NICK'S POV

✲

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?"

Then for an hour I listen to him rant about the changes to the report and the numbers that aren't up to par with him. If I lose him as a client, I will be entirely fucked. My company might as well go back to square one.

I've practically chewed my lip off by the time he's off the phone and I know I can't go home just yet, I've got to stay and fix this before tomorrow. I sigh and run my hand down my face before staring at my phone screen.

My thumb hovers over my home security app. I check the time. It's almost six thirty which means Elodie should be done with dinner. Without hesitation I press onto the app and let the cameras of my house pop up.

I scan through them before finding Aris and Elodie on camera number four that faces the living room. On the TV is a show on Disney+ and Elodie has her dolls out, making Aris play with them.

My chest takes down a slow breath as I watch. Elodie throws her head back and laughs at something that Aris says, her arms throw above her head in excitement and then she runs towards her box of toys.

I've always encouraged active playing rather than sitting her down in front of an iPad and letting her play silly mind-numbing games and even more kids TV. I like to see her use her imagination, play and be independent. It's always been a priority for me as I read somewhere that it helps her development.

Aris points to the TV and Elodie flashes him a big grin, then she nods. I can only assume Aris is attempting to get her to wind down otherwise she'll be up all night playing with those damn dolls. They put her toys away together and then they sit down on the sofa to watch the movie that's on the screen. At first Elodie sits beside Aris and then she moves closer to him, a sign that she's comfortable.

She's a confident little thing but she doesn't always warm to people easily, Aris on the other hand... It's like he's her best friend already.

"Don't tell me you're stalking them," Robyn's voice makes me jump out of my skin.

I lock my phone and place it on my chest. "Can't you knock?" My brows pinch together.

She offers me a small smile. "You were too busy to even notice that I was standing right here."

"Shouldn't you be at home?"

"No," she shakes her head. "I heard you might need some help."

My face is still scowling. "Says who?"

"Says Ross next door who could hear you arguing with Harrison. Let's get this over and done with and then you can go home to your baby." She says before slumping in the chair opposite my desk.

I inhale a big breath. "Alright."

✲

When I finally get home it's almost eight o'clock. I've never wanted to see my front door so badly in my entire life. As I jam my keys inside I step into the hall to hear a movie playing quietly down in the living room.

Aris stands from the sofa as I walk further into the house, throwing my keys onto the side. "Hey," he says with a smile.

"Hi," I grumble in response. "Elodie in bed?"

He nods. "Yeah, about thirty minutes ago."

"Okay," I say before glancing around my kitchen and living room.

This morning it was practically a bombsite and now it's spotless. Literally spotless. I can practically see my reflection in the countertops from where they've been scrubbed and scrubbed.

"Did you tidy up?"

Aris seems startled by my question. His mouth opens and he pauses. "Uh... yeah," he scratches the back of his head. "I thought there wasn't anything better to do. So I wanted to be helpful."

My expression grows cold. "I didn't hire you to be my maid," I snap which causes Aris to flinch. His blue eyes are consumed with guilt and worry. "I never asked you to touch any of my stuff."

He pulls his head back slowly, still staring at me. "I'm sorry, I thought–"

"You thought wrong."

Aris lowers his gaze, his hands tangling in front of him. I study the way his shoulders drop, like a dog with a tail between his legs. A wave of tiredness hits me and I can't wait to climb into bed and forget about this godforsaken day.

"Sorry. It won't happen again." He offers after a few moments.

"Good," I say instantly. "You can go now."

He nods and grabs his things. I watch him as he walks past me but he doesn't meet my eyes as he says, "I'll see you tomorrow."

Then the door clicks on the way out and I slump against the kitchen counter. I run a hand down my face and hate the fact that my blood is boiling. I take a slow breath and remind myself that Aris isn't the enemy, he's here to help.

Now I feel guilty.

I shake my head once and walk over to the cupboards to grab myself a glass. I pour some water inside and down it before placing it inside the dishwasher but when I do I find a bowl and a cutlery set for Elodie but I don't see a plate for Aris.

My eyes narrow as I twist my head. Did he not eat?

I slam it shut and walk down the hall. My head peeks into Elodie's room to find her sound asleep. I resist the urge to go in and kiss her head and risk waking her up. Instead I head to my bedroom to take a shower and dive into bed so I can wash away this exhausting day.

✲

The next morning I wake up at six o'clock and start getting ready for the day. An hour later I wake up Elodie and make her breakfast before getting her into her school uniform.

"How was your evening with Aris?" I ask as I put together her lunch box.

Her green eyes light up at the mention of him. "It was so much fun! We played with my dolls and watched Moana. Is he collecting me again from school? I want him to collect me from school everyday!"

My lips curl at her enthusiasm. "Yeah, pumpkin. He'll collect you from school again."

"Yes!" She hisses through her teeth.

"What did he make you for dinner?"

She hums softly. "Pasta with chicken."

"Did you like it?"

"Yeah. It was yummy. So much better than your cooking, daddy."

I snort quietly. "I doubt it."

"It was!" She exclaims in defence. "You will have to try some and I'll prove it."

My hand ruffles her small curls. "Alright, baby. Prove me wrong. Let's go or we'll be late."

Once I drop Elodie off at school I sit in my car and stare at my phone. I felt guilty all night after snapping at Aris last night. I was in a foul mood and he didn't deserve for me to be such an ass. I know when I'm being nasty for no reason, at least I can admit it.

The last thing I want is for him or anyone to think I'm a lousy father. He tidied up my mess because I didn't have time this morning and it makes me look so damn lazy. Like I'm incapable of keeping my house tidy whilst looking after my child and owning a business.

I sigh to myself and call his number. He answers on the third ring.

"Nick, everything okay?"

"Yeah," I nod and lean back in my seat. "Look, I wanted to apologise for how I spoke to you last night. I had a long day at work and–"

He cuts me off before I can finish speaking. "It's fine, Nick. I promise I won't touch your things or do anything you haven't asked me to. I know my job, I'll stick to it."

I press my lips together and nod. For a moment I pause but the question that comes out is genuine. "Did you have dinner last night?"

"No."

"Why not?" I frown.

"You never said I could have dinner, so I didn't."

I reposition myself in my car seat and shake my head disapprovingly. "Aris, I want you to eat dinner with Elodie. I don't want you thinking you can't have dinner whilst working all night with her. Whatever there is in the fridge, help yourself."

"Oh," he clears his throat. "I'll contribute to the food bill."

"No need. Eat tonight. I've got to go." I say shortly.

The line is silent for a second. "Okay. Bye. See you later."

I cut off the call and stare at my phone, clutching it between my fingers. Deep in my chest somewhere I feel slightly less guilty than I did before but I know I still need to work on my delivery when I speak because I'll end up pushing away the people I truly need.

✲

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Author's Note

Thanks for all the love on the previous chapter!🥰

Ahhhh Nick really had to go and fuck it up but seeing him so protective of Elodie is the damn cutest🥹

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Love Savanna x

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