Stella sat looking at her husband, Philip over the breakfast table
‘I've put the advert in the paper for a gardener’
Philip looked up over the paper ‘fine’ he flicked his eyes back to the article he was reading

‘I wonder if I’ll get any replies’ she said more to herself than to him

After a ten minute silence Philip stood up, put on his jacket and straightened his tie
‘Im going to work’ he said as he picked up his briefcase

Stella stood to give him a kiss but he moved so she kissed his cheek instead

‘Have a good day’ she sighed
‘I’ll be home around 6 o’clock’
‘Ok fine’

Philip walked out of the door and climbed into the car and without a look back he drove to work leaving Stella alone and on the verge of tears.

As she cleared up the breakfast dishes and put them away her mind wandered. Where had everything gone wrong? How did her and Philip get to this place, a place where there was little affection and very little communication.

They had met and fallen in love, they couldn’t live without each other. They married and Stella stood by Philip as he worked his way up the ladder at work. He got to the top and was now one of the top lawyers in the country owning his own company with many employees.

They’d celebrated his success with fantastic holidays, bought this amazing huge house; three cars and an apartment in New York. Their life was one that most people can only dream of; so why do I feel like this Stella thought, I should be so happy I have everything and yet nothing at the same time.

She sat down and let her mind wander to the day she married Philip and how much of an amazing day it had been and how wonderful it felt to see the look in his eyes as he watched her walk down the aisle.

The ringing of the phone brought her back to the present. She reached and picked up the handset.



Kevin Richardson walked through the town taking in the sights and sounds. The smell of bacon wafting from the diner as he walked by was far too tempting. He turned and went in and slid into a booth dropping his backpack onto the seat beside him.

He ordered breakfast and a coffee from the waitress.

All his possessions lay in the backpack by his side, everything he owned was there. He had no family; he was a drifter. In and out of places he went, finding odd jobs to keep going. He’d not found a place he really liked enough to put any roots down.

He liked it that way though. If he had no ties and no one to care about then the heartache wouldn’t ever find him again.

He pushed thoughts of the past away to the dark recess of his mind as the waitress placed his breakfast plate in front of him with a steaming cup of coffee.

‘If you need anything just give me a shout sweetie’ the waitress said smiling at him
‘I certainly will’ Kevin smiled and winked as the waitress blushed a little

He finished his food and drained the coffee cup and leaned back with a sigh and tried to decide if he was stopping in this town or moving straight on through. He looked and caught the waitresses attention

‘Excuse me’ he smiled ‘do you have a local paper’
‘We certainly do’ she smiled

She disappeared into the back and came out with the local paper, which she had ‘borrowed’ from her colleagues bag and gave it to him
‘There you go sir’ she smiled ‘looking for anything in particular?’

‘Not really. Just want to see what this place is like before I decide if Im staying or not’ he smiled
‘Stay’ the waitress said making herself blush this time ‘it's a really nice place and full of nice people too’
Kev laughed ‘we’ll see’

The waitress went back to her work and left him to browse through the paper in peace. If there's a decent job in here then I’ll stay if not then I move on.

He scanned the jobs pages and just as he’d decided to go his eye caught a small advert in the bottom corner of the page.

It was an advert for a gardener, something he had gotten good at during the last few years of travelling from town to town.

He changed some money at the counter and picking up the payphone receiver he dialled the number in the advert.

‘Can I get you a drink Kevin?’ Stella asked as he sat in her kitchen ‘tea, coffee orange juice?’
‘Orange juice would be great, and please call me Kev’

Stella smiled ‘so what made you answer the ad?’
‘Well I was just looking for some work to tide me over for a few weeks and I saw your ad. Im quite good at gardening, I've gotten used to it over the last few years’

‘Are you from around here?’
‘No, Im originally from Kentucky, I've been travelling around for a couple of years’
‘That sounds like heaven, going from one place to another, seeing the world’

‘Yeah’ he smiled ‘it has it's good times, but I've seen a few not so nice places too’
‘I bet your family miss you though’

Kev just smiled and Stella felt she shouldn’t push the issue, maybe he was away to get away from them

