Blessing in Disguise (MM)

Chapter Fourteen

NICK'S POV

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"How's the new nanny?" Robyn waltzes into my office uninvited. I glare at the door I stupidly left open and realise that I only have myself to blame for this intrusion. I study her as she plops down into the chair in front of my desk. "You don't seem as stressed as you once were."

I breathe through my nose sharply and continue tapping away at my laptop. "So pleased to hear that, Robyn."

Her eyes roll and she huffs. "So come on, give me the goss."

"There isn't any," I grumble, my eyes narrowing on my screen.

"Bullshit. Don't you think I know that you've changed aftershaves like three times this week and I've noticed you only do that when you're trying to impress someone."

I snap my eyes to hers and hate that she looks so smug right now. "That's not true," I say in defence. "I like trying out different aftershaves. I'm trying to find my scent."

Robyn snorts. "Oh please," she waves me off. "You're not fooling anyone here."

"Did you want something, Robyn?" I say with clear irritation.

"I wanted to have a lovely chat with my boss, is that not allowed?"

"No."

She gasps fakely. "You're rude. I'm reporting you to HR."

My eyes remain on her face. "And I'll report you right back for harassment in the workplace."

Robyn bursts out laughing and I lean back in my chair, running a hand down my face. Sometimes this woman drives me up the wall but without her, I reckon I'd be lying in a gutter somewhere. I hate to admit she keeps me sane and makes me insane at the same time. Does that even make sense? I have no idea how her husband deals with her.

"Look," she huffs and leans forward. "I wanted to tell you that you've been working silly hours this week and going home far too late. I've got work under control."

I shake my head. "I have a meeting."

"Which I've already changed over to my calendar. Let me deal with it, Nick. Go see your daughter before she goes to bed and be the one to wish her goodnight, tonight. I know she'll appreciate it." Robyn says with heavy enthusiasm.

"Why would you do that?"

She flicks her eyes between mine quickly. "Because we all need a break sometimes and I know how much you miss spending time with your daughter, even if you trust Aris. I've got everything sorted here."

I stare at her for a moment longer, unsure as to why she's giving me this opportunity. This is what I mean when she keeps me sane, she knows when I need time off even when I don't want to admit it myself.

My eyes flick down to the watch on my wrist. It's almost five, I could be home in the next half hour and see my girl to bed for the first time in what feels like ages on a weekday. I glance back up to Robyn and offer her a smile. "Thank you," I say gratefully. Words that I rarely say unless absolutely needed.

"And give that poor boy an evening to himself," Robyn flashes me a knowing smile. "You've been getting home so late that I bet he's eager to be let go early."

I stand from my desk and begin to pack my things. "Well I guess that's what I pay him for."

"Just because you're moody doesn't mean everyone else has to be," she mutters leaving the chair. "I'll have the meeting notes and anything else on your desk by tomorrow morning. Enjoy your evening!"