My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 4 Secret Or Not

Evelyn

"Evelyn, get the hell out of the pool....you'll catch a cold!" Dad's voice echoed across the poolside, but I chose to ignore his yell and swam to the other side, determined to enjoy the water.

"I am not a kid, Dad!" I shouted back, my voice laced with defiance as I leaned against the edge of the pool. "Go and get some rest!"

The party had ended an hour ago, and the once lively poolside had now emptied, revealing the vastness of the mansion Dad owned. It was nothing short of a palace, capable of accommodating over a hundred people, though there weren't nearly as many guests invited. But I had a feeling the wedding day would be an exception.

"Evelyn, I said get out right now!" Dad ordered but once again, I paid no attention to his words.

At that moment, there were only four of us left by the poolside: Clara, who was struggling to suppress her laughter; Dad, who was determined to spoil my swim; me, defiantly sticking to my decision; and Jacob, silently observing the entire spectacle from one of the plush chaise lounges scattered around the area.

"Grow up, Dad," I didn't know why I loved getting on Dad's nerves, "Let me enjoy my swim."

As expected I could see Dad's face turning different colours and he yelled again, "What did you just say? You are me telling you to do what?"

"Grow up, Dad," I repeated and Clara burst into a fit of laughter. Even Jacob couldn't hide his amusement, attempting to stifle his own laughter behind his hand.

"Evelyn Fernandez, get the hell out of that pool right now!" Dad barked,

"Samuel, let her enjoy herself," Clara interjected, coming to my defence as Dad and I competed in the mini glaring contest," She just started swimming a few minutes ago."

Dad's glare remained fixed on me, "She has a tendency to catch a cold easily, Clara. She shouldn't be so careless."

"Dad, the water is very warm. You can check it if you want," I chimed in.

His glare faded, replaced by a frown of contemplation.

Knowing my dad, I could almost see the internal debate happening in his mind. Ether he'd continue this argument or let it go.

was another chance of his to confirm

I could even complete my thought I saw Dad crouching down and checking the temperature of the water by reaching his hand inside the

but Dad, being himself, seemed unfazed. He slowly stood up after confirming the temperature was safe for

voice and I nodded trying hard to not laugh again. He still treated me

know if she starts sneezing or experiencing any discomfort?" He looked at his best friend and I had expected Jacob to look surprised or say anything but he only

my dad left the premises, and Clara, blowing a kiss my way, soon followed suit,

than the atmosphere around the pool area

of any guests yet. This section of the mansion facing the pool

unruffled gaze that was staring at the reflection

swimming closer to the pool's edge and settling on the submerged blue-tiled steps. This position allowed half of my body to remain above the water, with only my hips and

surprise, he questioned me in return, "And why

yet it made my skin crawl with something new. Damn it, even watching him without being able to turn

resting my elbows on the steps behind me and leaning back, basking in the gentle caress of the sun's rays on my face as I closed my eyes. Even with my eyes shut, I could sense Jacob's gaze tracing the path of water droplets gliding down

why I desired such a response. Perhaps,

I heard his deep voice remark,

handsome than before," I let out, still avoiding direct eye contact as I casually tousled my semi-wet hair

thought you were afraid of me back then," His words this time caught my attention, compelling me to finally look at him. The devilishly handsome face adorned with green eyes and features reminiscent of a Greek god... was now fixed upon me

out of fear," I chuckled, unable to contain the mirth, "Because the real story was

a way that sent my thoughts into disarray, mind at sevens and sixes and heart on the verge of jumping out of my chest. I had to restrain myself from squeezing my thighs together, attempting to quell the fire that his mere

sown deep into my

myself uttering as I rose to my feet. "After all, secrets have a way of making everything

to be keeping a lot of secrets from childhood huh?" He rose on his feet as well, in

that are beyond a child's realm," I sighed, shaking my head,

moment before extending my hand towards him.

onto his face, his pearly white teeth gleaming as he released a soft

smiled and slipped into the robe. However, as I attempted to tie it, I discovered

his eyes, and a chuckle escaped his lips as he bent down, his warm breath grazing my belly, causing an