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."

you're not married? Because you don't want a conventional relationship?" I

more time together, expectations rise, your life revolves around your partner, and eventually, love fades either from one side or

that there were hidden depths beneath his exterior. I realised that there might be mysteries, secrets, or perhaps even traumas he carried within. Unlike me, he was

such a range

"It's true that love can sometimes fade 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 I mean to him. He found his happiness in me. And now that Clara has come into our lives, everything is even better than before. She loves my dad unconditionally, flaws and all, and cares for me as if I were her own daughter. My dad has never

simply looked at me, his

that way," I smiled, "Life has so much more to offer if we're willing to embrace it." I leaned closer, pressing my forehead

after, I felt him close his eyes too. "Will you

hummed softly, his nose

relationship would complicate your life, or is it love itself that scares

the soft sigh that escaped his

It was love.

slightly, I lifted my hand to caress his cheek, tracing his stubble with my thumb. "Have you ever been in love before?" I inquired, searching his eyes. The brilliant

couldn't shake the feeling that there was something about Jacob that I didn't

different, devoid of any hidden answers. Suddenly, he appeared less

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

softly as the tension

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

hold of his hands, guiding them to rest on my

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

the seam of my lips, demanding entrance and once I allowed him, he thrust his tongue into my mouth. The kiss began getting heated, and a blaze passed

sat up. He pressed his lips against my neck, assaulting it with hot and heavy kisses; He grazed his teeth against a particular spot of my neck

threw my head backwards, and a

hand moved to grab my throat, and he pulled me close so that he could devour my lips once again. I gasped into

lips once he finally broke the kiss. His breathing was surprisingly calm compared to my erratic one. He had

I replied, my breath uneven as

smile, "You might be

but I struggled to find the right words to counter

his fingers gently