The Italian place was great. After the best spaghetti and meatballs I've ever had, we got to know each other over my favorite Italian dessert: tiramisu. "Who knew we were both chocoholics, huh?" Eric laughed as we dug in. "You can say that again, Foxy. I always forget you're Italian yourself." I giggled. "You bet I am, mia cara. Brooklyn born and raised combined with a deep love of Italian food; there's equal parts marinara sauce and pure rock n' roll in these veins, baby!" he said with a grin, flexing his arm. Whoa. Ok, so he's totally ripped. No big surprise with the way he pounds the everloving crud out of those skins, but still...wow! 

"Well, we'd better get the pizza back to those animals I call friends." he joked as we got up to leave. "You wanted the best, you got the best...pizza, that is!" Eric announced dramatically as we opened the door. Gene came running, followed by Paul and Bruce. "Finally! You two took your sweet time, didn't ya?" Gene said, winking at me while wolfing down three huge slices of pepperoni like it was nothing. "You're welcome for the pizza! Geez...I take a girl out to dinner and still gotta feed the beasts." Eric snickered, sticking his tongue out at Gene. "Let's go for a walk and leave these knuckleheads to eat in peace, darlin. Whaddya say?" he suggested. "That sounds like a great idea." I replied, laughing as Gene let out a belch. 

The night was nice, cool but not freezing. We meandered slowly through Central Park, whose usual buzzing activity had subdued into a softened humming in the twilight. We sat on a bench and stargazed for a while. "I've been working on a new song called "Somebody's Waiting". Would you like to hear it?" Eric asked after a while. "I'd love to!" I said enthusiastically.

Returning the memories tonight

To the time you were mine

Still burning, holding on tight

One heartbeat at a time...whoa

Ooh ooh let your hair down

Without your love is living a lie

But now I know we'll have it all tonight

Somebody's waiting

Somebody's waiting for you

Somebody's waiting for your love (somebody's waiting)

Someone to hold you 

Somebody's burning for you

Someone to know you

Won't you let me show you?

Whoa-oo

We hold to love for all of our lives

And lonely fools they never survive

When it's all too much for you to go on

Just turn to me I'll be strong (whoa-o)

You can believe in love (believe in love)

You can trust my heart enough 

Two nights forever hold on to tomorrow

Somebody's waiting

Somebody's waiting for you (somebody's waiting)

Somebody's waiting for your love (whoa)

Someone to hold you

Somebody's burning for you (whoa-oh)

Someone to know you

Won't you let me show you?

He smiled at me as he finished. "Well, what do you think?" he asked humbly. "Oh my gosh, Eric! That was absolutely beautiful! You have a fantastic voice!" I exclaimed. "Thanks, love. Not many people know what my singing voice sounds like out of the band. It's definitely different from when I'm growling and yelling on stuff like "Black Diamond" and "Little Caesar", that's for sure!" he said with a little laugh. "I love that feisty little growl of yours. It reminds people that you're the Fox!" I said admiringly, winking at him. "Oh, so you like it, huh?" Eric said with his trademark growl, looking lovingly at me. "I do. I really do." I whispered, looking into his eyes. 

I'm in deep now. I really like him.  Aw, to heck with it! "I feel a real connection with you, Eric. I really like you, and I mean really. You're one of the sweetest, humblest, most talented guys I've ever met...I love you, Little Caesar!" I exclaimed quickly, watching his face. He stared back at me for a minute, before giving me his famous sweet smile. "I love you too, Suzy. I've never met anyone who appreciates my music more than you do. This fox has found his vixen and I'm never letting her go!" he declared romantically. 

Needless to say, when we got back from our walk, the guys could tell something was up; this was mainly because we were so lost in each others' eyes that Eric nearly walked into the doorframe. "Methinks Central Park has just acted as a witness to a fox claiming his mate, judging by the expressions of our drummer and the young woman he clearly fancies." Gene quipped philosophically, smirking as we came into the living room. "Well, well! If it isn't the little drummer boy and his lady. Took you long enough, dude!" Bruce snickered as Paul wolf-whistled. 

"Newsflash, you girl-crazy pack of wolves: she's MINE, so back off! You do NOT want to get on my bad side." Eric growled warningly. Aww, he's even overprotective like a fox! "Calm down, Eric! It's ok! I appreciate your concern, but I'm sure Paul, Gene, and Bruce will respect our boundaries - won't you, guys?" I said quickly, placing a hand on his arm soothingly and giving the others a pointed look. "Don't worry, hon. I'll keep these two in line." Bruce said, gesturing at Paul and Gene. "Thanks, man, but I think the Fox is more than capable of keeping us in line." Paul remarked. "That's an understatement. I'm still sore from the last time I accidentally made him mad." Gene groaned. "Moral of the story: don't mess with me." Eric said with a wicked grin, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.