Disclaimer: Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and KISS are actual persons, and they are property of themselves. The portrayal of them in this story is fictitious, and is the work of a fan, for entertainment purposes only, not to demean or harm the people mentioned. Other characters are copyright by Trynia Merin. My thanks to Eisencookie, Ms Starchild and Ilovepaul66 for help with this story!

"My room's on the fifth floor," Mandi said to Gene, as she pulled her skirt down again.

"But mine is on the 10th," Gene said. "I wanted to ask you again, do you want to join me for a nightcap..."

"But you don't' drink..."

"I drink diet soda,' Gene shrugged. "C'mon..."

Draping his arm around her shoulders, he guided her out into the sumptuous red carpeted hallway. Mandi's anticipation grew with each passing step. When Gene opened the door to his penthouse suite, she felt the blood pounding in her ears. Her voice was small and quiet when he invited her in.

"I think the remote is there," Gene muttered, wandering over to the fully stocked bar, and noting the multiple cans of Fresca stacked neatly in the fridge. Mandi had done her work well. Nervously she sat on the sofa, and noticed her laptop computer was on the coffee table. She opened it, nervously checking her email and bringing up her notes. Gene returned soon with two glasses of soda, one Fresca, the other diet coke.

"Here you go," he said, handing one to her and sitting down next to her so their thighs pressed together. Mandi let a small gasp escape her lips at the pressure of him against her.

"Nervous?" Gene asked.

"I thought you wanted to work..."

"My dear, I think its time you and I had that little chat..." he smiled mischievously.

"Mr. Simmons... I am sorry..."

"Apology accepted," he smiled, resting his arm behind her head, across the back of the sofa. Mandi's nervous apology died in her throat as she felt the smolder of his amber gaze upon her body. Slowly he seemed to be undressing her with those eyes. Her face flushed and a tingle spread over her skin.

"Mr. Simmons," she gasped.

"Gene," he corrected her, blowing in her ear. "You can call me that, you know?"

Mandi turned to him and lost herself in his gaze. She figured it was now or never for his hand now rested on her thigh, moving steadily upwards. It pushed her skirt upwards, while his other arm curled around her shoulders and angled her toward him. So sneakily had this happened she had no time to anticipate how. Summoning her courage, she leaned forward, and took his chin to press a kiss to his lips. They felt surprisingly soft against hers, and his arms tightened around her. Encouraged by his response, she deepened the kiss. He moaned softly, teasing her lips with his tongue in a kiss far gentler and sweeter then she imagined.

"I like an employee who takes initiative," Gene laughed as she pulled away for breath.

"Do you?" she asked, with a giggle.

"Mmm hmm," was his answer. "I am interested in continuing our conversation in the limo, which was abruptly cut off..."

"You mean when I was here?" she winked, climbing into his lap. She straddled him, emboldened by his lascivious gaze. Gene's hands ran up and down her sides, and tugged her jacket off.

"You're such a little slip of a girl," he observed. "You really shouldn't worry so much about keeping weight off this lovely body of yours, and in fact you could use a bit more... it wouldn't hurt you know..."

"You men don't get it..."

"Maybe you're worried about the wrong men?" Gene asked. "My mother would say you were WAY too thin, and that you should be nicely fattened up..."

"Gene," she sighed.

"Hon, I don't mean to hurt your feelings," Gene said, noticing her embarrassment. "I think you're a lovely woman, and you worry FAR too much about pleasing men who can't appreciate you for how beautiful you are."

"That's the nicest thing a man has said to me in a long time,' she sighed.

"I think it's been a while since you've had the right man," Gene said with a look of concern. "You deserve one who will treat you right. And you also need to learn HOW to recognize the good from the bad..."

"Of course," she nodded, touched by his concern.

"Paul would understand the concern for weight," Gene smiled, rubbing her cheek. "Look at how he has to keep buff for the ladies? You'd be amazed how he would fight the girl for the mirror... and trust me that's a fact..."

She giggled, and relaxed on his lap, feeling his erection under her growing with each second. He shifted his hips a bit, and she rocked playfully there. His hands slid down her front, rubbing her breasts eagerly. She blushed and he noticed her look of concern.

"Gene, I have a confession..."

"Go ahead," he encouraged, hands still cupping her breasts.

"I'm wearing... something to enhance them..."

"What, these perfectly nice breasts?" he asked.

"I'm really a size B... not a C," she whispered.

"I did wonder what was in the way," he laughed, sliding her strap down and reaching to touch her bra. She shrieked as he sneaked his fingers in to probe her bra, and they found her sensitive nipple, rubbing and pinching it lightly to erectness. Between the bra and her breast, he felt the gel curve that enlarged her breasts.

"Don't worry too much," he whispered. "I like what I feel. Do me a favor and take them out. I want to see what they really look like..."

She pulled each gel enhancer out, and Gene playfully took one and weighed it in his hand. He pretended to put it into his shirt, and Mandi giggled at how silly he looked. His gaze returned to her, and he smiled. Both his hands slipped under her dress, massaging her breasts again. She blushed and looked down, saying, "I thought you preferred your women to have big tits..."

"That is true," he said. "Well normally. But these are VERY nice. Perfectly proportioned to the lovely body I see before me..."

"You are too kind," she flushed.

"Look at me, do you see me complaining?" he whispered. "Can I look at them?"

"Soon," she giggled. "It's hard to get this zipper..."

"I'll help," he laughed, reaching up as she held her hair out of the way, and tugged her zipper down. She shivered as his fingers tickled her skin, and lifted her arms so he could pull the dress up and off. He smiled at the black lace bra and matching thong underwear along with her pantyhose. His fingers moved down her front to glide over her hips and squeeze her ass gently.

"That's real," she gasped. "I have a big butt for someone my size."

"Good," Gene smiled. "I'd be disappointed if this lovely ass wasn't the genuine thing... it goes with your nice tits. And I DO mean that..."

"Aww," she laughed.

"Those falsies are supposed to go with it?" Gene asked, genuinely interested. She nodded, and moaned as she felt him reaching around to unhook her bra. He unsnapped it, and tugged it away, feasting his eyes on her bared chest. He reached up to take her hairclip out, letting the blond curls fall around her face. With his fingers, he caressed her nipples to erectness again, and she arched on his lap, rubbing against him. Wrapping her arms behind his head, she leaned to kiss him, and he let her, exploring her mouth again with his tongue. She captured it with her teeth, sucking on it as he moaned softly. Pressed against his fine shirt her bare skin felt erotically strange and excited.

Gene pulled her back, and smiled, enjoying the look on her face. He flickered his tongue over each nipple in turn, and she moaned again, hugging his head to her chest. Fingers explored the soft wool of his blazer; one of the finest bits of clothes money could buy. The richness of the cloth against her and the scent of his cologne drove her wild.

He leaned forward, and wrapped her legs around his waist. She gasped, as he was pressed close to her, and Gene lifted her effortlessly, standing up. His hands supported her ass, arms wrapping around her to hold her to him. Her own arms wrapped around his neck, and she shrieked as he swung her around and carried her toward the bedroom like a small child.

