still felt claustrophobic with only 6 inches between her knees and the seat in front of her. In the background the whoosh of jet engines filled the silence of her contemplation with its white noise. Next to her, in the aisle seat, its occupant muttered and stirred in his slumber. With headphones from his portable CD player jammed over his ears, he lay with the seat pitched back as far as it would go. The blanket was pulled up to his chest, covering the long legs jammed into the seat before him. As confining as it was for Teri, it was worse for Gene.

Shortly after they had first taken off, Gene had fallen fast asleep from the rigors of his day. She could only imagine what he had gone through to get here and chase after her on Paul's behalf. How sweet, she inwardly reflected, to go to such lengths to help his friend. Still a thrill of disbelief washed over her that moment when the reality again hit. This was Gene Simmons, a man who had reached the peak of fame and fortune when she was barely in first grade. Her earliest memories of KISS were from the press releases and TV shots of the band. Since her parents couldnít stand the painted faces, she had gone for years without knowing what the band had sounded like. Only recently had she come to hear "Rock and Roll all Night" and "Beth", realizing in amazement that they were something she wished she hadn't missed all those years.

Now she traced over his features with her eyes, realizing that for a man his age he was still quite attractive. Everyone looked so damned innocent asleep, she could scarcely believe he wasn't just another normal person riding in first class like the others who could afford it.

He had chosen the aisle seat, giving her the one by the window. For a moment she couldn't decide if it was because he was being polite, or that he wanted to make sure she would not slip away from him on the way to Los Angeles. As if she could go anywhere while the plane soared thousands of feet over the United States, Teri laughed to herself. Peering out the window she could glimpse clouds drifting lazily over the patchwork quilt of farm fields. They must be over Indiana at that point, she guessed. Even though she had taken numerous plane flights, the excitement of leaving earth's gravity behind never ceased to thrill her. That first push of her stomach into her back during takeoff always took her breath away, followed by the snatching when the wheels retracted and the plane rose steadily upwards.

Teri felt poised at the edge of a fall as great as one would be from this airplane. If she walked the tightrope the wrong way, would she have a safety net to fall into? What exactly did a pyrotechnician do? From her chemistry background she remembered it was the discipline of choreographing and installing fireworks. What if she could not learn this new job? Could she count on Paul's infatuation and interest in her as true love, or just a flavor of the month? She was glad she had Gene put the agreement into writing. Too bad about his track record with women. If things did not work out with her and Paul, Gene might make for an interesting diversion till she figured out her next move.

Inwardly she cursed herself for such thoughts. Yet her head scolded her for ever having let Paul steal her heart. From what Gene told her, Paul was equally smitten with her. Could fate twist and favor an ordinary person such as her? Already it had carried her this far on its roller coaster. Was she poised at the top of the next hill, or nearing the end of the ride?

Only a short time ago Gene had helped her pack two suitcases of clothing and a few momentos. By two thirty they schlepped it downstairs to the waiting limo, and roared off. Forty-five tense minutes later they pulled up at the terminal with only fifteen minutes to spare. Gene promised after she was settled that he would send movers to pack the rest of her things and have them sent to her new apartment.

"New apartment?' she asked, shivering with a mingle of delight and surprise.

"Yeah. You gotta have some place to put that great collection," he teased her. "Besides, it makes it easier for a gal to have her own place. Especially with the paparazzi and all..."

She had thanked him for his foresight. After all, this relationship might now work out, and where would she be then without her own place? Teri could imagine what her parents would say about this decision. Already she had contacted them shortly after she had first mentioned something about looking for a new job.

"What about your position at Orphan?" they asked her. "I thought you were up for a pay raise?"

Or :"You worked so hard to get settled, and you're moving where?"

Doubtless they would flip over this recent development. Just how she was going to break the news to them she wasn't sure. At least not till she was sure of how the cards would land. Her head ached from all the thoughts, and she lay it upon the pillow. Soon she felt the recesses of sleep claim her.

