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

"And 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

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 not

heard such a range of

you know what?

simply looked at me, his gaze searching

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

felt him close his eyes too. "Will you tell

his nose gently brushing

life, or is it love itself that scares

the soft sigh

It was love.

his stubble with my thumb. "Have you ever been in love before?" I inquired, searching his eyes. The brilliant green in them

I couldn't shake the feeling that there was

of any hidden answers. Suddenly, he

planted a light, tender kiss on his lips.

the tension in

Sensing Jacob's impending question, I anticipated it

rest on my

met, closing the distance between us. A warmth spread through me as our lips moulded

lips, demanding entrance and once I allowed him, he thrust his tongue into my mouth. The kiss began

against my neck, assaulting it with hot and heavy kisses; He grazed his teeth

and he cupped my breast over my bra. I threw my head backwards, and a quivering breath

and he pulled me close so that he could devour my lips once again. I gasped into his mouth when he

he finally broke the kiss. His breathing was surprisingly calm compared to

my breath

a smile, "You

frown formed between my brows, but I struggled to find the right words to counter

go, my love," he chuckled, his fingers gently stroking