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."

that's why you're not married? Because you

right choice. There's nothing inherently special about it. You fall in love, spend more and more time together, expectations rise,

were hidden depths beneath his exterior. I realised that there might be mysteries, secrets,

such a range of emotions in his voice

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

simply looked at me, his gaze searching

love failed us once doesn't mean it will always be that way," I smiled, "Life has so much more

felt him

nose

you think a relationship would complicate your life, or is it

Yet, in his silence and the soft sigh that escaped

It was love.

thumb. "Have you ever been in love before?" I inquired, searching his

shake the feeling that there was

silence this time felt different, devoid of any hidden answers. Suddenly, he appeared less

a gentle smile as I planted a light, tender kiss

the tension in

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

hold of his hands, guiding them to rest on my hips,

closing the distance between us. A warmth spread through me as our lips moulded together and he slid his hands down to cup my butt as

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

it with hot and heavy kisses; He grazed his teeth against a particular

threw my head

grab my throat, and he pulled me close so that he could devour my lips

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

I replied, my breath uneven as a

"You might be even more

brows, but I struggled to find the right words to counter

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