Blessing in Disguise (MM)

Chapter Eight

NICK'S POV

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Today is Aris' first day looking after Elodie. To say that I'm nervous is an understatement. It's barely four o'clock and I've already sent him seven text messages to which he's replied to every single one within a few minutes, telling me that everything is fine. He probably thinks I'm crazy but that little girl is my entire world.

Sometimes she's the only reason I get up and out of bed. As dark and depressing as that sounds, it's true. She's my motivation to do better–always.

My assistant, Robyn, knocks on my office door. "Nick," she says as I stir away from my phone. "Digital UK are still waiting for that report. You said you'd have it done two hours ago and they're calling me every ten minutes."

I throw down my phone and roll my fingers into my eyes. Right. That report. "I'll have it done in the next hour. Okay? And if they keep ringing, tell them to kiss my ass."

Robyn snorts. "Yeah, and then we'll lose the deal and we'll be back to square one."

I like having Robyn around because she puts me in my place. One of the only people around here that isn't afraid to say it how it is. Keeping me in check is definitely the best way to have me otherwise I probably won't respect what you have to say. It's a shit mentality to have but I don't know what I'd do without her.

She lingers by the door, her legs crossed over one another and that tiny pencil skirt glued to her thighs. "What's wrong with you today? I know something is up. You barely listened in the meeting earlier."

"It's Elodie's nanny's first day and I'm freaking out a little," I admit and lean back in my chair. My finger runs across my lip slowly. I need to stop thinking about it but I can't stop. I've been fighting myself to not check the security cameras... yet.

Her blue eyes light up. "Ah, yes. Declan's boyfriend's friend, right?"

I nod slowly. "Yeah."

"You don't trust him?"

"I'm worried something will happen when I'm not there."

She sighs softly. "You can't keep her bubble wrapped forever."

"I can damn try," I grumble.

"Oh, Nick. You're insufferable sometimes. She'll be fine. Let's get the report done and then you can go home and make sure that everything is good, yeah?"

I don't meet her eyes but I nod. "Yeah."

Her hand pats the doorway to my office. "Okay. Let me know when it's done and I can deal with them."

"Thanks, Robyn."

"I know."

And then she's gone.

My eyes fixate on my laptop and I get the report processed and ready before they pull out of our agreement and put my app in jeopardy. But I find my gaze wandering to my phone far too easily and I'm going out of my damn mind.

No. Finish the report, Nick.

I speed through the paperwork which I shouldn't do but I can barely concentrate. Once it's complete I email it over to Robyn and drop her a call to let her know that it's done and I'm ready to leave.

Just as I start collecting my things together my phone starts ringing. I instantly recognise the name as Digital UK's director, Harrison. "Fuck," I curse to myself and answer.

"Hi, Harrison."

"Nick," he says sharply. "I need to go over the report with you."

I slump back into my seat and hold in my breath of irritation. "What would you like to discuss?"