‘Well, Kev the job is all yours if you want it’
‘Wow Mrs Finch that’s great. Thank you’
‘That’s all right’ she smiled ‘and please it's Stella’

‘Well thanks Stella’ he grinned ‘could you tell where I could find some where to stay?’
‘Oh sure there's a nice guest house on the top road, Greyfold Road number 25 I think it is’

‘Brilliant’ Kev said as he picked up his back pack ‘I’ll go right over. Thanks again’
‘No problems Kev, I look forward to seeing my jungle of a garden tamed’

‘I’ll be over in the morning to make a start’ he grinned as he walked out of the front door

He walked back into town as the Finch residence was on the outskirts. He found the place that Stella had told him about and soon he had a room.

He dumped his bag and had a refreshing shower. Pulling out the few clothes that he had he hung them up in the wardrobe. He pulled out the framed picture and with a sad smile he placed it on the nightstand facing the bed.

He got dressed and wandered back into town finding out where everything was. He picked up some new clothes and then some supplies from the store on the corner.

Later that night he watched some tv in his room and crawling into bed he looked at the photo by his bed. He lifted his fingertips to his lips and then put them to the picture. He whispered ‘I love you’ into the darkness then closed his eyes and fell asleep.

He rose early the next morning, ate breakfast and walked over to the Finchs house. He knocked on the front door and Stella answered it with a smile

‘Good morning Kev. How are you today?’
‘Im good thank you’
‘Did you find the guest house ok?’
‘Yes thank you. It's a nice little place’

‘Come on through and I’ll introduce you to my husband Philip’

She led him through to the kitchen where Philip was just putting on his jacket
‘Philip this is Kevin, Kevin my husband Philip’

Kevin reached out to shake Philips hand ‘Pleased to meet you sir’

Philip ignored the outstretched hand ‘I hope you will be competent in your work. I can’t stand slackers’
‘I will sir, you can be sure of that’

‘Im going to work’ Philip said picking up his briefcase. He stalked out of the room without even saying goodbye to Stella.

She followed him out to the front door ‘you could at least be polite’ she hissed at him
He ignored her ‘I’ll be late home tonight I've got a meeting’ with that he was gone.

Stella bit her bottom lip trying to fight back the tears that were threatening to fall. She blinked them away and put on a bright smile and went back into the kitchen.

‘Sorry about that, he’s under a lot of stress at work. He’s not normally so rude’
‘That’s ok Stella, don’t worry about it’
‘Can I get you anything before you make a start? Have you eaten?’
‘Yes thanks’ he smiled ‘I’m fine’

‘Ok then lets go and see what we can do with this garden’ she led him through the French windows and out into the garden.

It was a beautiful day full of sun shine and bird song. They discussed Stellas plans on how she wanted the garden to look. It was a huge garden and she was planning on a rockery, a water feature and lots of flowerbeds.

‘Do you think we’ll be able to do it?’ she asked
‘Easily Stella, it will be a pleasure to do’
‘Excellent. So let’s make a start then. Might as well start with digging out those awful dwarf trees’

She opened up the tool shed and they picked out spades and shovels and set to work. After a couple of hours hard work two out of the four trees were uprooted.

Stella disappeared into the house and returned with two ices from the freezer. She passed on to Kevin
‘Thanks’ he grinned ripping off the paper ‘just what I need’

They ate the ices sat on the lawn

‘So how long are you planning on staying around?’ Stella asked
‘Don’t worry, I wont be running off before this is finished’ he smiled
‘I didn’t think you would, you don’t seem the type’
‘Oh and what type am I then?’ he asked

‘The strong independent type, but someone who you can trust and lean on if ever the time comes’
‘Well that’s nice of you to say’ Kevin couldn’t help but smile at the compliment

He liked Stella, she was pretty and a good natured woman, always a smile on her face even when things weren’t going her way. He took an instant dislike to Philip and he was pretty sure that the feeling was mutual.

He felt sorry for Stella having to put up with an ignorant guy like that for a husband. He didn’t even say goodbye to his wife, no sign of affection or anything. He was probably one of these guys who marry because they want a trophy on their arm and then a couple of years later after the novelty wears off they neglect them, taking them for granted and leaving them feeling alone.

