Blessing in Disguise (MM)

Chapter Thirty Eight

ARIS' POV

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"Nick, you really didn't need to come with me today," I peer over at him as he drives us towards my father's care home. I told him on Monday that I'd be going this Thursday and he immediately booked the morning off work and said that he'd take me. "I feel bad taking you away from your work."

He sighs softly, one hand resting on the steering wheel in a casual fashion. "Aris?"

"Yes?"

"Please stop talking. You're not getting rid of me now."

My lips pinch together as I stare at him. The corner of his mouth twitches. "Aren't you busy with meetings and stuff?"

"I have this thing called annual leave," his brows raise playfully. "And I'm also the boss. I can do whatever I want. They're not going to miss me for a morning, it's fine. Stop worrying. I told you I'd be here with you and I am."

I gulp back the ball that has formed in my throat. "I guess I didn't expect you to actually come."

"Okay, ouch," he laughs hesitantly. "Am I still that much of an asshole?"

"No," I shake my head. "No. That's not what I meant. I just mean this is obviously a big thing in my life and I would never expect you to do this because it's hard for me. It's probably going to be difficult for you too."

Nick's lips twitch downwards into a frown. He leans over to grab my hand that is resting in my lap, then he brings my knuckles up to his mouth and presses a couple kisses along my skin. "I'm here now," he whispers with his eyes still firmly on the road. "I got you. I know you've done this by yourself but you don't have to do it alone. I want to be there for you, Aris. I do."

My eyes flick over his face in awe and when he kisses my knuckles once more, I melt into a puddle in the passenger seat of his car. "Thank you," I breathe. "Honestly, it means a lot to me."

"I know," he smiles, dropping my hand to change gear. "So, stop pushing me away. I'm not going anywhere."

Ugh. My heart practically explodes in my chest. I can't stop looking at him. How did I get so lucky with this man? He's an absolute diamond. A true family man. "You okay over there?" He asks after a minute of non-stop staring.

"Yeah," I whisper. I love you. "I like being with you."

He releases a soft laugh that lights up the entire car. "I like being with you too. I like having you to myself specifically, call me selfish."

I grin. "How upset would Elodie be if I told her?"

Nick gasps. "You dare."

"I wouldn't," I laugh softly. "She'd never forgive you."

"Agreed."

We pull up in the carpark of the care home. I stare at the building ahead and take a large breath. I don't know why my stomach feels like it's about to fall out of my ass but I've never been here with anyone before, this is a new experience.

Nick waits for me patiently and I turn to him with a wobbly smile. "Okay," I whisper. "Let's go."

I pop open the car door as Nick does the same. We meet at the front of the car and walk towards the entrance of the care home. I open the door and find Nick's hand sliding in against mine. The hold is loose but means absolutely everything to me. I glance down at the action and then I meet his eyes, giving him an appreciative smile.

At the front desk we sign in and I greet the nurses until Trina walks around the corner and her eyes light up with joy as she sees me. "Aris," she grins. "How are you?"