Teri's train of thought rushed back to the present time. Already the sun played hide and seek with the high piled clouds. Gene surfaced from sleep, pushing the sleep mask from over his eyes when he felt the plane lurch to the side. Already the gray strip of runway drifted into view out the window when the world itself pitched forty-five degrees.

Leaning over, he nudged Teri. "Hey sleeping beauty...wake up..."

Teri jolted awake, brown eyes popping open in fear and shock. She looked damned lovely without those glasses, Gene reflected. He had taken a minute to admire her asleep.

"Still wanna back out?" he laughed lightly, noticing her jaw clench as the plane pitched over the gray strip of runway.

Nerves exploded in her stomach, and she gripped the underside of the seat again. Something about him constantly made her unsettled. Was it that legendary sexy stare, or just his imposing presence? Either one would either repulse or attract women. In her own apartment it was easy to keep guard on her nerves, here on a plane coming in for a landing it was far different.

"I don't think I have a choice," she laughed nervously. "After all, you are sitting in the aisle, and short of me climbing over you and making a run for it..."

"Wouldn't that be fun!" he teased with a wink. She laughed again, and gave him a shove on the arm.

"Don't tempt me! This isn't easy..." she groaned. Again nerves seized her when she felt the plane shudder and shake under them. She felt her teeth rattling with the rest of her body as the plane bucked and roared to a slow halt. Over the loudspeaker she heard the familiar words of greeting. Glancing away from Gene she forced herself to stare at the sprawling terminal. Slowly their plane coasted after the "follow me" truck toward a waiting gate. Other jets nestled close to the rows of windows on twin levels. A faint gray haze spread over the darkening blue sky. Already the sun crept closer toward the horizon. In his haste to get up, Gene almost banged his head on the overhead compartment bin. "You alright?" Teri asked, reaching up to take his arm.

"Damn, they don't make these in my size," he joked.

"You men are always complaining about that!" she cracked back. Gene grinned, and she managed a smile.

"So...ready to roll, babe?"

"I guess," she muttered back. Gripping her hand he helped pull her to her feet, and rescued her carry-on bag from the bin overhead. He grabbed his leather backpack and slung it over one shoulder of his thick black leather jacket. They threaded their way through the aisle already choked with tired and frustrated frequent fliers. She thanked God they let first class off the jet first!

"Stay with me sweetheart. Won't be long now..." he spoke to her in a low, calming voice.

For a moment she felt disorientation when the flight attendant directed them to a staircase leading down. Gene appeared to know where he was going, for she felt him automatically grip her hand in his large one and lead her after him. Her hand felt lost in his, and she felt that sense of doubt entering her mind again. Her mind detached from her body and seemed to drift away to watch the events from an objective viewpoint. They soon found themselves in a VIP suite, with clusters of suits and executives. A few had phones grafted to their ears, briefcases and backpacks nestled at their feet. They made an interesting contrast in their casual clothes when Gene walked her quickly past the lines of business class vice presidents and company CEO's. His long legs carried him quickly, and she had to stumble to keep up with his pace. She remembered what it felt like to be a small toddler being dragged around a supermarket by mommy.

Neatly dressed chauffeurs and redcap services held up signs before them in the lobby downstairs. Gene led her to a guy dressed in bluejeans and neat black shirt, strikingly casual next to the others. "Hey Steve, how are ya?" he asked, reaching out a hand to the guy. Both exchanged a hearty shake, and Teri guessed this man must be one of the band's personal staff.

"Hey Gene, you made it! So, is this the gal who's been causing so much trouble?"

"Yeah, it's her alright. Teri, meet my driver, Steve. We haven't got a whole hell of a lot of time before we go on, so let's haul butt..."

"I gotcha, Gene. The luggage is already taken care of."
 

Chapter 13

Another limo's leather seats welcomed them both. Teri's nerves resurged with a vengeance only matched by when she had attended that rehearsal earlier that week. Plush seats and a fully stocked bar were luxuries she did not feel in the mood to enjoy. Not even the stereophonic system that belted out the local rock station could divorce her fears from her body.