3.

After going up to the Finch house a few times Kevin and Stella had a good working relationship and they spent the hours in the garden talking as they worked.

They were sat on the grass eating dinner and Kev asked Stella about some of her favourite things.

‘I love pop music, my favourite perfume is Gucci, favourite fruits are cherries and strawberries and the sexiest celeb is Daniel Craig’

Kev couldn’t help but chuckle as she described him as pure sex on legs when he came out of the sea in his little blue trunks in Casino Royale

‘Believe me’ she said laughing ‘he can leave me shaken and stirred anytime he likes’

‘Oh I believe you’ Kev laughed ‘so what about dislikes then? What winds you up? I can’t imagine much does’
‘You’d be surprised’ she smiled ‘ooh now where do I start. I hate being cold, give me sunshine any day. I hate being put on hold, rude people and yes I know what you're thinking Philip does drop into that category sometimes’
Kev held his hands up in surrender ‘thought never crossed my mind’ he grinned

‘I don’t like mornings Im a definite night owl and I hate absolutely ALL bugs’
‘Bugs?’
‘Oh yeah; nasty creepy crawlies. Ugh!’ she gave an exaggerated shiver ‘seriously don’t know why I like the garden so much cos really it's full of the little…suckers’

Kevin laughed and took a drink from his glass
‘So what about you Kev, what do you like?’

‘I love gardening’ he laughed making Stella laugh too
‘Is that it?’

He smiled ‘I love the simple things in life, like seeing the sunset and sunrise. The sun setting just has some magical quality about it. I've seen it in some amazing places. To actually watch it go down and the last rays of light disappearing into the horizon and the darkness spreading over the land is beautiful’

‘Wow, sounds gorgeous. I've never really taken any notice of it. It's just something that happens every day but I've never seen. That sounds crazy’
‘There's a lot of people do that Stella; it's just nice to take time out and see it once in a while, it's good for the soul’
‘I will definitely have to take notice of one real soon’ Stella smiled ‘think my soul could do with cheering up’

‘What's wrong?’ Kev asked concerned
‘Oh nothing’ Stella said waving her arm dismissingly ‘take no notice of me. Come on lets back to it for an hour and then I’ll let you get off home’
‘There's no rush’ Kev said ‘I enjoy being here’
‘Good’ she smiled ‘Im glad’

After Kevin had gone home and Stella had had a shower she made dinner for her and Philip. She ate alone again and cleaned up her plate leaving Philips untouched meal on the table. She went into the living room and tried to watch tv but couldn’t concentrate.

She picked up the telephone and dialled Philips number stopping before she hit the last number. She cut the unmade call off and replaced the receiver into its cradle. She got up and put on her jacket and locked the door behind her as she went for a walk into town.

She went into the diner and ordered a coffee she heard a familiar voice and looking to the other end of the diner she recognised Kevin; he was laughing with one of the waitresses. He caught her eye and waved. She raised her hand up in acknowledgement and smiled.

Kev picked up his coffee and walked over to where Stella was sat in a booth
‘Mind if I join you?’ he asked
‘Of course not’

He sat down as the waitress brought over Stellas steaming coffee
‘Do you come here every night?’ Stella asked
‘Not every night’ he smiled ‘but most nights. How come you're here?’

‘Oh nothing Philips busy and I didn’t want to disturb him’
‘Stella your house is huge, you could stay at home without disturbing him. What's going on?’
‘Nothing. You don’t need to hear my whinging’

‘Stella I asked, therefore it's not classed as whinging so come on, give it up’ he smiled ‘Im a good listener’
‘It's just…well Philip hasn’t come home yet and it's not been the first time and you know what they say about men working late, what they're really up to’
‘Do you really believe that?’ Kev asked

Stella sighed ‘I don’t know anymore Kev, really I don’t. I just don’t know what's happened to him lately. It's like someones switched personality with him’
‘Maybe hes just under a bit of stress from a client or something’ Kev said gently ‘Im sure he’s not having an affair, well he’s a damn mad man if he is’

Stella smiled at Kevins compliment ‘thank you. And yes maybe you are right. I guess I should just talk to him a bit more. It's not easy though as you’ve seen’
‘Im sure it will be fine Stella. Just have a little patience; we men are a difficult breed’

‘That you are’ Stella laughed

They finished off their drinks and walked as far as where Kevin was staying and Stella carried on her own. Kev sighed as he watched her walk off into the distance. Hed tried to be gentle with her earlier but he had a bad feeling that what Stella thought about Philip was the truth, it sounded to him that he was having an affair.

