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 don't want a conventional relationship?"

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

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

heard such a range

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

looked at me,

once doesn't mean it will always be that way," I smiled, "Life has so much more to offer if we're willing to embrace

I felt him close his eyes too. "Will you tell

nose gently brushing against

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

his silence and the soft sigh

It was love.

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

shake the feeling that there was something

he appeared

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

softly as the tension in his muscles

speaking. Sensing Jacob's impending question, I anticipated it and shifted

of his hands, guiding them to rest on my hips, knowing that it

warmth spread through

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

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

slipped inside my crop top and he cupped my breast over my bra. I threw my head backwards, and a quivering breath left my mouth as he

so that he could devour my lips

lips once he finally broke the kiss. His

I replied, my

to hide a smile, "You might be even

I struggled to

chuckled, his fingers gently stroking my cheek, "We can't afford to raise