"Nervous" he asked, carrying her in and lowering her onto the bed. He sat down next to her, reached down to take off his boots, and put them neatly on the floor. She reached to help him take off his jacket, and he let her, slipping out of it to reveal his shirt underneath. Carefully he took it from her, and draped it over the nearby chair.

Turning back, he watched her wide blue eyes, and rubbed her breast again. She closed her eyes, moaning as he pushed her gently down onto the bed, and leaned over her, resting one hand beside her hip. After all, he was tall and large in comparison to her, and for a brief minute, she was afraid he'd break her in two, for all the rumors she had heard about how wild he could be in bed.

"Relax," Gene urged. "Unless you don't want me to do this. We can stop, if you want."

"I want you," she gasped. "It's just hard to believe.... This is happening..."

"It is,' Gene smiled. "I've wanted to have you for a long time. Just had to wait and see if you were interested... and you are, I take it?"

"Very," she whispered, leaning to kiss him. He moaned at her tongue seeking his, pressing her down to the bed. His fingers pulled at her stockings, and slid them off. Then he lay them over his jacket, and hooked his fingers under her thong.

"Did you wear these for me?" he asked.

"Yes," she nodded.

"You little minx," he chuckled. "Another point for initiative..."

Her thongs joined her stockings, and he climbed on top of her, straddling her with those large thighs. She gasped and shuddered, as he pulled her into his arms, and kissed her passionately. His hands worked over her breasts, and her back, tongue burying into her mouth, to plunder it in a momentary ravenous demon kiss.

"Shall I go fast and furious, or nice and slow?" he teased.

"I'm yours to do with what you will," she whispered.

"Heard that before," he teased. "Hey, don't tense up. Relax... you know what comes next..."

"I want to be good for you..."

"Good, because I want you to enjoy this," he nodded back. "Now, turn over on your hands and knees..."

She did so, not questioning him. Doggy style was a very pleasant position, and she heard him as he unbuckled his belt and slid his pants down. Reaching for his wallet, he extracted a condom and placed the wallet down into one boot out of sight. She heard the ripping of paper, and then felt Gene's hand on her hip, reaching around front to tease her from behind. He found her sensitive spot and reached in to tease her with his fingers while she felt him nudging at her opening from the rear.

"Do you want me, Mandi?" he asked.

"Oh yes..."

"How much?" he asked, teasing her with the tip of himself.

"Every last inch..." she groaned.

He pushed in partway, and stopped. Mandy groaned, frustrated at the fact he'd stopped. She wriggled her hips, trying to push herself onto him. Gene held her hips, murmuring and closing his eyes with delight as she took further initiative.

"That's it," he whispered. She shrieked as he shoved deep inside her, and then stopped again. Down her hips up her sides his hands worked, and he caressed her breasts again. He began to rock forwards, thrusting into her. She moved perfectly with him, moaning as he picked up the pace.

"Oh god that feels so good," she panted.

"Good, that's it... let me know how this feels..."

Her cries became screams, and Gene laughed to himself as he imagined Paul would be if he heard Mandi in the throws of sex. As her muscles clenched around him, he judged she was reaching her first climax, and pushed himself deep inside her as he could go to feel her contracting. For a moment she was glad that he was a nice size, not so enormous like some John Holmes or the men she had dated in the past, who hammered into her with abandon, not waiting to see if she could take them like Gene was doing. There was definitely something for experience she reflected with a sigh.

"GENE!" she screamed.

"C'mere little girl," he smiled, pulling out and urging her to sit down. He sat next to her on the bed, and turned her around so she sat on his lap. Again his hands reached around to grab her hips, and he pulled her onto him again.

This time she saw their reflection in the bureau mirror across from the bed. He reached around to cup her breasts and rub them. His tongue licked her neck as he bucked under her. She complained, "I want to touch you..."

"That's the idea," he laughed, and leaned over her shoulder to claim her lips with his own. Before she reached a second climax, he stopped again.

"Lie down," he ordered softly, pulling the sheets from under her and pulling her hands to cup him. He tugged his pants off and down, and shimmied out of them. She gasped at the sight of his body, certainly far from an Adonis, but very pleasing for a man his age. He had taken good care of himself, she thought. Climbing on top of her, he lay her down on the pillow, thrusting into her and wrapping her legs around his hips. He knelt as he rocked into her, and she gasped, glancing up into his face that watched her every move.

"That's it, cum for me," he whispered, pounding into her harder this time. He wasn't as deep, his shallow penetrations rubbing in the precise spot to cause as much pleasure per thrust as he could. Mandi writhed and screamed in another orgasm and then a fourth as he licked her chest again. Still he was hard, moving in and out of her with no signs of climaxing soon himself. She sighed and realized it was going to be a long night, and Gene laughed.

"Enjoying yourself?" he asked, pulling her up into his arms.

"Oh GOD," she moaned.

"Mmm, that's it, cum for me again..." he urged, shoving hard into her once more.

"Gene... oh GOD I can't take much more... aren't you going to cum for me?"

"I am, since you asked so nicely," he growled, shoving deeply into her. Mandi screamed his name and Gene's face fused into a scowl as he felt his muscles tightening. Grabbing her face, he fixed her gaze into his, blue eyes meeting his own as they came together. Fastening his teeth to her neck, he bit down as his orgasm finally reached fruition.

They collapsed onto the bed, panting for breath. Gene curled around her sweat soaked body, and kissed her as he hugged her. "Turn over and face me, doll," he whispered.

She did so, and Gene pulled her into his arms. She sighed with delight as he kissed her sweetly, cradling her there while she came down from her orgasm. Few of her lovers had been so savage in their lovemaking and so gentle afterwards. He reached up to turn off the light and lay alongside her for a while.

***

Gene awakened after a time, and reached out for Mandy in the darkness. He found the bed next to him empty and wondered where she was. For a moment he figured she had sneaked back to her room, and felt disappointed, because he still planned to have some fun with her while he could.

"Mandi, Hon, you here?" Gene asked. He glanced up to see the square of light in the bathroom, and he was aware of a noise that jarred him into full alertness. Stumbling to his feet, he threw aside his sheets and grabbed a bathrobe.

The sound echoed in the suite, and he snapped on the lights, tying his robe around him. He swung open the door to see Mandi leaning over the commode, puking her guts out. Reaching her side he gasped, "Doll, you okay?"

She turned, startled, wiping her mouth. Gene leaned over her in concern, resting his hand on her shoulder. A look of strange shame filled her face and she said, "I'm fine... I told you the steak was too rich... for me..."

"Uh huh, I'm sorry to hear that," Gene sighed. Suspicion filled his mind, and he grabbed a washcloth, wetting it. He leaned down and wiped the puke off her mouth, flushing the commode to banish the sick smell.

"I'm so sorry Mr. Simmons... I just..."

"Mandi, is there something you're not telling me?" Gene asked her.

"What makes you ask that?" she asked a look of panic on her face.

"I don't think you just puked up the steak on your own. I think you gave it a little encouragement," he said softly, stroking her hair.

"That's ridiculous!" she laughed, turning away.