He must be a fool, Kev thought as he lay on his bed in his room. Stella was a few years older than him but she was really pretty and such a nice person. He closed his eyes and imagined kissing her, what it would be like to hold her and tell her everything would be just fine.

He opened his eyes and turned at look at the photograph by the side of the bed. He held it in his hands looking and remembering. A silent tear slid down his face. He put his lips against the cold glass, holding in the sob that was threatening to come out.

'I love you' he whispered

He replaced the frame back on the night stand and closed his eyes to sleep.

4.

A week later Kev was up and dressed early, he'd had trouble sleeping so decided to go up to Stellas early. He knew it didn’t matter if they were up or not he had the key to the shed so he could make a start when ever he got there.

When he arrived he walked around the back of the house and across to the shed. A noise pulled his attention towards the house. It was a nice warm and sunny morning and the kitchen patio doors were open. The sound of raised voiced drifted out onto the warm breeze.

He slowly walked towards the door knowing he was invading their privacy but not being able to stop himself.

‘Why don’t you ever give me peace?’ Philips voice boomed across the kitchen

‘Philip how can you say that? All I want is for you to show me that you at least care about me’

‘I do care. Why do I need to show it? Is this house not enough? Are the holidays not enough?’

‘That’s not what Im talking about’ Stella almost cried with exasperation ‘I don’t care about the house. I don’t car about the holidays in the latest hot spot. I don’t care about the four bloody cars in the garage Philip’

‘Oh that’s right’ Philip said standing up throwing the newspaper onto the table ‘tell me you don’t care after I have worked for them all these years. And what exactly have you contributed Stella? Nothing that’s what’

‘How dare you’ Stella shouted ‘you wouldn’t let me work Philip. You wanted a house wife who could entertain your clients at the drop of a hat. Don’t tell me I never contributed to any of this. Don’t you bloody dare’

‘Then don’t you dare say that I don’t show you I care. I've given you everything you’ve ever wanted’

‘In the beginning you did. But lately? You don’t come home until late, you hardly speak to me. Answer me this Phil, when was the last time you had a day off? When was the last time we had a day together? When was the last time we made love?’

‘Im going to work’ Philip shouted ‘at least I’ll get some peace there’
‘Are you having an affair Philip?’ Stella asked the question before she realised it was out of her mouth
‘What?’

‘I said are you having an affair’ Stella amazed herself at how calmly she asked him again
‘I wont even indulge you with an answer to that’ he shouted. He picked up his briefcase and stormed out of the house.

Kev had kept himself out of view. He heard Philip start the car and drive off. Then he heard the soft noise of a womans heart breaking as she cried.

Kev swallowed; he wasn’t sure whether to go inside and try and comfort her but at the same time he didn’t want her to know he'd been eavesdropping.

He decided to wait a few minutes and the he knocked on the door as though he had just arrived

‘Morning Stella’

Stella had her back to the door and she quickly wiped her eyes. Without turning around she said

‘Morning Kev. I just have a few things to do and then I’ll be out to help’ she walked out of the kitchen without looking at him.

~x~

Philip strode into his office in a foul mood; his secretary Rosie watched as he slammed the door behind him.

She made him a mug of coffee and took it in hoping that might calm him down.

