If you are looking for a book boyfriend, look no further than Kelly. Despite who he is, his feet are firmly on the ground. He cares about people and believes that sometimes folk need a little help to see their true selves.

Stella is that person and she that tells the story of her knight in shining armour.

So what is this quote about?

Something else also manifested in his eyes. Sorrow. A deep, upending sadness.

He clearly struggled with my revelation. Whatever he expected, it probably wasn’t this.

My stomach churned as he looked at me askance. My shameful story shared for the first time. I wasn’t proud of the person I had become, and the knowledge that it had hurt him pained me as well.

Taking his hand again, I led him upstairs. For a fraction of a second, he hesitated before allowing me to lead the way.

At my locked bedroom door, I inserted the key, turned it, and pushed it open to reveal my room.

I didn’t live like my father.

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Exclusive first Chapter

I ran towards the bus, eager to catch it before it pulled away. Despite frantically waving my hands, the vehicle left the stop without noticing me.

Breathless and annoyed, I came to a haltwith my hands on my hips. It was a chilly night, and I was already cold from wandering the streets of Manchester.

With no moon to illuminate the way. It was a good job I knew these roads well. I had lived in the city all my life, and knew where people congregated. It was a place most normal people kept away from, but I wouldn’t shy away from reality and bury my head in the sand like most people who walked in the town centre did.

I was here because people depended on me, expected me, even. Just because it was cold, I would never let anyone down.

Still, I shivered slightly and looked around for a refuge to wait in. The idea of standing around in the open to await the next bus didn’t appeal in the slightest. Plus, it would be another hour before the next one showed up.

Across the road, the lights of a nearby hotel shone brightly, and I made my way towards them.

Warmth lay inside, so with a fleeting glance at the traffic, I crossed over and trotted up the steps that led to a glass-plated entrance.

Hotels discouraged loitering, but I was prepared to take the chance. I mean, how would they know I hadn’t booked a room?

Well, of course they would, I told myself. They only had to check the register to see my name wasn’t there.

Still, I argued back, I could think about it and was here to look around with a view to staying.

With a slight giggle, I made my way across the foyer, noting the receptionists were busy attending to guests. I stared in their direction. Challenge me, I dare you, go on, said my braver self.  Still, it was a relief to get out of sight with no one noticing me.

I plopped down on a bench behind a large potted plant. If someone spotted me and asked what I was doing, I’d claim to be waiting for the lift to descend.

I giggled again. When did you get so brave, Stella?

I rubbed my palms together as the last chill subsided. No one will care why you are here. I pushed back my insecurities.

I was constantly in an internal battle with myself. Brave Stella would make an appearance, then little Stella would giggle and tell me not to be stupid.

As I settled onto the bench, I reminded myself how I was as good as anyone else. I was doing this because Brave Stella often made me laugh with her pushiness. Little Stella thought she knew best, though, and it became a standing joke. It was how I coped with life, and hey, if works for me, why not?

However, no one had been through what I had. Or endured the constant battle that was my life, so Little Stella became the voice of reason as I switched between the two.

I dropped my canvas bag to the floor next to my feet. Now empty, it only held my purse, stuffed with enough cash to get home again.

As the time passed, I pondered my evening’s activities. To help those who couldn’t help themselves was my calling in life. I’d been there and felt the constant rumble of hunger. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone,

At least now I had a roof over my head and a job that paid for it. For that, I needed to be grateful. And I was, believe you me, I was very grateful for I what had.

Lost in thought, it startled me when someone plonked themself on the other end of the bench.

They let out a sigh, and from the corner of my eye, I saw a pair of legs stretch out.

 I turned my head to see a smartly dressed man in a dark blue suit lounging as if he belonged there.

The guy, a good-looking one, I might add, adjusted his tie as if it irritated him.

My surprised gaze must have registered, for he drew back his legs and turned to me with something akin to embarrassment.

 “Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. Do you mind?” His eyes briefly glanced at the bench.

“Feel free. I don’t own it.”

 He guffawed. “I’m at a stuffy function and just needed time out. Are you waiting for the lift?”

I glanced back at him. Why does he want to know?

“Yes,” I replied, not wanting to say too much.

“Sorry. I’m not being nosy. If you are, you may need to push the button.”

My cheeks inflamed at being caught out. For a moment, I wondered if I should get up and press it, but then decided against it. What I was doing was nothing to do with him, unless, of course, he was a member of the staff. In that suit, he looked like he was someone important.

“Do you work here?” I asked.  Once I knew that, I could react accordingly. Brave Stella wanted to make another appearance, but I had to wait to see who he was first.

