My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 3 Poolside Party

Evelyn.

Leaning against the balcony railing, I took a sip of my coffee, its bittersweet flavour providing a much-needed respite from the stress that threatened to consume me. By conveniently feigning a headache, I managed to escape the formalities of greeting the arriving guests one by one, effectively dodging any encounter with Jacob.

Damn, that man seemed to defy logic with his ever-growing handsomeness.

From my vantage point, I could see the gathering around the poolside. It was like a scene straight out of a poolside party movie. Handsome men were aplenty, some being Dad's business partners' sons, while others represented their fathers' interests.

But amidst this sea of attractive individuals, my eyes only craved stolen glances at the green-eyed Italian male perched on a chaise lounge. Unlike the others, he maintained a certain air of casual elegance, leaving only a few buttons undone, revealing a glimpse of the gold chain around his neck. Every now and then, I caught a tantalising peek at his tattoo-a masterpiece that seemed to originate from the left side of his chest and undoubtedly extended down his arm.

What was God thinking while creating this masterpiece? He is too good to be true.

I tore my gaze away from him and looked at the sky. The weather was nice today enough to make me want to go for a walk, which was pretty rare for me to do.

"Evelyn...what on earth are you doing out here?" Clara's sudden loud voice jolted me, causing me to gasp and spin around. My hands instinctively tightened around the coffee mug, preventing it from slipping through my fingers.

"Clara...you scared me half to death!" I placed a hand over my chest as my heart continued to pound erratically.

"For heaven's sake, everyone's by the pool having a good time, and here you are, acting like a lone ghost," she rolled her eyes and strolled towards me, clad in a swimsuit with a poolside robe draped over her, "Go on, change!"

"I didn't bring any swimwear," I shrugged, hoping my little white lie would hold some weight.

"Oh, you little liar. I packed your suitcase with you so don't like your flimsy excuse will work on me," Of course, she saw through my ruse. What was I even expecting?

"B-but..."

"No buts," she cut me off, "Go and get ready, otherwise I might, unfortunately, have to drag your ass there."

I finally exhaled a defeated sigh.

she nodded. "Good. Be downstairs in a few minutes, or else I'll have to come back up here to check on you." "Alright," I rolled my eyes and made

going to sleep, so locating my swimwear proved to

a flowing white chiffon sheer robe. Pulling my hair back into a loose bun, I intentionally left a few strands framing my face. After slipping into the swimwear, I draped the robe over it, stealing one last glance in the mirror to

since his arrival, yet he had already managed to send my sanity teetering on the brink. Amidst the

some individuals I despised from the depths of my being. One of them happened to be associated with my dad's company-a woman who stirred an intense irritation within me: Gloria Henderson-- A fucking

her husband, all the while pretending to be a

clenched

Fucking bitch!

stare, Evie. People will start thinking you've got some personal vendetta against her," Clara whispered into my ear, breaking my intense gaze. I had

I groaned

too but you know where your dad had to invite all of his colleagues, so he couldn't just exclude this one bitch from the list." She sighed, "Anyways, ignore her and enjoy the party. There are plenty of

boy, Clara," I

of your dad. He'd probably ground you for days, forgetting all

yeah, as if I care," I rolled my eyes and made my way towards the bar set up in the

preparing my

made my skin crawl in a whole new way-Gloria, that fucking bitch, was now making blatant

and my teeth ground together as I observed her witch-like nails trailing up and down Jacob's arms. His sleeves rolled up to his elbows giving her easy

uncomfortable laughter and his body language inching away from her touch, yet she persisted, reaching out again and again. Why was I even paying attention to this? He was a grown man perfectly capable of

tried to keep my focus on the drink but one sip and everything felt

not your husband, nor your

shameless flirting still in full swing. Jacob appeared visibly irritated, though he maintained his composure, politely responding to her seemingly pointless

please," I found myself requesting the bartender, ordering the very drink that happened

untied my robe, leaving it open but still draped over me, and held my half-finished cocktail in one hand and the Negroni

Jacob, propelled by an inexplicable force. His eyes fell on me sooner than I had expected, and they lingered, taking in my figure. Gloria, sensing Jacob's attention shift away