"I don't think so," Gene said, taking her shoulders and turning her to face him. "You put your finger down your throat didn't you?"

"Gene please don't ask me..." she begged.

"I am asking you, as your employer and as your friend," Gene said firmly. "And if you ARE making yourself puke, it's a serious matter."

"You don't understand!" she stamped her foot.

"I don't? Help me out here," Gene said, blocking the door before she could run out. He caught her against him, and she began to cry.

"Mandi... are you worried THAT much about your weight, that you're eating and then puking it up?" he asked her again. "Because if you are, that's a serious illness... and you NEED to see a doctor!"

"You don't know what it's like to be a woman nowadays..." she whispered, and pushed away, struggling out of his embrace. "I'll just go away and leave you alone. I've bothered you enough already..."

"I don't, but I don't want you to go away, and not TELL me what the hell is going on. I care about you, as my employee and as my friend... and well, you can add lover to that. And if something's bothering you, and you need help there is NO shame in admitting it..."

"Gene..." she sobbed, pulling back. Gene stroked her cheek.

"You want to talk or not? I can wait all night... and you're NOT going back to your room alone... got it?"

"Does this mean I'm fired?" she whined.

"Not by me," Gene whispered. "C'mon... let's get you cleaned up... and I'm going to order some food for you... NO objections... you NEED a good meal girl... and I promise it will be LOW fat... if that will get you to EAT."

"Gene I'm NOT hungry..." she stamped her foot. "And you have NO idea WHAT you're talking about, with all due respect, Mr. Simmons! Women like me... we NEED to look our best, and that means watching my appearance!"

"Look at me, I'm no Leonardo Dicaprio or Antonio Banderas... I'm Gene Simmons, and I don't need a perfect body to be one of the most desired men on this planet..." he jokes. "You think I got this wonderful body eating grass and twigs?"

"Mr. Simmons..." she sighed, hand to her head. "You don't HAVE to be all those things to turn heads. I do."

"Bullshit," Gene snorted hands on his hips.

"You've seen what's out there," Mandi said bitterly, wiping away a tear. "I'm already at a bit of a disadvantage."

Gene thrust hands into the pockets of his white terrycloth robe, the sort with the Ritz's logo on the left breast pocket. Pacing around her a bit he bit his lip, then noticed the sofa. He dipped his head in front of her, and said, "Sit down... I think we need to get something straight here doll..."

"Mr. Simmons," she protested. He gestured to the sofa, with a toss of his head and walked over, sitting down.

"C'mon, sit down..." he beckoned her, patting his lap.

Sullenly she walked over and sat down on his knees. She had her arms tightly folded over her chest, and squeezed shut her eyes, facing away so he wouldn't see her tears. He kissed her cheek to try to get her to relax. Stroking her shoulder, he dabbed at her eyes with a tissue as she sniffed, "Nothing you say makes a difference, Mr. Simmons... if I don't control my diet I'll never amount to anything..."

"I know you think that, baby," he said. "Look, I know how you feel, believe it or not. And before you say another word, let me tell you a story..."

She looks at him with wide eyes, and opened her mouth to say something, "But Gene... how can you..."

Gene rested a finger on her lips and whispered, "You think I always was this confident?"

"You're going to tell me about the early days of the band, aren't you?" she sighed.

"No, earlier. This goes WAY back. About a fat Jewish kid who had trouble getting a date... Cause he looked too damn ethnic...""

"Gene, EVERYBODY was insecure as a kid," Mandi sniffed, glancing up at the ceiling.

"I wasn't exactly a kid when this happened. Someone was VERY dear to me... who had the same problem you did. It happened when I was your age, and so was she, more or less. And she obsessed over her weight, like I tended to do. I had a few girls in my time then, but they always seemed to notice my fluctuating waistline, never mind that I could show them a good time just like the other clowns they ended up with. But she was different. While she was worried about her own weight and appearance, mine didn't seem to matter so much to her, because she went for me regardless... because I was kind to her, and I guess I tried hard to convince her how wrong she was. How she was really a beautiful and sexy woman."

"So, the big bad demon was in love once." she said shyly.

"Yes," he said, putting a finger to his lips. "Don't tell anyone. You're one of the privileged few who know... her name was Raina."

"Forgive me for saying this, but I just can't imagine you fat and shy," she giggled.

"I know," he laughed. "Go figure."

"But anyway, I first met her when I was teaching... I saw her when I got off for lunch one day... she taught at another school... and I asked my friend Gloria who she was, and go figure, she worked for Gloria as a teaching assistant..."

"The costume lady?" Mandi giggled, cheering up.

"No, Gloria Steinmetz, a school friend of mine," Gene laughed. "She was the friend that Ray and I turned out to have in common. I watched her for a while, waiting for the right time to approach her. She seemed kinda sad, and she always liked to visit this one comic book store... the same one I used..."

"Funny, I always pictured you attracted to confident women. I never knew you had a soft side," she poked him in the ribs shyly.

"She was far from confidant..." he smiled. "Well she was pretty damn reserved... that hid the lack of confidence... I didn't find that out till we went further... but anyway, we bumped into each other one day, and I invited her to lunch. She was VERY shy... and so was I..."

"So it was a good match, then?" Mandi asked.

"Like I said, there were girls I dated before her, but none like her. Religion wasn't an issue with her. Believe it or not, I was her first..."

"What does this all have to do with me?" Mandi asked.

"When we first made it together, I noticed how she worried about her weight around me, and around everyone..."

"And because she went to bed with you, she got over it?" Mandi asked.

"That helped," Gene laughed.

"Well then what happened to her?"

"I lost her because of her damn parents..." Gene muttered. "But then I met her a year or so later, when I was in wicked Lester... She had lost a lot of weight and was dating someone else... but she sought me out anyway..."

"But comparably, how big was she? I mean, I know I'm not HUGE, but well, you've seen my rear up close, and you KNOW I don't have the biggest boobs," Mandi asked. "And I KNOW what your last assistant looked like, Gene."

"She was a size 18 I guess when I first met her. I looked at her clothing labels on the floor," he chuckled. "You know how I notice details, " he said. "When I next saw her she had dropped to a 14, and was worrying about getting to a 12 or 10... And she was one of the most lovely women I knew."

"She obviously made quite an impression."

"Yeah," he laughed sadly. "WE met after the show, and it was great. Then I took her back to meet the boys at our wrap party, and we got to know each other again, in the biblical sense. But that next morning when we were showering together... she had bruises all over her body..."

"OH God,' Mandi gasped. "Was she abused?"

"Yeah, they had been caused by the asshole she was living with... Who never slept with her because he said she was too fat," Gene recounted, eyes darkening with anger.

"A real piece of work huh?" Mandi shook her head.

"He was a fucking idiot. A lunatic," said Gene. "He wouldn't leave her alone even when she left him. Turned out I almost beat the living piss out of him before he'd leave her alone... and what's damned ironic me telling you this now is that he sounds a lot like that bastard Chad that Paul's girl Julia left... doesn't it? I mean the way she acted in the restaurant reminds me EXACTLY of how Ray was around me at first..."