The guy’s eyes widened, as if my question shocked him. For a moment, he stared at me with an expression I couldn’t interpret.

“No,” he replied as the corners of his mouth quirked upwards. Had I said something amusing?  

“I’m at a charity function in the Belvedere Room. I got bored, so came out for a breather.  You know how the speakers go on a bit.”

“Yes,” I said, nodding in agreement. Although I had no idea what he was talking about. I mean, how would I know something like that? The thought amused me.

The handsome guy with the blond-hair and twinkling blue eyes, now had my full attention.

“Well,” I said with a grin. “at least we’ve established that I’m not waiting for the lift, and you’re not staff. That’s progress.”

I loved how amusement played in his eyes. It almost felt like it was a game between strangers.

“Erm, yes. I’m glad we sorted that out, too.”

    His easy smile relaxed me, and I put my guard down a little. “In that case, no, I’m not waiting for the lift. I’m waiting for a bus.”

The corners of his mouth crinkled. “And you usually catch one in a hotel lobby, do you?”

 Realising how that sounded, I giggled. “I’m trying to be inconspicuous, and you’re not helping.”

“Sorry about that,” he said, not looking the least bit contrite.

“Do you always apologise this much?”

He let out a roar of laughter, and I couldn’t help laughing with him.

 The stranger mesmerised me. For a moment, I stared at him and wondered why such a handsome man was chatting me up.

In return, his gazed lingered on me. My stomach somersaulted. I swallowed, unsure of what to say next.

He cleared his throat as if embarrassed to be caught up in the moment of silence that passed between us. “I should be in there with the rest of my team, listening to an important speaker. Instead, I’m in the foyer talking to a beautiful woman.”

My jaw dropped on its own and my head automatically swivelled. Was someone else with us?

“Sorry, I’m being too forward.”

I didn’t comment on yet another apology, as I was still trying to work out if he was serious.

The guy was immaculately dressed, with his hair stylishly brushed back. Mine was windswept. My ripped jeans and jacket had seen better days. So, you’ll understand my confusion at that.

I had no words for him, and he was right. He was being forward.

The man’s gaze dropped to the bag at my feet. “Shopping or working?” Suddenly, a sheepish grin crossed his chiselled features.  “I’m being too nosy, aren’t I?”

“Well, at least you didn’t apologise for it this time.”

He burst into laughter, and once more I did the same. Maybe I was being too hard on him. He had paid me a compliment, after all.

  “Neither, actually I’ve been handing sandwiches out to the homeless under the bridges.”

His brows lowered, and part of me wished I hadn’t been so candid.  I wasn’t used to talking about myself. Usually, no one was that interested, anyway.

“Really?”

With a faltering smile, Brave Stella dug us in deeper.

  “I hand out food twice a week. It’s hard going hungry, and no one looks after them.”

This man was interested in what I had to say. A situation I had never been in before.

The guy squinted at me. “Of all the things I expected you to say, it wasn’t that. So, you work in a soup kitchen, do you?”

“No.” I squirmed in my seat. I was hardly doing anything out of the ordinary, so I didn’t understand the awe showing on his face.

“What’s that saying? There by the grace of God go I, or something similar?”  I almost rolled my eyes. Why did you say that? I knew the exact quote and mentally shook my head. Stella, you’re an idiot.

“You were homeless?” he deduced, as a spark of interest lit his eyes.

“My dad and I, yes. A long time ago now. You don’t forget these things, do you?”  I stared at the floor. “Gosh. I’ve no idea why I’m telling you this. It’s not like know you,”

A look of surprise crossed his face as his eyes widened briefly.

“I’m glad I asked. It’s nice to meet the genuine people in this world. The ones who think of others rather than themselves.”

It was a strange thing to say and caused me to wonder about the world he moved in.

Shuffling my feet, I avoided his gaze. “It’s nothing fancy, only butties,” I said dismissively.

 “You make them yourself?” He now sounded incredulous, and that was embarrassing.

“Well, yes, it’s not a big deal, honestly. At the end of the day, supermarkets sell their bread off cheaply. I buy whatever’s available along with a filling.”

I’d never told anyone about what I did before. Except my dad, but I don’t think he took it in, judging by the grunts of acknowledgement I received. This guy actually seems impressed. Imagine that?

“That’s really noble of you. What I mean,” he quickly added, as if flustered.  “Is that it’s a great thing to do.”

My embarrassment made me want to change the subject.  If only I could think of what else to say. Instead, I peered at him from under my eyelashes. “Thank you.”