"How about something to drink?" he asked her. She nodded silently, and he soon rooted through the ice to extract a can beading with condensation. Along with a plastic cup he passed it to her, and pulled out a Fresca for himself.

For the whole ride she remained silent, staring out the tinted windows at Los Angeles. More and more her world seemed so blasted far away compared to the clots of traffic. Even Philadelphia was nothing like this forest of Spanish American architecture and tall palm trees. Gene's efforts to make conversation kept falling flat to her one-word answers, and he couldn't help but wonder what he could do to ease her fears. Short of doing something that might piss Paul off that is.

"Hey, I don't bite unless provoked, doll," he said in a low voice, taking a sip of his soda.

"I know that..." she sighed, taking a swig of her diet Pepsi.

"Then what the hell's eating you? You came this far..."

"But you gotta understand this is a really big step. What the hell have I gotten myself into?" she blurted out. While she hated herself for showing Gene how vulnerable she was, she needed to tell someone or she felt she would throw up or faint.

"I was wondering when you'd say that," he laughed back.

"Don't start with me," she groaned. "What if I screw up?"

"Well, considering you have some personal pull with your employers, how can you?" he answered. "Do you realize..."

"Yeah, here comes the speech about do I realize how many fans would kill for this chance? Well, I'm not the average groupie, so you can forget that..." she snapped irritably.

"Hey, easy now," Gene held up his hand. "Calm down, okay? I sure as shit know that's not the case. Didn't I tell you Paul was freaking crazy over you? Why do you think I had to haul ass out to Philly to come get you?"

"You didn't 'come get' me, I decided to come..." she clarified.

"So, what's the problem then?" Gene asked. For a moment she wanted to hit him for his insensitivity.

"I'm sorry to be bitching...I just...well..."

"Hey, better me then Paul," Gene said. "Now don't worry. We're not gonna have you wiring the whole fucking platform on your first night. I mean there is some training to blowing things up, despite what the fans might think."

"At least you're not like Michael Jackson who set his hair on fire..." she laughed. "During a Pepsi commercial!"

"And I thought you were a diehard fan," he laughed. "Most of the books say how many times this Demon set his hair on fire perfecting that firebreathing trick."

A warm smile spread over her face, delighting Gene. If the chick would only relax, he thought. Damn, she was wound tighter then a spring. He had his work cut out...till he delivered her to Paul, that is. At that moment it took every bit of willpower not to take her in his arms and well...make her comfortable. Much more comfortable then she was now. Yet if he did, he would never hear the end of it from Paul.

Chapter 14

"Hey, this is Teri. She's that chemist I called you about. Show her the ropes okay?" Gene said as he introduced her to Alison. The slender, attractive woman pushed a lock of blonde hair out of her face to reveal the band logo in silver over one breast on her dark shirt. All the road crew wore jeans, and security badges.

"Hey there, Teri! Great to have you onboard. Our lead tech Joe is sick, and they've got me running my ass off here..."

"Take good care of her...till after the show..." Gene grinned with a knowing wink. Alison grinned as she watched Gene disappear into the bustle backstage. For a moment Teri watched him while she fingered the plastic badge around her neck. Some things never changed no matter what career she was in. The need for security was the same. Armed with this similarity she felt herself relax a little bit more.

"Okay now...where do we start? You ever work with fireworks of any kind before?"

"No, but I'm accustomed to working with flammable chemicals on a day to day basis," Teri responded.

"Okay, well that's a start."

"Sorry..."

"Hey, relax. Just do what I tell ya and we'll be okay," Allison told her.

Everything had literally gone off without a hitch. Teri's nervousness mounted to fever pitch again when she first saw them onstage on the monitor. She did not get to see the show live, but considering how many times she had seen them in concert before...

Teri nervously hugged Allison with excitement when the final round of pyros exploded. "All right!" Alison cheered. "Another crisis solved! Way to go!"

"I was scared to death!" Teri laughed.