"It does," she said, eyes widening. "You know, Gene, I don't know her THAT well, but I sort of get a strange vibe from her. Like she's really still lost. But I don't think that Chad BEAT her did he?"

"Paul told me that her ex Chad was obsessive about her weight,' Gene muttered. "And he grabbed her wrist and started yelling at her at that party like she was nothing but a piece of dirt under his shoe... and that's emotional abuse there... just as bad in my opinion as being beaten..."

"Even though she's got one of the hottest men of rock and roll, she still seems out of it," Mandi commented. "I talked to her in the ladies room, and she wasn't enjoying it much... I thought she was nuts..."

"Emotional abuse, physical? That guy Chad did her wrong, and it's fucking up what she can have with Paul..."

"That's silly, she's beautiful," Mandi shook her head.

"Hell, she's worried she's too damn fat for Paul. He doesn't care," Gene shook his head. "Which is why you shouldn't worry either. You're with me, right?"

"God, Gene, no offense, but I was dating Paul, I don't think I'd ever eat again."

"I wish you hadn't said that..." Gene sighed, shaking his head in frustration. "What can I do to convince you how wrong you are... how sick this all is?"

"I'm... sorry," she said quietly.

"Honey, please... I WANT to help you..." Gene begged. "I have known playboy bunnies in your position. Shannon has too. They obsess over their weight... and they get SICK..."

"I don't need help, I'm not hungry!" she said quickly.

"Bullshit..." Gene cut her off.

"When I'm hungry, I'll eat. PROMISE!" she said firmly.

"Mandi..." he sighed helplessly. She stood up quickly, wringing her hands. Leaping off the sofa, he walked over to her, touching her shoulders.

"You said we had things to do today," she said miserably. "I don't want us to fall too far behind."

"Don't' worry about them," he said, turning her around to face him. "I am more worried about the beautiful woman in front of me who thinks she's too fat... and she's wasting away to nothing."

"But I want to do a good job" she says, tears beginning to fall.

Gene cupped her chin in his hand, tilting her face up to peer into his as he soothed, "You are if you get help... and you can't if you're sick in the emergency room from malnutrition... You don't want to end up like a concentration camp survivor do you? My mom told me horror stories about them... That's how I know bulimia and hunger disorders. Your body will soon be unable to process ANY food at this rate..."

"Gene, I do eat.... sometimes. It's just not what everyone else eats. A salad for me is fine. If I'm hungry...I will eat," Mandi protested.

"Sometimes isn't good enough," Gene sighed. "Your body needs real food, not rabbit food."

"Besides," Mandi sobbed, tears flowing down her soft tanned cheeks. "Paul's assistant -- the one he's trying to replace --- said there's no way I'd have a chance with a guy in KISS because I'm too big."

"Fuck her," Gene snapped. "She has no IDEA what the hell she's talking about!"

"So I'm just trying to do a good job and forget about it."

"Who is it?" Gene asked, voice low and cold with anger. Mandi shivered at the fire in his eyes, which mirrored the anger he had expressed at the restaurant last night.

"Sarah, the one who's pregnant," Mandi stammered. "I was afraid to say anything because she said if I did... she could get me fired!"

"She's full of shit. If she has ANY sense, she'd know she needs to eat to keep that baby..." Gene growled angrily.

"She t-t-told me she doesn't HAVE to work after the baby is born, because she met some hot shot director and he's going to take care of her."

"Maybe. But you really think she's worth listening to?" he asked, fingering her cheek. "Besides if you like you can tell her you slept with me. And then she'll take her words about a guy in KISS thinking you're too fat and can stick them up her skinny ass!"

"She's been around, Gene!" she said angrily. "She knows the score. She said you and Paul NEVER date fat chicks. She called me a FAT CHICK."

"Oh DID she now?" Gene's eyes widened. "Well she made a BIT mistake. And she's OUT of here... Besides, if Paul has his way, Julia will be his next assistant."

"She says she's working through the end of the month, because Paul can't get along without her."

"Bull fucking shit," Gene muttered.

"She also told me that you hit on her a few times," Mandi admitted, looking at the floor.

"Who was she talking about? I hit on most women, you know that," Gene sighed. "It's only the special ones who end up here with me..."

"Paul's assistant. She said you came onto her."

"Oh yeah, I did. But I come onto a lot of women," Gene laughed. "I don't end up in bed with all of them, do I?"

"And that you told her if she didn't sleep with you, she'd see that Paul found out," Mandi added, shakily. So, I don't know what to believe..."

"You have to believe me," Gene said. "Don't you trust me?"

"I want to, Gene. I really do. But she told me she's my only friend in the KISS camp and that over time, I'll see how bad you and Paul are."

"Hon, I know I've got a fulltime girlfriend and two kids... and I seem to be a sexaholic horn dog but I do know people have feelings..." Gene stroked her cheek. "But most of them can tell you I'm okay... and I protect what's mine, and that includes friends and employees."

"I just don't want to get caught up in all the bullshit. I just want to do my job, and make you happy."

"You are making me VERY happy,' he said. "And not just because you went to bed with me. I wish you'd told me about this."

"It just bothered me. I really like this job, and I don't want you to hate me.... You or Paul. I can't wait until she's gone" she sniffed.

"Why would I hate you, Mandi?" he asked, stroking her cheek and pulling her close for a hug. She buried her face in his chest, accepting his strong arms holding her securely, and strangely felt as if were platonic instead of a come on.

"Because she says you're mean..." she sniffled, voice muffled by his robe.

"Oh man," Gene sighed, stroking her hair. "Have I ever demonstrated that behavior to you? Look I'm the first to admit that I can be an asshole to those who piss me off, but I'm honest."

"I REALLY hope Paul gives Julia a chance...or my friend. Someone other than that awful Sarah" she scowled.

"Who is your friend?" Gene asked.

"She's someone who I went to school with. She's VERY nice and quite knowledgeable about KISS. And she's married with a child so it's not like she's all gaga over Paul. She could just work for me without all the rest of the stuff getting in the way," Mandi said slowly, pulling away from Gene. "And Julia wouldn't be jealous."

"Well I will have to tell Paul about her. Do you have her resume?"

"She's cute, but not GORGEOUS, if you know what I mean."

"I think I hired you because you were a good worker," Gene coughed.

"Not because of how you look. That was a nice bonus. You work VERY hard."

"I do actually have a resume' " she said shyly, "She begged me to carry one in the off chance that I get an opportunity to give it to Paul."

"Good, we'll show it to him tomorrow. After I fire Sarah's ass."

"Really? You're going to get Paul to FIRE her?"

"I will," Gene said. "And I promise you that one way or the other, she'll pay for insulting you."

"She insulted Julia too," she said gleefully. "I almost gave it to Julia to give to him, but I don't know. I get the impression he wants HER."

"He only wants her for that job if she can stay next to him," said Gene with a sigh. "By the way, tell me what she said about Julia."

"She doesn't really know her that well," Mandi snorted. "She called her a Salvation Army reject."

"Huh?" he asked.

"A wanna-be."

"What did the Salvation Army thing come in?" he asked.

