Blessing in Disguise (MM)

Chapter Thirty Five

ARIS' POV

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"Do I have to leave before Elodie wakes up?" I ask as I dry off my body from the shower.

Nick's brows pinch immediately. "What? No. Of course not."

"I just thought that she might ask questions and I don't know if you're ready for all of that with her. I would never pressure you into it or anything. I want to make sure that you're okay with it." I admit.

He pulls a white T-shirt up and over his head, the kind that clings to his biceps and leaves nothing to the imagination. Even though I had him naked in the bathroom a few minutes ago. "It's fine," he reassures me. "Stop stressing. Let me figure it out."

I watch him as he walks towards his wardrobe and pulls out a black T-shirt. "Here," he says as he hands it to me. "Rather than putting on yesterday's clothes."

"Thank you," I say gratefully before tugging it over my chest.

After I slip into my own trousers because I know our waists are completely different sizes and I probably won't fit into anything of his, I come up with a good idea. "How about I make breakfast and you wake up Elodie?"

Nick nods in my direction. "What are you planning on making?"

"Pancakes. I saw you had all the ingredients."

"Mmm," he takes two steps towards me and places his finger underneath my chin. He tilts it to meet his eyes and I melt. My body is still practically glowing from the orgasm he gave me–and the fact it almost stopped my heart. "Sounds great."

Then he leans down to leave a lingering kiss on my lips. I tremble at the feeling because I can't believe this is where we've got to. Never in a million years did I think that he'd actually kiss me, let alone let me sleep in his bed and touch me intimately.

"Good," I murmur against his warm mouth.

I leave his bedroom to walk to the kitchen and grab some flour, eggs and fat free milk. I check the fridge for fresh fruit along with syrup from the cupboard. I immediately get to work and start making the batter.

My heart condition says that I can't generally eat pancakes but I'm happy to provide breakfast and grab something at the cafe. I don't know why I feel obliged to feed Elodie and Nick even though I'm not working today.

It feels like a love language to me. That I'm making myself useful.

Behind me I hear footsteps and Elodie's sleepy voice. I glance over my shoulder to find Nick carrying Elodie towards the kitchen where she's still in her purple pyjamas and carrying a cream blanket in her hands.

"Good morning, Elodie," I greet her.

"Aris! What are you doing here?"

"Surprising you with breakfast, of course."

Nick places her down on one of the island chairs and gives her hair a ruffle. "What are you making?"

"Pancakes. Do you like pancakes?"

"Yes! I love them. I cover mine in Nutella."

Nick laughs softly as he proceeds to make himself a coffee and pours Elodie a small glass of orange juice. "Of course you do," he says, sounding amused. "You always opt for the options with the most amount of sweetness."

"It tastes nice," she defends herself. "Why would I eat something that tastes gross?"

I flash her a grin. "You're right. I totally get you."