When the last round of pyros exploded, the music crescendoed to a climax that slammed throughout the entire stadium. Three silhouettes were backlit by the orange and amber blazes of sparks. Huge video screens magnified each band member larger then life. Everything exploded at once, the heat of the flashpots radiating into the pushing audience. Over the forest of hands and din of the crowd, Paul's gratitude rang out, "We love you, goodnight!"

From a booth high up in the press box, two women snapped to attention. "All right!" Alison screamed. Her whoop shattered Teri's intense concentration. So into the sequence had she been that all focus narrowed to the control panel just in front of her. A hand slapped her on the back and drove the breath from her lungs.

"We did it," Teri gasped with relief.

"You rocked gal! Not a freaking hitch!" Alison laughed, leaping out of her chair. Propelled by her sudden rush of adrenaline, Teri soon jumped up and down with her in a victory dance. They hugged each other excitedly. Alison's blue eyes sparkled when she next said, "and you were scared you'd mess it up!"

"I still can't get over it," Teri shook her head.

"I gotta tell you girl, you really came through tonight! I was beside myself wondering what was gonna happen!"

Just then the door to the booth opened, and someone stuck their head and shoulders in. Mark was a handsome middle-aged man in the same black T-shirt with the band logo in small silver letters on his left breast. "Ladies, great job! The guys are jazzed!" He hugged Alison and gave Teri the thumbs up sign. "So you're the new gal eh? Alison was saying something about Gene getting her a replacement."

"Well, she sure picked it up fast! You're one of the family now, girlfriend!"

"Thanks!" Teri beamed, feeling a warm flush of pride.

"Let's go to the wrap party and get some eats," the supervisor suggested, nodding his head in the direction of the door. Laying an arm around Teri's shoulder, Alison guided her out the door after Mark. Still Teri could swear she was walking one inch above the carpet by now. All three techs entered the large room already packed with road security and road crew. Huge coolers full of ice were crammed with sodas and beers. Large buffet tables were piled high with cold cut sandwiches and mini bags of chips. Alison pushed a plate into Teri's hand and started grabbing for her own needs. Teri selected a huge tuna fish sandwich and other items before joining her two co-workers at a large round table.

They were joined by at least three other roadies and security guards, which all nattered on excitedly about he show. Introductions were rapid, and Teri suddenly felt as if she had been among them for weeks, instead of mere hours. Nobody seemed to scrutinize her background when she told him or her about being a scientist. Mark thought it was cool, and Alison simply grinned and said how smart she was. Their excited chatter was punctuated by the sudden explosive pop of a champagne cork. Turning they saw two other supervisors frantically sticking plastic glasses under the foamy stream. A glass was passed to Alison, who put one into Teri's hand.

"A toast to one hell of a show on this West Coast leg! And a special welcome to our new pyrotechnician, who came in literally at the last minute...say hi to Teri Mason!"

Alison and Mark patted her on the back, and she felt the flush of embarrassment creep over her. Drinks were sipped and the chatter resumed. She had never gotten this sort of welcome when she started at Orphan Pharmaceuticals! Taking her laminated badge in hand, she saw the green printed picture of the band under the letters that spelled out her name and position.

"Let's get going guys, we've got to pack some of this stuff up before tomorrow's show," Mark said. "And then it's off to the hotel for a good night's rest!"

"Did you get your hotel room number yet?" Alison asked her.

"I'm not sure..."

"Well, don't worry. We all find it out sometimes at the last minute. With this crazy stuff on the tour and all..."

"Was it true that Paul Stanley was having some trouble playing before the concert?" Teri ventured.

Alison looked around, and then whispered back, "Yeah. At first we weren't sure if he would play or not. Something really got him down. At least that's what Angelo in Road Security told me. Something about his new girlfriend not showing up..."

"New girlfriend?" Teri laughed nervously. A sudden sinking feeling came over her. Had Paul already found a replacement for her?

"Yeah. She was supposed to watch the show with him, but boy was he bummed when she didnít show up..."

"Did he happen to mention her name?"

"No way. Kept it a secret from the press," Alison cupped her hand around her mouth. "But rumor is she's just a regular person he met on the tour..."