"I guess, someone who can't afford the good life...someone who's clinging to Paul for the money."

"Hmm Paul told me that Julia refused his money," Gene said, fingering his chin. "MANY times."

"She was even calling her Cinderella for awhile, telling me she ought to go back to sweeping floors or something," Mandi recounted. "And the thing is, she doesn't even KNOW Julia. She just saw her a few times."

"Well Julia's a nurse who helps with plastic surgery, not a floor cleaner. She's more educated then Sarah could ever hope."

"That's the way she is, that Sarah," she said quietly. "She's not loyal to Paul at ALL."

"Then obviously she has no place in our organization. But how to get rid of her without her crying that we're discriminating against an expectant mom... hmmm."

"And she makes me feel like crap" she whispered.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Gene sighed.

"I have an idea" she smiled.

"C'mon over here and tell me," Gene asked, guiding her over to the sofa again.

"She cashed a few checks for Paul one time when he didn't have time to go to the bank. She took $20 out of it without telling him. She said he OWED her lunch after all the bull he put her through."

"Shit," he sighed.

"And I KNOW she didn't tell him."

"Hmm embezzling...' he laughed. "That alone will nail her."

"And one time...she gave his personal phone number to a fan she met in the mall. She TOLD me that."

"That's bad news too," he said.

"And he's given her free tickets to shows and she's SOLD them."

"That's not allowed either, is it?"

She wrapped her arms around Gene's neck, and leaned against him. He smiled when she gave him a brief peck on the lips.

"Hmm I think that I have a case against her," he smiles, stroking his chin. He rubbed her back and smiled.

"Gene..."

"Yes doll?" he asked.

"Do you think Paul will be mad at me since I knew this stuff? Do you think he'll hate me because I didn't stand up for Julia?" she said sadly.

"No, I don't," he said kissing her cheek. "I'm glad you told me now."

"I really, really wanted to, but she told me if I said anything, she'd get me in trouble."

"Well I don't blame you for not telling... I mean you didn't' know whom to trust..."

"Sooo, you'll tell Paul?" she asked, a little frightened.

"Yes, but I promise you won't get fired. He can't fire you, you work for me.'

"As long as he's not mean to me. I saw that dark stare at dinner. I think I'd cry," Mandi worried, chin wobbling.

"He was just in a foul mood at me, not you."

"And doll, I am sorry for how I treated you... really I am," Gene apologized. "I guess this was my way of apologizing to you..."

She blinked at him a moment when his words registered, and then whispered, "Gene, you've been GREAT. The best boss I've ever had...and the best lover..."

"Hmm I'm glad I could accommodate you, or should that be I should be glad YOU could accommodate me?" he whispered. "I hope that you will consider continuing to work for me... Although I can't promise how much we can... hem have these little sessions together..."

"If you'll have me..." she smiled, then winced. "BAD pun.... Sorry."

"I'll have you any way I can, sweetheart," he laughed. "When I can, and when it doesn't compromise you or me...

"It'll be weird at first, I've got to admit. I like Ms. Tweed. I don't want her mad at me."

"Don't worry about Shannon. Few people know this, but SHE has her fun too... when I'm out of town... You know that assistant she has... Rico?"

She chuckled, "He's HOT."

"I found out through the grapevine that he gives wonderful massages... And Shannon has him with her everywhere when she's on Playboy business..."

"She's been really nice to me so far."

"She likes you," Gene smiled. "If you decide you're bored with kiss, she would love you to come work for her... and Hugh Heffner. Apparently he saw you at one of the parties, and thought you would make a good playmate."

"Get out of here!" she smacked his shoulder. "No way!"

"Yes way," Gene smiled. "You'd make a HELL of a lot more money that way... but I'd hate to lose you... and besides, I wouldn't mind a few private shots of you myself..."

"Your collection," she giggled. "Damn... but wait... Gene, the worst thing about Sarah... Paul's going to be PISSED."

"What?" he asked, straightening up.

"Sarah, she feeds information about Paul to his ex-wife."

"Shit," he groaned, rubbing his head. "Mother fucker..."

"She tells Pam EVERYTHING...how much he makes, who he sleeps with, all his retirement benefits. What he does with Evan."

"We HAVE to get rid of her," Gene gritted.

"So if Paul ever wonders how Pam knows this stuff... it's Sarah," she gulped. "I told Doc once and he said he was going to talk to Paul. I think he forgot, though."

"Thank you for telling me..." Gene said. "I could kiss you for finding out who the rat is in our organization... As a matter of fact I think I will."

"First, Hugh wants me for a bunny and now you want to kiss me. I think I need someone to pinch me," she grinned.

"Hmm," he says, and pinched her butt.

"Oww!" she squealed, loudly.

"There, you awake, doll?" he laughed deeply.

"I am now... and if I'm asleep I hope I don't wake up. And about that kiss... please do, Mr. Simmons."

His hand moved over her bare leg and he pulls her close for a kiss. She expected a demanding hungry Demon French kiss, but was surprised at how soft and gentle it was instead.

"As bad as this is, I could really get used to it," she sighed.

"I'm corrupting you, aren't I?" Gene looked at her, like a hurt dog for a moment.

"It's not THAT, it's just that I'm supposed to be doing all this work for you and here I'm wasting your time." she winked.

"You're not wasting my time," Gene reassured her. "Besides, that typing I wanted done... I ended up doing it myself... see? I did it on the plane on the way over... and you thought I was playing a video game or answering emails."

"Mr. Simmons, I am SOOO impressed. You a typist...I had almost forgotten."

"I did work for a magazine once," he laughed. "These fingers don't always strum a guitar or a beautiful woman all the time..."

"I think you've done just about everything once." she smiled.

"You're right about that, doll," he laughed, stretching comfortably under her. "And you know what I'd love to do right now?"

"Don't say, make me eat something" she cringed comically.

"No, actually I'm going to a deli I like. Want to keep me company?" he winked. "You did wear me out, remember?"

He nudged her off his lap, and gives her backside a quick swat. Mandi laughed and then pulled a face as she asked, "You're not going to make me eat something slimy, are you? Lunchmeat is SO disgusting."

"Nothing that isn't kosher for a change," he winks. "Now, let's get some clothes... hmmm..."

She watched him as he walked over to the luggage rack and opened a suitcase. He fished out a pair of neatly folded bluejeans and a fresh shirt. He let the robe slide off his nude body, and she couldn't help stare at him as he tugged on the jeans and slipped the shirt on right in front of her.

"OK, all I have to wear is...that," she pointed to her tight dress, resting over the arm of the sofa.

"We can fix that," he said. He reached into his suitcase and tossed her a pair of boxer shorts, and a T-shirt.

"I can't wear this, it's not my size..." she said softly.

"Of course you can, and since it's chilly, you can wear this with it..." he said, tossing her one of his dragonfly shirts with long sleeves and the four solo album portraits on it.

"You can borrow my coat, and I'll wear my leather jacket..." he muttered, pulling on his leather jacket that came to his hips. She noticed he wore the same boots he had come into the room with.

"Maybe I should just run to my room and get another dress," she looked at it, unsure.

