Blessing in Disguise (MM)

Chapter Thirty

NICK'S POV

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Aris' idea to take Elodie bowling on the date of Faye's birthday party was a genius idea. He told me when Emily came up to him asking if Elodie would be there and promptly told her that she has other plans. I don't want my daughter hanging around people who don't appreciate her perfect company.

Elodie picks out our names as we stand at the lane. Aris supervises her ideas and I stupidly cannot take my eyes off the man. He's wearing a shacket over an oversized hoodie and baggy cargos. He looks so damn good and he doesn't even know it.

Sometimes I stop to think about our five year age-gap. It might not seem a lot but it feels a lot to me. Especially when he wears outfits that I would never wear. He's a cool trendy guy in his twenties and I'm a father in my thirties who only knows his way around a suit.

Today I opted for something more casual and yet I'm still over-dressed. I threw a long sleeved blue thin jumper over a shirt with the collar hanging out. Aris ogled my arms when I greeted him and I have to admit, they look impressive with the fabric hugging my biceps.

Elodie giggles as they huddle around the touch screen, Aris glances over his shoulder at me and flashes a small smirk. "What are you guys laughing about?"

"Nothing," Elodie shakes her head as her bunchies shake.

I cross my arms over my chest and walk towards them as they submit the names. My eyes move to the screen above our lane to find three names that appear for our game.

Princess Els

Grumpy Daddy

Aris The Best

"Grumpy daddy?" I gasp in horror.

Elodie covers her lips as she laughs again. "Aris said to choose that name for you."

Aris turns to us both, eyes wide. "Excuse me, missy. It was your idea!"

"Ooop," she giggles again. I lean down and pick her up, a squeal escapes her lips as I pretend to munch on her cheek. "Daddy. Stop. I'm sorry."

Her laughter erupts and I flick my gaze to Aris who is watching us with a beaming smile. "You think I'm grumpy?" I ask.

"Yes," she nods.

"And Aris is the best?"

"Yes."

Aris nudges my side as I put Elodie down. "See, I'm the best."

I stare down at him, my eyes moving over his face and then paying particular attention to his lips as they flash me a hot smile. Jesus. I have it bad. So fucking bad. "Yeah," I rasp. "I totally understand it too."

"Let's play," Elodie snaps me out of my Aris trance. "I want to beat you all!"

We both take a step back and turn towards the rack of different sized balls. I help Elodie with the ramp and chose the purple marble ball that she's had her eye on this entire time. Somehow she gets a spare and seeing her cheer and clap excitedly makes my heart jump–seeing her happy is my life goal.

It's my turn next and I manage a strike. Aris exhales a breath and places his hands on his hips. "God, now I'm ready to make a fool out of myself." He sighs as he grabs a ball.

"Good luck," I say with a cocky smile.

Aris rolls his blue eyes and it's a sight. "Whatever," he murmurs as he shoves his tongue into his lip and bowls. We agreed not to put the barriers up and it does not work in his favour because the ball rolls straight into the gutter. "Wow. I'm bad at this."