"Hey, how do you feel about going for a drink tonight?" Stuart asked smiling.

"Yes I'd like that" Sam replied blushing slightly. It had been a long time since anyone had asked her out on a date.

"Great. I'll pick you up at eight"

"Ok"

As Stuart walked away, Sam couldn't help smiling. She was flattered he had taken an interest in her. He was about ten years younger than her after all. He was a perfect gentleman she had thought. He always held the door open for her, was very polite and the day before, he had taken his jacket off and wrapped it round her shoulders beacuse she had shivered.

He was the complete opposite of Phil Hunter she thought. Shw knew Phil had feelings for her too but he showed it by taking the mickey out of her. He wasn't very polite, he wasn't faithful or trustworthy and he used his fists far too often for Sams liking yet there was something about him she couldn't help being attracted to. Yes, he was gorgeous she admitted to herself but Stuart was good looking too and he can offer me stability and security which Phil can't.

Phil had walked into the room then.

"Hi gorgeous!" he said winking at her

"Hi" she replied wearily, glad that Stuart wasn't there because he didn't like it when Phil flirted with her.

"You doing anything tonight? Me, Terry, Jo, Suzie and Zain are going out for a drink. Do you wanna join us?"

"No, sorry Phil but Stuarts taking me out tonight."

Phils face fell but almost immediately put his cheeky smile back in place.

"Ok another time gorgeous" he said as he left the room.

"If only I'd said yes to Phil" Sam thought as she walked up her garden path. "I wouldn't be in this mess now"

She closed the door quietly and called out cautiously

"Stuart?"

Stuart emerged from the kitchen with a look in his eyes that Sam knew only too well.

"Where the hell have you been?" he asked coldly

"I'm sorry, I had to work late. I didn't call because I didn't think you'd be in. I'm sorry."

"You were with Hunter weren't you?"

"No, I was working" she whispered, knowing it wouldn't make any difference what she said.

"I'm sorry" she added

Stuart advanced on her, an evil glint in his eyes.

Sam couldn't move from fear. He hit her hard across the cheek with the back of his hand. She fell sideways onto the stairs.

"Maybe that will teach you to lie to me" he said. I know about you and Hunter. I know what you do when you 'work late' " he said.

"Theres nothing going on between me and Phil" Sam whispered earning herself another slap.

"Don't lie to me!" he yelled in her face

"I'm sorry" she said again

"Sorrys not good enough!" Stuart spat at her bafore stalking off into the kitchen and slamming the door, leaving a scared and shaking Sam lying on the stairs.