"C'mon," he urged, and pulled out a neatly coiled belt. "This will look like a dress. If you belt it..."

"Gene...."

"Yes Hon?" he asked, pulling on his leather jacket.

"I have a favor to ask, if you won't hate me. And you can say NO" she asked as she dressed.

"Sure."

"I've never stayed in a room this nice. Ever. And I was wondering..."

"What?' he asked, moving over to her. He handed her purse to her, and her shoes. "What are you asking, spit it out?"

"If maybe if I promised to stay out of your way...." she asked. "If I could possibly sleep here tonight. Just once."

"I expected you to," he says, finding his watch and wallet.

"But...." she said, trailing behind him. "I already HAVE a room and it's paid for and...."

He held out his leather duster coat for her, and draped it over her shoulders. "Hmm, well I'm sure we can find a use for it..."

"It's just that this suite is like something out of Pretty Woman," she observed.

"I canceled the reservation when I came up here..." he winked. "Your card is reimbursed."

"My BAGS?" she gasped. "Oh God."

"Yes. I'm having them brought up here tomorrow morning. Right now they're being kept behind the front desk..."

"You think of everything," she smiled as she finished putting on his clothes.

"Besides I think you look cute in my shirt..." he touched her nose delicately. "Let's go... it's an all night place..."

"OK..." she said warily. "I reserve the right to refuse to eat anything gross, though!"

"As you wish, doll. And this is a kosher deli. So no shellfish," he said. Opening the door for her, he waited for her to step out.

***

"Cold?" he asked when they exited the hotel. Mandi held the ends her borrowed coat together and shivered in the night air.

"Cold.... Excited...nervous...you name it" she smiled. He hailed a passing cab for her and him, and climbed inside.

"It's not far..." he laughed, pulling her to his side. She snuggled up close to him and smiled.

"Was I... was I too loud?" she wondered quietly.

"Hmm, who wants to know," Gene laughed. He rubbed her shoulder gently.

"You don't think I woke up the whole damn floor, do you?"

"I don't think any of them were complaining. After all, the room has thick walls..." he laughed. "And they must have heard ME as well..."

"Funny to think that I can make the evil demon scream."

"Or roar," he laughed.

They soon arrived at the part of town Gene requested, riding the rest of the way in silence. Gene pulled out his wallet from his front pocket to pay the cabdriver.

He climbed out first, and then held his hand out to help her climb out of the cab. Mandi glanced at the shops still open crammed in along apartment fronts, storefronts with stroboscopic lights, and a few restaurants with their buzzing neon sighs. He took her by the hand toward a corner deli with a light up 24 hour sign, some Slavic looking language under the word Deli, and something that looked like Hebrew writing beneath that.

She tried to keep up with his long stride, carefully taking his hand.

He slowed his pace to match her. "There's not going to be anything in here I like" she moaned.

"Don't be too sure,' he smiled. He opens the door to the place and lets her in. The door swung to behind them with the jingle of a bell into the small place packed with many small booths. A few were occupied by what looked to be normal people going about their business at this hour. The man behind the counter picks up a menu and shows them to a table.

Gene hung his jacket on a coat rack hanging by the table, and reaches for his coat he's loaned to Mandi. She smiled at him and sat opposite him while the waiter in white shirtsleeves readied his pen and pad.

"I just want a glass of water, please" she whispered to Gene.

"Glass of water for the lady, and diet sprite for me," Gene asked.

He nods and moved off. Gene glanced over the menu thoughtfully.

"What do you suggest for a hungry man as an after sex treat?" he winked at her. Glancing at the menu, she seemed baffled by the fact there was even Greek choices in what was supposed to be a kosher deli. Judging from the languages being spoken in the kitchen and amongst the staff, she could swear it sounded like polish or Russian. Some eastern European language she hadn't a clue of understanding. If it had been Spanish, she might have stood a chance.

"Damn, you'd know better than me. All this stuff looks... strange."

"Hmm, look at this," he pointed before him. A fresh tray was placed between them, loaded with fresh ice and several sticks of celery and carrots. Mandi's eyes widened at the sight of it.

"Rabbit food..." he joked. Taking a stick of carrot he nibbles on it and glanced over the menu. She also took a carrot stick and begins to chew on it too. He smiled to himself, hiding his face behind the menu.

"Water... sprite," the waiter said in thick accent, putting a glass of water with a slice of lemon in it for Mandi, and a bubbling glass of clear soda for Gene. He spoke what sounded like English, but spoke in a very halting tone.

Gene started speaking to him in the same language the others spoke, and it struck her it must be Hungarian. The waiter glanced at Mandi, and Gene smiled. Turning to Mandi, he said something to her in the same cryptic tongue.

"I...I don't know!" she blurted out, turning red. "I'm not from around here."

"He says you're a beautiful woman," Gene laughed. "And he wonders what you're doing out here this time of night?"

The waiter leaned over, took Mandi's hand and kissed it. He backed away with a slight bow and heads to the kitchen. She looked at Gene, blushing.

"He must not get out much," she said absently, looking at the menu.

"You kidding?" he asked. "They like their women well fed in those countries... Any girl whose ribs are showing they think she's not taking care of herself..."

She smiled and swiped another carrot stick. "You have a favorite, here, I suppose?' she said, pointing to the menu.

"Yes," he nodded. "They have the best chicken soup. And their salads are good too."

"Chicken soup's OK," she said. He smiled.

"This is almost like the one my mom makes," he whispered.

"My mom gets hers out of a can," she chuckled.

"Hehe," Gene laughed. "Hmm, Greek salad... and challah French toast... interesting... but a bit light... I need something more substantial..."

The waiter returned with a large bowl of chicken soup, loaded with thick noodles. Gene rubbed his hands eagerly as he eyed the steamy liquid, and the basket of cracker packages placed beside it.

"Gene, you can't POSSIBLY eat that after that big steak" she laughed, then blushed.

"I burned that up on you, remember?" he winked. He ground some crackers up in his hand and tosses them in. He takes a big bite of soup, licking his lips.

"I can't possibly...." she started, then stopped. She quietly took a cracker from the open package. He continued to take small nibbles of soup, enjoying it before her, deliberately making her salivate.

"Perfect... almost like mom's..." he sighed deeply. "What love?"

"I can't imagine that with all the women you've been with, that I wore you out."

"I'm an old man," he teased. "Not quite like I used to be you know. Besides having sex is equivalent to running up seventeen flights of stairs you know?"

"I think you did all the work" she teased as she bit into the cracker.

"You helped," he laughed. "After all, I made you cum five times at least..."

She blushed again, and laughed, "The Night of Five times... that was on a Friend's episode."

"I know," he winked. "And Jennifer Anniston is nice..."

"Not that you, uh, sit around and watch sitcoms all the time."

"I never made it with her though," he said.

"See, SHE'S skinny."

"Uh huh. Too skinny," he muttered. "I prefer Playboy bunnies myself."

"You're just saying that" she said, playing with the wrapper on another package of saltines.

"They have a lot of nice flesh on their bones. Do you know me to bullshit?" Gene asked her seriously. He turned his gaze on her intently. She grinned shyly at him for a moment.