A sick feeling came over Teri, and she fell silent. Even so, she had this job that many would die to have, and somehow things would work out all right. She prayed they would. Trying not to cry, she pushed images of Gene into her mind for some small comfort. No use crying over spilled milk. After all, there were so many other women that Paul could have. Women who threw themselves at his feet.

"Excuse me, is Teri Mason here?" someone's voice asked nearby.

"Teri...Chris wants you for a minute..."

"Chris?" Teri asked, snapping her head up to look into a familiar face. It was Paul's chauffeur from Philadelphia!

"Oh there you are! Been looking all over for you!"

"Chris, long time no see!"

"Yeah! Can I butt in here or am I interrupting something?"

"Nope..." Alison said. "Look, just find me at the hotel if they donít give you your room assignment okay? Ask for Alison Beryl..." Tapping Teri's shoulder the pyrotechnician for KISS excused herself. Chris took her seat and set a large manila envelope on the table in front of Teri.

"Gene told me to make sure you got this," he said importantly.

"Gene?" she asked, a little unsure. She tore open the envelope, and a set of keys jingled into her hand with two white envelopes. She recognized his handwriting when she opened one, which was a note and address. The other envelope contained a good amount of fifty-dollar bills.

"What on earth..."

"He said he wanted to make sure you got paid in cash...at least till he could get your direct deposit set up with payroll. And those are the keys to your new apartment. First month rent's covered in the relocation fee. And for a rental car he gave a number if you want to get a few things settled before you head off with the tour..."

"When do we leave?"

"We've sold out three performances!" Chris laughed. "Can you believe it? Means we'll be heading out this weekend for our next show."

"Great..."

"But another thing, could you spare a few minutes helping the costume lady out? She needs a hand putting away the items in the dressing room for the night..." Chris asked, getting out of his chair.

"Sure, but..."

"Yeah...that would be great."

"But Alison needed..."

"I'll let her know you've been borrowed..." Chris grinned. "C'mon...they're just getting cleaned up now."

Past the abating crowd they pushed, into the back hallway. Road crews already pushed crates and other items into a lockdown area for the night. It was close to 11 pm, and Teri felt the events of the day catching up with her fast. That sorrow and regret suddenly bubbled up in her again when she followed Chris to the dressing room. She wasn't too surprised to see the Superman sheet hung over one side. "Go on in..." he urged, lifting it so she could step under. Already a matronly woman in her forties with one or two young assistants were bustling about the four make-up tables.

"Here she is, Gloria..."

"Great! You can help me hang up the costumes and get them ready for cleaning," she said, gesturing to Teri. Chris grinned and vanished from the room.

"Where are the guys?" she asked.

"Taking showers. But Mr. Simmons is taking his own sweet time as usual," Gloria grumbled. "I told him three times to get the lead out..."

Someone pushed his way under the sheet, and Teri muttered, "Speak of the devil...here he is!"

Gene laughed when he heard her comment, because he was still in full costume and makeup. For a moment it took Teri's breath away. She had seen him that first night at the complementary concert in Philly for the contest winners, but she had not spent more then fifteen minutes talking to him. Again here was the real deal, in full gear. Sweat beaded on the surface of the black and white face makeup, and there were still traces of stage blood on his armored top.

"Now what did I tell you about getting in here late?" Gloria spoke to him like a disapproving mother.

"Sorry gals, had some territory to cover..." Gene shot back goodnaturedly. He strode over to Teri and wrapped a strong arm around her shoulders. She was pulled to his side in a fierce but firm hug.

"Damn, girl, you were worried about screwing up?" he laughed deeply.

"Sorry to disappoint you!" she laughed back. He gave her a playful pinch on her butt and she countered with a hearty slap on his back.

"Feel free to disappoint us more often then, doll!" he grinned. "Alison just gave me the news! You really came through!"

"Thank you so much," she whispered. Impetuously she seized him about the neck and leaped up to peck him on the cheek. For a second he held her in place as her soft lips contacted the greasepaint. She had to stand on top of one dragon boot to do so. His coarse, thick hair tickled her cheek.

"Nice," he laughed. "That helped make the trip worthwhile."

