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.

chance of

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

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

nodded trying hard to not laugh again. He still treated me the same way he used to when I was a kid, apparently for my dad I'll

me know if she starts sneezing

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

the atmosphere around the

and there were no signs of any guests yet. This section of the mansion facing the pool primarily consisted of rooms reserved exclusively for us. Some remained unoccupied, awaiting the arrival of my

and my unruffled gaze

on the submerged blue-tiled steps. This position allowed half of my body to

return, "And why

was a subtle shift in his tone, almost imperceptible, yet it made my skin crawl with something new. Damn it, even watching him without being able to turn my wildest fantasies into reality right there by the pool was sheer

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

deliberately putting on a show for him, although I couldn't quite fathom why I desired such a response. Perhaps, for now, the

indeed grown up..." I heard his deep voice remark,

still avoiding direct eye contact as

His words this time caught my attention, compelling me to finally look at him. The devilishly handsome face adorned with green eyes and

flee out of fear,"

the real story, Evelyn?" he inquired, his voice rendering my name in 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

heat was sown deep

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

of secrets from childhood huh?" He rose on his feet as well, in his right hand, there was the robe that I had left on the lounge

it was only you who saw me as a child, because I vividly recall engaging in activities that are beyond a child's realm," I sighed, shaking my head, and approached him. His eyes

mine, and I held his stare for a moment before extending my hand

he released a soft laugh and handed me the robe. "You're a different

the robe. However, as I attempted to tie it, I discovered that the tie was missing. Confusion etched itself across my brow as I looked at him. "You took

escaped his lips as he bent down, his warm breath grazing my belly, causing an involuntary intake of