"I didn't mean to make you mad," she said nervously.

"Mandi you didn't," he smiled, taking her hand. "You have GOT to stop jumping to conclusions you know."

Another plate was put before him, and it's a nice sandwich, complete with tomatoes lettuce and some very nice chicken on rye. He took a bite and enjoys the taste, ravenously hungry.

"I probably need to call my mom when we get back to the room. She's going to worry" she said, nervous after her scolding.

"You can call her now," Gene said. "You have a cell phone in that purse of yours right?"

"Oh, no, jeez, I wouldn't know what to say."

"Tell her you're fine, and you're just having a late night dinner with your boss to work on some last minute details."

Mandi noticed he didn't touch some of his sandwich, in several pieces held together with toothpicks. Slowly he finished eating the soup, and asked the waiter for another bowl when he came around again to check on them.

She watched him eat, squirming nervously.

"Are you sure there's not anything we need to finish tonight?"

He licked his lips and asked, "Pass the salt please?"

"I just don't want to get too far behind," she said, playing with a spoon. "Especially with Sarah gone. Paul might need help."

"Hmm," he muttered, and pulled out his small version of his larger planner.

"Thanks, doll," he muttered, putting salt on the fries he's ordered with the sandwich. "And the ketchup?"

"You're going to have nightmares tonight" she smiled, passing it to him also.

"Thanks," he nodded and pours some beside the fries to dip them in. "How will i have nightmares?"

"Eating this late at night," she teasingly wags her finger at him.

"Hmm," he muttered, between mouthfuls, taking a sip of diet coke to wash it down. She paused for a moment.

"Wow, if I have to work for Paul....damn, I'm going to be busy" she sighed. There was still half his sandwich untouched.

"What was that, doll?" he asked.

"If he needs help...." Mandi continued.

"He won't after I tell him about your friend," Gene said.

"I'm just thinking how many hours it's going to take keeping BOTH of you happy."

"Do me a favor and don't. You're getting an assistant. Hmm, that really hits the spot," he muttered, licking his fingers of ketchup and salt.

She snickered at a naughty thought, "About keeping BOTH of you happy..... I read some fanfic one time about a girl who does both you AND Paul in a limo after a show. "Her car breaks down and well, you take care of her."

"REally?" he chuckled. "Who is the author of that? It isn't those gals Marti and Linda is it?"

"No, it's someone else. A different name....Trina maybe..."

"Hmm," Gene laughs. "Hmm I like her already. I do like the bits of my bedtime story I've read... but so little time you know."

"You're REALLY getting me an assistant?" she asked.

"I am," he nodded. "I just hired her a week ago. Her name's Shannon. Go figure. She's very nice, and I think you'll get along well."

"Uh.oh....like THE Shannon?"

"Hmm, she had trouble getting work before, but she needed the job, and well... dont' worry she goes by Shandi. She's young, bright and perky. And she has an eye for Ace. You'll like her."

"She sounds tons better than Sarah already."

"Yes. And she'll take over for Paul till he gets another assistnat..."

"Gene, can I ask you something that's none of my business?" she smiled coyly.

"Sure," he nodded, nibblign more sandwich. "Ask away."

"Did you and Paul ever...you know....do a girl at the same time?"

"Yes," he chuckled. "Not often mind you. Paul hates sharing."

"Ohhhhh" her eyes widened

"It was a long time ago... when we were yougn and stupid. hmm, this is a bit more soup then I expected," he muttered.

She smiles at him, and said, "Will you tell me? If I promise to eat some of your soup?"

"Yes, absolutely," he winked. He pushed the bowl toward her.

"I will then."

"Great. What do you want to know?"

"From the beginning" she says excitedly, "Who was the lucky girl?"

She pushes the chicken around in the bowl, delicately drinking some of the broth. Gene groaned to himself. "Geez girl, eat somthing solid..."

"I AM!" she squawked, as she began picking at the noodles.

"WEll, if you must know, her name was Alice, and she was quite the deal... And there were others..." he trailed off.

"A fan, or just someone you picked up?"

"Hm a fan," Gene said, picking at his fries.

"Others?" she grinned in amusement. "Like going way back?"

"Including Raina," he whispered. "Although I wasn't too pleased... about that."

"No, shit! She slept with PAUL?"

"Yes. And I got a bit angrywhen I found out."

"Wow....why? At the same time?"

"He was dating a girl Karen at the time... but they had a fight."

"That's really freaky," she sighed.

"Yeah, no kidding," he sighed. "We both did. It wasn't something I wanted to repeat, but we did have fun. Paul was drunk, so was she, and I was making sure she was okay..."

"I can't imagine being naked in front of two guys at the same time" she chuckled.

"It is fun," he said slowly. "But seeing Paul naked... I'd rather have two women with me."

"I can't imagine Paul drunk" she laughed.

"You saw him smashed last night," Gene prodded her.

"But I CAN imagine him naked" she licked her lips comically.

"Yep," he rolled his eyes. "Figures. Girls ALWAYS go for the pretty boy."

"I was actually paying more attention to you" she smiles, "I guess I didn't notice."

"I'm glad," he smirked in self satisfaction that made her giggle.

"I didn't." she pouted, "I went for you."

"I'm glad you did," Gene smiles at her, amber eyes fixing onto hers.

She played with her straw a moment.

"You know...you know..when you said we can't do this all the time?"

"Yes?" he asked, watching her carefully. "YOu don't regret going to bed with me do you?"

"No, Gene, I don't regret it" she sighed. "What exactly ARE the parameters? I mean, when can we? When Shannon is gone?"

"Yes," he nodded. "Hon, it's what you want to make of it. You know how I am..."

"As long as she doesn't surprise us and come barging the hotel door down. I don't want to be in the middle of something nasty."

"She knows better," he said slowly. "Considering she knows how I am around the groupies. I don't play when she's there... and I don't bother her when she's at the playboy mansion."

She poked the ice in her glass with her straw some more. Glancing up she said, "I hope Julia comes along more often. It's nice to have a friendly face around who sort of knows how it is."

"I hope so too," he nodded. "Is there anything else I can answer for you, to make you more comfortable?"

"Wonder if she had sex with him tonight" she smiled.

"Hmm?" Gene asks. "I would hope so..."

"It's not something you can promise me. I know that," she sighed in resignation. "I just have to take it for what it is. Like you said."

"Something's telling me that I probably shouldn't have slept with you," he said slowly, taking her hand.

"Like Sarah said, you like to diddle your assistants," she said ruefully. "Never mind. I'm ruining something fun. Making you regret it."

"You deserve someone better then just an intermittent roll in the hay," he shook his head sadly.

"I'm not really dating anyone, but I COULD, I guess."

"Could what?" Gene asks.

"Date someone..." she looks at him with dark eyes.

"I think you should," he whispered. He looked a bit forlorn. She leaned over and impulsively kissed his cheek. AT this, he smiled.

"This is going to sound really stupid, but sometimes you remind me of my dad."

"Heh," he laughed. "Not that you end up going to bed with him?"

"Oh, YUCK!" she squeals, splattering soup as she drops her spoon.