"I just never expected that I'd be lucky..."

"Everyone gets a chance. You just have to take it..."

Soberly she stepped down, still clutching his hand as she asked, "Gene, I have to ask you...is Paul pissed at me? I mean since he didn't ask to see me..."

"Why don't you ask him yourself, sweetheart?" Gene suggested, giving her an encouraging squeeze on the shoulder.

Just then she heard a cackle as Ace emerged, pulling on a pair of jeans. Still he tugged a T-shirt down over his head. Teri's heart skipped a beat when she saw who was right at his heels. Dressed only in a towel hitched around his hips, Paul toweled his hair dry rapidly as he finished some sentence with Ace.

"Hey, I remember you," Ace said, when he noticed Teri. "You're the gal with the sugar problem. You feeling okay?"

"She's working for us now," Gene said.

Moving away from Gene, Teri rushed over to Paul. The apology blurted out of her mouth before she could help herself, "I'm so sorry Paul..."

The towel stopped, still obscuring his eyes when he registered her voice. Partly muffled by the towel he said, "Teri...is that you?"

"Yes..." she said, looking down at her feet, wringing her hands. "I just wanted to say...I will understand completely if you'd want nothing more to do with me...but for what it's worth...I'm sorry. Sorry that I didn't give you more of a chance. I jumped to conclusions..."

Paul lowered the towel, his dark eyes glistening. For a moment his face was serious. Ace and Gene exchanged glances, when Peter suddenly moved out of the shower himself. They felt as if they were interrupting something.

"You're sorry?" Paul got out, voice level.

"I can live with the fact if you're mad and want nothing more to do with me...since I didn't come with you...but I just had to be sure...and then Gene..."

"Gene, you son of a bitch, why didn't you tell me!" Paul shouted at him. Teri didn't know if he was pissed or not, and backed away for a moment. She collided with Gene, who stood right behind her. His hand rested on her shoulder, pushing her toward Paul again. Eyes filling with tears, she squeezed them shut.

"Surprise," Gene said.

"I didn't want to come, didn't want to believe that what I felt was real...what you felt was real. I was so stupid, and now it's too late..." Teri began again, stumbling over the words that would not come out right.

"Teri, look at me.." Paul repeated again. She felt his hand lean under her chin, and tipped her head up to his. Still she kept her eyes shut, unable to look him in the face or even look at him. Everything ceased to exist that moment, except the intensity of that feeling she could no longer deny.

"Please look at me," Paul pleaded. "What's going on here...what do you mean it's too late. You came! I mean Gene, you really pulled it off. I didn't believe you could do it!"

"You mean you didn't tell him I was here?" Teri asked, turning on Gene in disappointment. "What was up with that?"

"Damn, never mind that! Look, just ask him..." Gene groaned.

"Ask me what?" Paul demanded, voice raising in pitch. "Jeez can't you give me a straight answer?"

"I know you're probably pissed at me for blowing you off, last night...but I just wanted you to know that...oh God this is going to sound crazy...I do love you...I always have. I just was stupid to deny it. Because I didn't think things like this were possible..."

"Teri," Paul choked out. "Why didn't you tell me how you felt?"

"It doesn't really matter now, does it?"

"What do you mean it doesn't matter?" Paul answered, voice rising to a shout.

" I know I heard you had a new girlfriend...that you had met someone on the tour...and I assumed that you..."

"What? Who told you that?" Paul asked, gripping her shoulders.

"Alison...she said you had met someone and I presume..."

Gene suddenly groaned and shook his head as he let out a laugh. Ace joined in as well. Teri and Paul exchanged looks of mutual confusion.

"What is so funny?" Teri shouted at them. "I see nothing amusing about this..."

"Jeez, is that what you were upset about? Yeah, I was pretty ticked off you didn't come along...but why did you think Gene came after you?"

"You wouldn't shut up about how much she meant to you, man. I had to do something to shut you the hell up so you'd do the damned show!" Gene supplied. Her heart skipped another beat and she put a hand to her chest to steady herself.

