I'm in Love With a Stripper by Michelle Marola

Chapter 1
    Alena quickened her pace as she glanced down at her watch, I hope I’m not late or Royce will be furious .

    Alena exhaled a sigh of relief as she reached Royce’s apartment. She was immediately greeted by an adorable, curly haired little boy.
    “ Aaaallleeeennaaa!” squealed Gavin. He ran to hug her. Alena was Gavin’s favorite nanny and he was always more outgoing when she was around.
    “ Hi Gavin!” Alena replied warmly as she embraced him.
    “ Are we going to color again today? Will you make me breakfast? Royce burnt mine! And can we...” Gavin began.
    “ Oi runt, I need to talk to Alena. Grown up stuff, OK?” Royce interrupted.
    “ Gavin—sweetie, why don’t you get your coloring book and colors and wait in the kitchen for me?” Alena said warmly.
    Royce moved across the room towards Alena. She looked up at him. His large, muscular frame made her a little nervous. She felt tiny compared to him. She could smell his cologne and the scent of shaving cream that lingered on his face. She studied him for a quick moment taking in his tan skin, dark hair, and hazel eyes. She had to admit that he was very handsome. Her thoughts immediately dissipated as soon as he opened his mouth.
    “ Feh, you’re fucking late again,” Royce grumbled as he grabbed his briefcase and straightened his tie.
    This langua ge did not surprise her; she often scolded him for talking like this in front of Gavin.
    “ Royce, I know and I apologize,” Alena replied softly.
    “ Yeah, you wouldn’t be late all the time if you just stayed here!” Royce exclaimed.
    “ I-I can’t! It wouldn’t be right,” she stuttered.
    This wasn ’t the first time he had brought up her moving in.
    “ Hell lots of other nannies stay with their families! Are you too good to stay here or something?” Royce replied sternly.
    “ No Royce, you know that’s not true it’s just I can’t…” Alena trailed off.
    “ Fine. Well, I can’t be late for my meeting. We’ll continue this when I get home,” Royce replied as he began walking out the door.
    Alena sighed.
    What should I d o? She thought to herself. The question kept running through her head.
    I can’t move in with Royce and Gavin. I have school, to dance at the club, and I can’t leave Jes out for half of the rent by moving out.
    Alena put her thoughts aside and headed into the kitchen. She smiled as Gavin was sitting at the table with his coloring books.
    “ So, what should we make for breakfast today?” Alena asked cheerfully.
    “ Pancakes!” Gavin replied.
    “ You got it! You want to help me?” Alena asked.
    Gavin nodded eagerly.
    The two made blueberry pancakes. She helped him get dressed and then they put on their coats and boots. The pair then made their way to the park down the street. They swung on the swings for awhile and after that Gavin played on the jungle gym and slides. Alena smiled to herself as she watched him play. She really loved Gavin and couldn’t believe someone like Royce had practically raised him. He was such a well-behaved child. In fact, he was probably the most well-behaved child she had ever watched. Although, she noticed that he was very shy and sometimes he threw big fits when she left for the evening. He definitely had some sort of attachment issues. She wasn’t sure how he ended up with Royce. She only knew that Royce was his uncle, but no details were given on what happened to Gavin’s parents. She didn’t want to anger Royce by asking; she could sense it was definitely something not to question. Yet, she often wondered as Gavin did have some rough days. She wished she knew more so that maybe she would be better able to help him.
    As she watched Gavin , she realized it had been a little over a year since she started to work for Royce. She remembered when she had just moved to the city and saw his ad in the newspaper for a part-time nanny. The part-time schedule worked well with her college schedule. She remembered how nervous she was