"I'm sorry,' he apologizes. She looks at him and breaks out into a nervous laugh.

"He likes to worry about me too," she flushed.

"Is it all right if I worry about you?" he asked, stroking her hand sensually.

"I'd like it if you worried about me."

"I'm glad," he smiled.

"And I'd also like it if you never gave me that 'you're late' mean face again, even though, I KNOW you can't promise me THAT."

"That I can promise," he smiled, kissing her hand softly.

"There's LOVE and there's BUSINESS!" she says, imitating him.

"Uh huh,' he laughed. "You have my expression down right."

"Years of practice," she laughed. The trilling from her purse interrupted them.

"You'd better get that."

"Uh... yes... hello..." She says very nervously, clicking it open.

Gene glanced at her with question in his eyes. He mouthed, "Who is it?"

"NO, no, I haven't seen Mr. Stanley lately. Not since last night...." she babbled nervously, then mouthed to him, "Sarah."

"Hmm, want me to talk to her?" he offered. She held up a finger to quiet him, and then listened for a bit.

"No, I don't think he said ANYTHING about needing you to make arrangements for that... no... But then again, I don't know..." she continued, growing agitated by each passing minute. She looked at him helplessly. "Maybe GENE knows..."

"Gimme the phone," Gene whispered, and she passed it across the table to him. "Hello?"

"Mr. Simmons?" asked the voice on the other end.

"What do you mean by calling my assistant at this late hour?" he asked slowly, with a yawn. "Is there an emergency? She just called me out of a NICE sleep..."

"Well, actually, yes. I've been trying to get hold of Mr. Stanley and the front desk won't give me his room. And he HASN'T checked in yet...."

"He has," Gene said slowly.

"He wanted these proposals typed by tomorrow and he's still not told me what he wants in them," she continued.

"He specifically requested that he didn't want any calls."

"But... but... how am I SUPPOSED to do this, if he won't call me?"

"I'll remind him," Gene said dryly. "And I'll have my assistant get back to you."

"He won't even answer his cell phone" she sulked.

"Don't worry," Gene sighs. "You're supposed to be on maternity leave soon aren't you?"

"But he's going to YELL at me if these aren't done," she sighed in exasperation. "I'm NOT going to miss this job sometimes."

"Don't' worry, I've hired some help for you..." Gene answered. "Her name's Shandi, and she's starting Monday."

"I know he pays me well, but REALLY, why am I having to baby-sit a 51 year old man?"

"I dunno. If you don't like it, I'm sure we can find you a job elsewhere in our organization,' Gene said patiently, curling his lip in distaste.

"Besides," she sulked. "I've not OFFICIALLY resigned yet."

"I hear Doc needs a helper."

"I need to know his room number, Mr. Simmons," she said impatiently.

Gene thought for a moment and a wicked smirk crossed his face. He said, "It's the Glenham suite, room 1001..."

"I'll call him... thanks," she muttered. Gene laughed to himself, and winks at Mandi. She hung up, without saying goodbye.

"Paul's going to KILL you" she laughed.

"Well I didn't tell her the real number," he winked at her. "Some poor sap is gonna get one hell of a wakeup..."

She chuckled loudly, "Mr. Simmons, you're terrible! So, you're even. I don't believe that she REALLY has proposals to type up. I'll bet she just wants the scoop on whether or not Julia is there. So she can blab to Pam."

"Yes," he nodded. "And she wont' find out. I'm going to make some arrangements. Hold on a second..."

"Besides, from what I've heard of Mr. Stanley, if he REALLY wanted typing down, he'd have called her," she said. He reached for his cell phone and quickly punched a number.

For a few minutes he conversed with someone on the other end, and stared at his sandwich with a sigh. Mandi watched him talk and boldly places her hand on his knee and rubs gently. He hid a smile and then continues to talk, pushing the sandwich over toward her.

"Yes, I want Shandi on Paul's case temporarily while I work out what to do... yes I am serious. I have reason to believe Sarah's done something against the rules and I have proof..."

She looked at it for a moment, then picks at it, knowing he wants her to eat. Gene continued to talk, "And I need a way to get rid of her GENTLY, okay? Yes... I understand... have the legal boys check it out..." and here he paused to sip more soda. "And you can... good... I need a few things before tomorrow, and check the money records for petty cash... you'll find the discrepancies you need..."

She continued to rub his thigh under the table, smiling as she nibbled at the sandwich. She whined, "I feel like a snitch..."

"Thanks... I have to go now. I'll speak to you tomorrow..."

"Don't," he smiles and winked at her. She smiled back at him, trusting him fully. She then watched him dial another number and wait for the answer.

"Yes, Kim... this is Gene... I need you to check into a few matters for me, on the subject of layoff... yes... thanks..." he asked. "I've got reason to believe one of my employees is divulging sensitive information... do I have grounds to terminate her?"

"She has more SENIORITY than me," Mandi gasped.

"Yes... there is a witness... but she's scared to come forward..." Gene said, glancing at Mandi. "You can... good... get on it right now..."

"I'll...I'll come forward if you need me to," she whispered. Gene held up his hand and nodded.

"I'll do anything for you, Mr. Simmons," she purred.

Gene spoke into the phone, "Yes, she can... but she needs to remain anonymous... okay good. You'll hear from me tomorrow..."

Finishing the call he clicked off his phone, and put it into his jacket pocket. Glancing at Mandi he asked, "what was that last thing you said, doll?"

"Nothing," she murmured. "Good sandwich.'

"Glad you like it," he smiled. "Not all solid food is bad."

"It's a little strange tasting, but I guess I was hungrier than I thought."

"You see, it's okay," Gene smiled warmly, rubbing her hand. "And thank you for coming forward about Sarah. I won't let her ruin your career you know."

"I just don't want to see anyone get hurt, and frankly it made me mad to see her tear Julia down. This is really the first time I've met her and she seems VERY nice."

"She is," he nodded. "Shannon knows her."

"She told me a lot about Julia. And how Chad was an asshole to her."

"Weird how she ended up with Paul, huh?"

"Yes, I didn't quite count on it..." he muttered.

"I guess I'm just lucky she didn't get to you first..."

"Sarah you mean?" he asked. "Or Julia?"

"Julia," she whispered, "I don't think she'd share.'

"She's a very attractive woman," gene said slowly. "But she was a Paul girl... she was a fan of Paul, not me."

"Well, I was a Paul fan too, originally, until I got to work for you."

"I'm flattered," Gene smiled, slowly rising from the booth. For a moment Mandi wondered if he was ready to go, and then saw him walk over to her side of the booth. He nudged her to scoot over so he could sit right next to her. It was a tight squeeze in the one side of the booth, but she fit well under his enveloping arm.

"You're very...uh... dynamic..."

"Am I?" he whispers, arm around her shoulders.

"Mmm hmm," she hummed. He kissed her cheek lightly, rubbing her shoulder sensually. She leaned back so that she is closer to him, smiling. He reached down and rubs her leg, putting her hand on his thigh. She squeezed his thigh for a moment and kissed him. He moans and teased her mouth with his tongue.

***