Luckless Lover

chapter 6

Steff's p.o.v.

For the next month Zake went to work every morning but Thursdays while Steff and Aly stayed at home or went to the park.

It was Wednesday night, Aly was asleep and Zake was in his office doing homework. He did that every Wednesday night so he could have his free day on Thursdays.

Steff was in the kitchen making him dinner. Aly ate a slice of pizza and chicken nuggets, but Steff wanted him to eat healthy so she made him a salad with chicken breast. She knocked on the door to his office and waited for an answer. "Come in!" She heard him call. She obeyed and gave him his dinner. He seemed overwhelmed.

"What's up?" Steff asked looking at his face.

"Huh?" He looked back at her. "Oh. Uh, just bills." He said and went back to work. "I just don't know were I'll get the money for all of this and Mr. Dlak wont give me a raise."

"I have some." She offered. "I have 20,000 saved up. It's left over from my college tuition. You can have some of it."

"No." He said shyly. "I can't take money from you I have to give you money." He shook his head. "No."

Steff put the plate on his desk right in front of him. "I live here. I should help with bills. Please let me." He still shook his head so she grabbed his face with her hands. "Stop it!" She hissed. "Just let me help you!"

She saw a little blush come to his face. "Okay. Fine." He now nodded. "But let me pay you back." She nodded. "Also let me take you to dinner. Aly's going to her grandparent's house on tomorrow morning. So we can go tomorrow night." He said.

"Deal." She pecked him on the cheek. "Now stop working yourself to death and eat then we can watch a movie in the game room." He nodded. And she went out to clean the kitchen.

She just finished the last dish when he came out with his empty plate. "I'll wash it." He said. Just then Steff's phone rang. She answered it.

Steff: Hello?

Addy: Hey girl how's it going?

Steff: Fine. What's up?

Addy: Well there's this dinner party tomorrow and I need you there. Please.

Steff: Dinner party? Tomorrow night?

Addy: Teah. Just have Zake watch Aly, she is his kid. I just need someone sober to be the ride home.

Steff: Sober. What if I want to drink too?

(Zake and Addy laughed.)

Addy: You? Yeah right. Water doesn't count.

Steff: Aly is going to be with her grandparents. And I'm busy tomorrow night. Sorry.

Zake looked at her mischievously then snatched the phone from her.

__________________________

Zake's p.o.v.

He took her phone and held it to his ear.

Zake: Can she have a plus one?

Addy: Well if it isn't the infamous Zake. Yeah she can. But like she would.

Zake: Okay we'll go. What time?

Steff's eyes widened. She reached for her phone back. "Zake!!" She yelled.

Addy: Oh? Seven. It's formal wear.

Zake: We'll be there. (Laughing at Steff.)

Addy: Thanks. Also if you break her I'll break you. Get it?

Zake: Got it.

Addy: Good. Now let me talk to her.

Zake: Mkay. One minute.

Steff pouted when he pulled the phone away from his ear and mouthed. 'I'll hurt you.'

He whispered. "You just try that." And gave her the phone. He gave her a small tickle as she put it to her ear making her smile.

__________________

Steff's p.o.v.

Steff: I hate you.

Addy: (laughing) I know. Now, do you have a dress?

Steff: I only have the white one that you gave me.

Addy: Perfect! That's all. Oh wait. So? You and Zake huh?

Steff: (glaring at Zake.) No! And don't start!

Addy: Fine. Just remember to stay save and wear a-

Steff hung up before she could continue. "Zake!" She hissed. He laughed. "Oh! You're gonna get it!"

He bolted up the stairs and into the game room. She was just as fast as him so he didn't lock her out. He turned and caught her lifting her up and setting her on the couch. She let out a small squeal then caught herself. She pulled her legs up to her chest and pinched her eyes shut.

"Hah!" Zake said sitting on the couch. "I'm Batman!"

She sat up. "Fine then, but Batman doesn't get the girl. So hah!" She blushed.

"Yeah he does." He argued. "Cat woman!" She went to punch him but he caught her fist. "Why are you making such a big deal out of it. We were going to have dinner anyway so why not a double date."

She pulled her fist back and held her knees. "It's a company dinner. You get to invite one friend and a plus one. I used to work there."

"So?"

"So, I would bump into my old boss. Let's just say that he has a history." She rested her chin on her legs.

"Wait. Why did he fire you?" He looked worried.

"Because I had the audacity to say no when he wanted me to be his girlfriend. When he asked me to go on a date." She shrugged.

"You?" He raised an eyebrow. "You said no? I can't believe it!" He teased

She flicked a hand out to hit him in the stomach. "Ow! That hurt me more than it hurt you!" She held her wrist and shook the pain away. He took her hand and kissed it.

"All better." He whispered. "However I don't think a kiss could heal the rest of you. The emotional wounds." She shrugged. "It pays to have a health freak for a nanny."

They both laughed. "Yeah right." She said. "That was all you." She looked at him. His hair was messed and his eyes said he needed sleep. He wore a T-shirt that made him seem more fit. He's not just handsome, she thought, he's hot.

She sunk into the couch as he put Batman in. "To prove my point." He said sitting back down. He took her hand and pulled her to him so they were cuddling. "If you see him, your old boss, I'll defend you."

"You're my boss." She watched his face and she talked. "What do you think he'd say about that."

"Nothing." He said resting a hand on her arm holding her to him. "He won't know. Tomorrow night I will only be your date."

She sighed. "Okay." They sat in silence for a small moment when she said. "Thank you. For everything."

He kissed her hair. "Any time." They watched in silence and soon fell asleep.