‘Morning Philip’ she trilled as she walked in placing his coffee on his desk

Philip ignored her as he fired up his computer ‘I don’t want to be disturbed today. By anyone’
‘Of course sir. No one’

She walked from the office and back to her own desk with a smirk. She kept clients and collegues at arms length knowing the rewards would come later.
Just after lunch time Philip called her into his office

‘I apologise for the bad temper this morning’
‘That’s alright Philip’
‘So what can you to take all this stress away’

‘Oh I can do anything you want Philip. Anything your heart desires’

Rosie sat on his lap hitching up her skirt so he could get a good view of her stockings.
‘You know what I like’ he murmured as his hand slipped up her thigh and pushed the flimsy material of her panties out of the way ‘and I know just what to do to make you scream my name’

~x~

Stella joined Kev out in the garden an hour later.

‘Are you ok Stella?’ Kev asked
She smiled weakly and nodded
‘Stella Im sorry but I heard…well I heard some of what was said’

Stella felt the tears burning the back of her eyes and tried to blink them away.

‘Hes a fool Stella’ Kev said gently and Stella felt the tears break through her eyes and slide down her face silently
She looked at Kev, into his kind green eyes
Kev squeezed her hand ‘it will be ok’

The searched each others eyes and then Kev leaned forward and touched Stellas lips with his own in a gentle kiss.

5.

Stellas eyes closed as she fell into the magic of Kevins kiss. A surge of arousal flowed through her body. She jumped up

‘Oh god…Im sorry…what must you think of me’ she ran off into the kitchen and Kev ran after her stopping her before she went any further.

‘Stella wait. It's my fault, I kissed you Im sorry. I hope you know me well enough by now though to know that Im going into this with my eyes open. I KNOW you're married and I know I will probably end up hurt but the truth is Stella’ he took a deep breath ‘the truth is Im falling in love with you’

Stella once again looked into his eyes, her head swam
‘I don’t know…’ she mumbled
‘It's all right Stella. Look I’ll go’ Kevin turned to leave but Stella grabbed his arm

‘No; don’t go Kev. I…I feel the same, please stay’
Kevin smiled as he felt relief; the last thing he wanted to do was upset her

‘You do?’
She nodded ‘I've been feeling something between us but I kept convincing myself it was me just being lonely and well, I never thought…’
‘That I'd feel the same?’
‘Yes and that Im married and I know it's wrong to feel this way’

‘Maybe the still being married is the wrong way to go about things but Stella it's not wrong to feel love. Believe me I know, but you have to think of yourself, you are a beautiful person Stella and you deserve to be loved’ he wiped away a tear that fell down her cheek

‘Kiss me’ she said and Kevin did without a second thought. He knew that this shouldn’t be happening but he couldn’t deny his growing attraction for her.

Stella lost herself in the feelings rushing through her body; she had not felt this wanted for so long. Just the feel of his lips on hers turned her on beyond her comprehension.

The kiss grew more frantic and soon they were pulling at each others clothing desperate to feel each others bodies.

Stella pushed Kevins overall from his shoulders revealing his smooth chest and muscular tanned six pack. She kissed across his chest making him whimper at the feel of her lips and tongue trailing across his body.

His overalls fell loosely around his waist as she pushed up Stellas top; she lifted her arms above her and he pulled it from her body dropping it on the floor. His ran his hands over her lacy bra cupping her covered breast in his hands and then gently kissed across her chest

‘Oh god’ she sighed
‘Are you ok?’ he asked in between dropping kisses against her skin
‘Oh yes; Im more than alright’
‘Good; I won’t hurt you Stella’

She lifted his head to look into his eyes ‘I know’ she smiled

Soon they were naked; bodies pressed against each others kissing and feeling each other.

‘I need you Stella’ Kev whispered in her ear
‘Take me Kev please. I want you too’

Kev picked her up in his arms and carried her through to the living room and laid her down on the plush rug in front of the fireplace. He propped himself up on his elbow beside her trailing his fingers over her stomach making her shiver

‘Are you sure Stella? I need to know this is what you want’
‘I've never been more sure about anything Kev. I want to feel you. I want us to make love’

They kissed deeply tongues dancing. Kev pushed into Stella making her gasp
‘Oh Kev…’

He started thrusting into her slowly a moan escaping his mouth
‘You feel amazing Stella’ he whispered

Stella locked her legs around his waist pulling him closer and deeper.