"Paul...you mean that..."

"Alison was talking about you!" Ace cackled, holding his sides. He doubled over, his lean body trembling in laughter when he slapped Teri on the shoulder. "And they say I'm the space ace!"

"Oh God I feel so stupid!" Teri groaned. Not caring what would happen next she buried her face in his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist. Paul grabbed her and folded her close with strong muscular arms. The whole front of her shirt was soaked from his still wet chest. She pressed firm kisses to his chest and neck, burying her head in it as he pressed her close to his warm body.

"Aw, come here you!" he laughed deeply, chest heaving under her ear. Pushing her back for a moment he tilted her chin to look up into his face, slipping her glasses up to her forehead. Leaning up she seized his chin and pressed her lips to his warm, soft ones. Close to his body he gripped her, tracing his hands up and down her back to her backside. She in turn gripped him through the towel, and then froze when she realized that she was the only thing holding it in place on him. Somehow the knot slipped free. "Whoops!" Paul laughed when he saw her anxiously holding the towel in place with her hand on his hip.

"Now this is getting interesting," Gene laughed.

"Gene, thanks a lot but get the hell out of here!" Paul laughed at him.

Just then Gloria poked her head into the room and asked, "Are you going to ever get out of that costume, Mr. Simmons, or do we have to help you take it off?"

"Don't give him any ideas!" Ace laughed, almost beside himself.

"Why don't we leave them to sort it all out?" Teri asked Paul, helping him to hitch his towel more securely.

"Your place or mine?" Paul smiled.

"I never have seen where you live... "

"Only fair you do baby, since I spent some time at your place. And there's something I want to show you there later...a surprise..."

"Sounds intriguing," she smiled. He pressed a soft, deep kiss to her lips again, pulling her close. Standing up on tiptoes she slipped her hands down to grip his rear through the towel. Paul grinned when they parted. Still keeping his arm around her waist he went over to his suitcase to get himself some clothes. While Paul excused himself to get dressed, Teri walked over to Gene and gave him yet another grateful kiss of gratitude.

Chapter 15

Later, much later, she stretched under the soft satin sheets, feeling the soft mattress under her tired tight back. No matter how hard she tried she was far too excited to fall asleep. Dozing next to her, Paul opened dark lashed eyes and peered lovingly at her.

"What are you thinking about, baby?" he asked, brushing a lock of hair out of her face. It was amazing how good his muscled form felt against hers.

"I never did hear how that song turned out...or the other gals," she said.

"I almost forgot," Paul smiled, and kissed her forehead. She watched his glorious body painted in the faint light of the street outside. He slipped on a shirt and boxers, and disappeared out his bedroom door into the hallway for a moment.

"What?" she asked, straightening up in the bed. She slipped out from under the covers, and grabbed his bathrobe. It fit her easily, hanging down to her mid thighs when she wandered out after him. Off the gold records on the wall the hall lights glistened. Down the banister she saw his shadow move, and rapidly he trotted up the wide staircase to join her.

"You didn't have to get up," he laughed, taking her hands in his. She looked cute in his bathrobe, he thought. Slowly he fingered her soft thick hair, mussed up from the activity of a few hours before.

"What were you doing downstairs?"

"You'll see," he grinned mischievously. He guided her back toward the bedroom, hand around her hips. Lightly it tickled up and down her side, lifting the edge of the bathrobe ever so slightly. She let out a yelp at his fingers on her bare skin. In the background she heard the slow, gentle strains of an acoustic guitar. Slowly overtop built an electric line, filling out the tones. Where had she heard that melody before? It sounded something like what he was working on over at her apartment.

"Sound familiar?" Paul asked, turning her to face him as they stood just inside his bedroom door.

Suddenly the vocals drifted into the melody, and she recognized it:

 I saw you with her yesterday, patterning her life after yours...

The silent secrets of your dreams, she conveniently ignores...

What can she offer you baby, that I haven't before...

I know you're crying inside...

Caught in the snares of a golden lady

Who moves through the world at your side...

I could offer you so much more, my love is not bought with the world...