The lift door suddenly looked an interesting shade of brown. Umm.

When the silence became awkward, I cleared my throat and glanced at my wristwatch.

He leaned forward slightly, his eyes still firmly fixed on me. “What’s your name, mystery girl?”

I met his eyes with surprise, then laughed. How did we get to this point and not even swap names?

 “Stella Rae.” I dragged my teeth over my bottom lip.

“Stella Rae.  That’s pretty.” My companion leaned back against the wall. “I’m Kelly Ambrose, Miss Rae. Pleased to meet you.”

An odd expression crossed his face. He exuded an air of expectation.

I gave him a tight smile and had the distinct feeling it should mean something.

“Hi, it’s nice to meet you too,” I responded with a smile.

I couldn’t help but feel he expected me to comment on it. Maybe because Kelly is a unisex name and people called him out for it.  Still, I wouldn’t mention that.

He stared at me, and I stared right back. The silence became uncomfortable, so I asked him what charity he was with.

He must have felt the silence intimidating too, for he spoke at the same time as me.

“Do you always work alone?” 

We laughed, and it broke the tension of expectation that had risen between us. “You first,” we both said simultaneously.

I giggled in response, and he guffawed.

Well, this isn’t awkward, is it?

Kelly’s smile brightened his entire face and made his cheeks dimple attractively. He held out his hand for me to go first.

“Yep.” I interlaced my fingers and gazed at him. “Just me, doing what I can. You?”

“I’m not with a charity, only at a fundraiser. It’s part of my job to attend these dinners. If the speaker is boring, it can become tedious.”

I nodded, as if I knew from experience. Then I remembered what I was doing there and glanced again at my watch.

 “I’d love to hear about your work, but I must go. The bus’ll be here soon.” I stood up. “Nice to meet you, Kelly. Thanks for keeping me company.”

Kelly jumped to his feet, and for a moment, we faced each other in awkward silence again.

I was reluctant to leave him and had the distinct impression he felt the same. I mean, he was still here and interested in what I had to say.  But I had a bus to catch, and didn’t want to miss it again.

“Pleased to meet you too, Stella Rae. You’re a breath of fresh air after all that serious stuff.” He inclined his head in the opposite direction, then added, “I know this is presumptuous, and we’ve only just met, but would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow evening?”

Dumbfounded, I blinked in surprise. “I’d not expected that and immediately felt nervous. Most of the dates I went on never amounted to anything. But there was something about this guy. Maybe it was his easy-going manner? Whatever it was, I felt attracted to him. Plus, he made me laugh, and that was something I rarely did. “Um, okay,” I agreed.

My heart warmed when his eyes lit up at my response. 

“Good. I’d like to hear more about you, Miss Rae.”

The way Kelly used my title and surname felt respectful. No one had ever treated me like that before. It made me feel good inside, as if I was someone whose feelings mattered.

With a wry smile, I said, “In that case, you might be disappointed. Meeting strange men in hotel foyers is about as exciting as it gets for me.”

Kelly flashed a wide smile. “I’ve been called many things in my life, but strange isn’t one of them.”

I giggled. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Hey, I’m winding you up. But I don’t believe you, anyway.”

“About what?” I asked with surprise.

“There is much more to you than you’re letting on, I bet.”

I picked up the shopping bag. “Well, all I can say is, you have been warned.”

The corners of Kelly’s mouth lifted. “I’ll be the judge of that.” 

“You can tell me something interesting about yourself instead.”   

Kelly’s eyebrows shot up in surprise for a moment. I wasn’t sure what I’d said to invoke that reaction

“I have to go,” I reminded him.

We moved into the main foyer, and, for a moment, it surprised me to see people walking around. I’d been so wrapped up in our little corner, I completely forgot where we were.

“Here’s as good a place as any for dinner,”

“Here?”  I baulked at his suggestion. The hotel was expensive and certainly not for people like me.

Kelly chuckled. “Yes, here. They have an excellent restaurant with a talented chef. If you’ve never eaten here before, then you’re in for a treat.”

As lovely as it sounded, it was way out of my salary range. “Um, I’m sure I will, but isn’t it a little expensive?”

 “Don’t worry about that.  It’s my treat. I’ll see you at seven-thirty, if that’s suits you?”

“Okay, if you’re sure?”

“I’m very sure.”

 I smiled. “Alright. Thank you. I’ll see you then.”

We went our separate ways, he back to the function room, and me to the exit.

I wore the biggest smile ever as I ran down the steps and caught the bus.

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