My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 21 Kisses & Promises

Evelyn

"You're thoughtful," I remarked, my gaze fixed on Jacob who lay beside me.

"I don't deserve all the credit," he replied, adjusting his position by propping his head on his arm, "Most people know beaches look even better at night. The sea's beauty is unmatched." A smile appeared on my lips, for reasons unknown.

This moment with Jacob was beautiful. Our fingers intertwined, his eyes meeting mine, our breathing in sync, and the sky blending into the endless blue sea.

The gentle waves brushed against our feet, filling me with bliss.

"Not everyone," I sighed, gazing at the star-filled sky, like a magnificent, glittering veil. "Many fail to see its magnificence, finding it boring."

He remained silent, his eyes fixed on me.

I pulled Jacob's hand closer, tracing my fingers over its back as I admired the sky.

"Tell me something, Jacob," I turned my head to face him, "How many relationships have you had?"

A flicker passed through his eyes, a hint of hesitation evident. He seemed slightly uncomfortable.

"It's okay if you don't want to talk about--" I couldn't finish my sentence because he spoke up.

"Not many," he sighed, "I never really sought long-term commitments. Most of the time, it was more casual. Though I did have a few relationships in the past."

"How did they end? On a good note or..." I left the question hanging, letting him fill in the rest.

"Mutually," he responded, "There were no strings attached, so it was always easy to break free and move on."

"This is why you don't want to settle down?" I asked, intrigued. "Did you fear it would restrict your freedom?

"Not really. We all have our reasons, some of which we prefer to keep hidden," he said, his voice softening. "My life has been complicated, Evelyn. I didn't want further complications. That's why I chose to live this way."

not married? Because you don't want a

I believe it was the right choice. There's nothing inherently special about it. You fall in love, spend more and more time together, expectations rise, your life revolves around your partner, and eventually, love fades either from

there might be mysteries, secrets, or perhaps even traumas

a range of emotions

between two people. But have you ever considered the bright side? The part where you learn to heal, live for yourself, and discover a new purpose?" I smiled gently, "Take my dad as an example. When my mother left him, he was devastated. His smiles were rare. But as time went on, he transformed. And you know what? My dad often tells me that I'm his reason for living, and I never doubt it because I've seen how much

me, his gaze searching and

it will always be that way," I smiled, "Life has so much more to offer if we're willing to embrace

him close

his nose

think a relationship would complicate your life, or is it love itself

silent. Yet, in his silence and the soft sigh that escaped his lips, I

It was love.

stubble with my thumb. "Have you ever been in love

there was something

hidden answers. Suddenly, he appeared less relaxed and carefree. His body tensed, and his breathing grew

as I planted a light, tender kiss on his lips. "Just give me your

the tension in

passed in silence, neither of us speaking. Sensing Jacob's impending question, I anticipated it and shifted my position,

of his hands, guiding them to rest

curling around the fabric of his t-shirt, and our lips met, closing the distance between us. A warmth spread through me as our

demanding entrance and once I allowed him, he thrust his tongue into my

assaulting it with hot and heavy kisses; He grazed his teeth against a particular spot of my neck and it made a moan rip through

I threw my head backwards, and a quivering breath

he pulled me close so that he could devour my

lips once he finally broke the kiss. His breathing was surprisingly calm

think," I replied, my breath uneven as a chuckle escaped

a smile, "You might be even

formed between my brows, but I struggled to find

should probably go, my love," he chuckled, his fingers gently stroking my cheek, "We can't afford to raise