I would offer intangible things, my love waiting to be unfurled.

 "My song..." she whispered.

"You bet," he nodded. "We finished the demos. The other songs are on here too..."

"It's so much more then I ever would have thought..." she shook her head.

"Yes baby," he smiled, drawing her close. "And I have a feeling this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship..."

"If you're going to say 'here's looking at you kid' next...I'll smack you!" she laughed.

"Gene's the movie buff," Paul laughed lightly in return, reaching for the belt of the robe she wore.

"He's one hell of a friend," she looked up at him. Paul took his hands off the robe for a moment.

"Why did you stop?" she asked.

"I'm shy," he joked.

"After what we just...oh come on..."

"I need your scientific opinion on something..." he lifted an eyebrow mischievously.

"What?"

"What intangible things that you'd be willing to offer?" he grinned.

"Ah," she nodded. "Well, I do know that it has something to do with a certain examination of the facts..."

"Examination..." he grinned. "I like the sound of that. Why don't you give me an examination now, Ms. Science..."

"I'm not a doctor!" she laughed when he pulled her over to the bed.

"But you can still give me an examination," he pouted. "Can't you?"

"All right," she nodded. "Now...let's take off your shirt and listen to your heartbeat..."

She slowly unbuttoned it, taking her time. He grinned when she parted the material, and lightly ran her hands over his chest. "Good and strong. A little fast..."

"I wonder why," Paul grinned, pulling her close. "And how about I examine you?"

She felt his hands on the belt of her robe, poised to untie it. Slowly, teasingly he tugged at the belt. Both halves of the robe he separated, and pushed it back on her shoulders. For a moment she wanted to hide her bare breast with her arms, but he pulled them away. Drawing her close he pressed her chest to his and she felt the hairs of his chest tickling her deliciously. His hands kneaded up and down her back while she did the same to him.

"Mm, definitely a well exercised set of adductors, and a pronounced spine, and a great million- dollar ass..."

"Should I take off my shorts?" he whispered in her ear, and rocked his hips against hers. She felt the stiffness contained therein, and let loose a gasp.

"And a very healthy reflex..."

"That's not just a reflex, it's my love gun," he laughed.

"Don't I know it," she nervously laughed back. Taking her hands he slipped them to his waist.

"Remember, I'm still a little shy," he teased.

"Let's see what we can do about that," she grinned, pushing his shorts down carefully. He guided her hands to touch him, but she needed no coaxing. At the feel of her fingers on his hot flesh he tossed back his head with a low moan.

"I love how you're teasing me baby, but it's getting awful hard to continue with the examination. What do you think?"

"I think we should investigate further..."

"That's just what I was hoping you'd say," he grinned, and tugged her backwards onto the bed with him. Rolling her over, he lowered his body to hers. He traced her stomach and inner thighs with feather soft touches of his fingers, teasing her soft inner parts to moistness. "Now it's my turn to examine you, baby...and do a little experimenting of my own..." He thrust in partway, savoring the feel of her around him again. His dark eyes fixed into hers, admiring the deep desire darkening them. She raised her hips to meet him, resting on her elbows. Paul reached down and thrust a pillow under her neck to make her more comfortable. She lifted both her legs and positioned her ankles on his shoulders. With deliberate slowness he completed his journey, feeling her body's response to his. He slipped her legs down around his hips and put her hands on his backside, pulling her onto his lap. They rose slowly on a haze of combined movements, ever increasing in pitch till their bodies could not contain the burst of pleasure. Eyes locked and lips pressed close to share a deep kiss and a breath in the same space.

Parting, she peered deep into those eyes as dark as hers as she said, "I do love you, baby, you know..."

"I know," he kissed her forehead. "And I love you. I should have told you."

"You just did now..." she smiled back. "You and your blasted love gun!"

Both of them laughed together, falling down onto the sheets. In his room, in his home, not a hotel room. Amidst the other parts of his private world, he had let her in, and both had tasted each other's lives. She had touched the distant star, and captured it for her own in ways she could have hardly dreamed possible.