‘Oh god…’ Stella could feel her orgasm starting in her toes and crashing through her body; she thrust her hips up to meet Kevins.

He kissed up her neck; he could feel her body shaking below him as he hit his peak and came with a shout.

They lay together coming down from their high.

‘Do you have any regrets?’ Stella asked quietly
Kev looked her in the eye ‘No I don’t Stella. Not one. Do you’

She shook her head ‘no. I've not felt like this in so long. I feel wanted; I feel alive’
‘I know I've put you in a terrible position Stella and Im truly sorry for that’

‘Don’t be, please. Im as much to blame for this; I took part I could have said no. The terrible thing is I should feel guilt; I should be wracked with it for cheating but…I don’t. What happens now?’ she asked quietly

‘I don’t want this to be the end, if that’s what you're thinking. I know things aren’t straight forward Stella but I don’t want to say goodbye’

Stella smiled and ran her fingers through his hair, she dropped a kiss on his lips ‘I don’t want to either Kev’

6.

For the next few days the gardening came second on Stella and Kevins list. They spent every free moment together getting to know each other even better.

‘Remember you how you were telling me you’ve not seen a sunset?’ Kev asked when they were lazily laid together
‘Yeah’ Stella sighed as she kissed his chest
‘I was thinking that maybe you could get away and we could go somewhere’

Stella propped herself up on her elbow
‘Are you serious?’ she asked

‘Yeah but you're right, dumb idea’
‘No it's not’ she smiled ‘it's a great idea. I will come up with something to get away’

Kevin smiled ‘that’s great. I can’t wait to share it with you. You will love it I promise’

By the time the weekend came Stella had told Philip that she was going to spend a couple of days with her mum because she wasn’t feeling very well. She knew Philip wouldn’t want to go; he rarely got on with his in laws.

She packed her bag and placed it in the car
‘I’ll be home Sunday afternoon’ she said to Philip who was stood watching her from the doorway ‘I've left you food in the freezer just defrost and warm up’
‘Thanks’ he called ‘have a erm good time’

‘Oh I will’ she said to herself as she started the engine. She waved as she pulled out of the driveway.

She met Kevin out of town on a quiet road and he put his bag in the boot and then climbed into the passenger side immediately leaning over to kiss Stella

‘Are you sure about this?’ he asked
‘Oh definitely’ she smiled ‘I can’t wait’

They drove for about an hour and half, Kev directing Stella on the way. Soon they pulled up outside a wooden cabin isolated by woods.

‘Wow’ Stella said this place looks amazing
Kev grinned and got out of the car taking their bags from the boot
‘It's even better inside’ he said

‘You weren’t kidding’ Stella laughed as she surveyed the inside of the cabin ‘where did you find this place?’
‘Just from a friend’

‘I bet you bring all the girls here’ Stella laughed
Kevins smile dropped and he looked at Stella seriously

‘You're the first one and there wont be another’
Stella was taken aback by his response ‘Im sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I was just joking’

‘I know, it's just…never mind hey’ he smiled again and tucked her hair behind her ear ‘I love you’
‘I love you too’ she murmured

They kissed and Stella looked deep into his gorgeous eyes
‘I know there's something Kev, I can see it; something that haunts you sometimes. I won’t bug you in to telling me. Just know that if you ever want to talk to me about it I’ll be here’

Kevins eyes filled with unshed tears ‘I didn’t realise I was so transparent’ he whispered
‘It's just because I love you. I can sense something hurts you. It's ok; we don’t have to talk about it’

‘I will Stella…just not yet. I…’
‘It's all right Kev, I understand’
‘Thank you’ he whispered and pulled her close

They held each other tightly for what seemed like ages and then Stella broke the embrace
‘I'd better fix us something to eat; we’ve got loads of food. Want anything in particular?’

‘You on toast’ Kevin grinned
‘Aww so sweet but no; you can have me for dessert though’ she winked
‘It's a deal’

They ate and then Kev led Stella out for a walk into the woods surrounding the cabin. They walked for half an hour until they came to a clearing at the top of a grassy hill. Kev laid down a blanket on the floor and they both sat, his arm around her pulling her close.

‘It's so beautiful’ Stella said looking across the tops of the trees in front of her, a town nestled in the bottom and a panoramic view of the blue sky stretching out for miles. She snuggled further into Kevs embrace

‘I don’t think Im gonna want to leave here’ she said
‘Wait until you see the sunset baby, it will make you love it even more’

Stella looked him steadily in the eye ‘I know that it's all happened so unexpectedly. I never thought I'd be they type of person that would have an affair. But I don’t think I could love you any more Kev. You're my light in the dark and I love you so very much’

Kev stroked her face and then kissed her tenderly ‘believe me that feeling is mutual’

7.

Sunday morning soon came and Kev found Stella sat on the porch of the cabin, her knees pulled up to her chest.

‘Hey, are you ok? You're quiet’ Kev asked as he sat beside her
She didn’t respond just nodded her head and continued staring into the distance
‘Stella?’ Kev tried again rubbing his hand up her back

Stella let out a stifled sob
‘Shh it's ok baby’ Kev wrapped his arms around her pulling her close kissing the top of her head

‘Im sorry’ she murmured ‘it's just…I don’t want to go back home. I wish we could stay here, together’
‘I do too Stella. I really do. But we’ll be together again soon. I’ll be around tomorrow as normal’

Stella wiped her eyes ‘I know, but it's not the same is it’
‘No I guess it's not’ Kev said quietly

They packed up their things and soon Stella was dropping Kev off on the road just outside town.
‘I’ll give you a call tonight’ Kev promised

Stella reached home and walked through the door with a sigh
‘Did you have a good time?’ Philip asked
‘Yes. Thanks’ she replied trying to look and sound cheerful but she knew she was failing miserably

‘Your Mum ok?’
‘Yeah she's on the mend. She says hello’

Philip walked away not taking any notice leaving Stella talking to herself. She sighed and took her bag upstairs to unpack. Afterwards she had a shower and dressed in jogging bottoms and a tshirt.

She was just drying her hair when she was aware Philip had walked in. She turned to look at him s he sat on the edge of the bed

‘You know I love you don’t you?’ he said
Stella didn’t know what to say she stared at him

‘I know I don’t show it as often as I should, but I do’
‘Philip? Is there something wrong?’

Philip smiled ‘wrong? Nothings wrong Stella; I just wanted to tell you I love you’
He paused for a second and then leaned over and kissed her cheek and then he rose and walked from the bedroom leaving Stella shocked.
‘Just a guilty conscience’ she thought to herself ‘no doubt


The next morning when Philip had gone to work Kev walked into Stellas kitchen through the French windows.

‘Hey’ he smiled pulling her into a hug
‘Hey’ she whispered

Kevin deepened the kiss his hands gently stroking the small of her back sending shivers down her spine
‘I love you Stella’ he said breaking the kiss

‘I love you too Kevin’

They did a bit of work in the garden and then had a break and sat with a glass of juice.

‘Can I talk to you Stella, it's really important’
Stellas tummy flipped ‘what's wrong?’ she asked with slight panic

‘Nothings wrong’ Kev said ‘are you ok? You haven’t been yourself today’
‘Im fine. Go on what did you want to talk to me about?’

‘You know I said I'd never put pressure on you? Well Im not going back on that Stella but…I just need to know something. I just want to know how much you love me. Am I what you want?’

‘Of course you are Kevin, you're everything to me, really’
Kev smiled his green eyes sparkling in the sunlight ‘Im glad to hear that Stella. I want you to leave Philip. Leave him and come away with me’

Stella looked at him ‘really? Do you want me stay with you always?’
‘Stella I love you with all my heart. I never thought I'd get to this place; to let someone get so close to me but you’ve made it so easy. I never want to be without you’

‘Oh Kev’ Stella hugged him ‘I want nothing more than to be with you’
‘Im glad’ Kev smiled ‘but I know it's going to be hard leaving Philip; you have so much history’

‘It will be hard, I know, but it will be worth all the pain just waking up with you every morning’
‘I can wait for it Stella I want to spend the rest of my life with you’