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 don't want a conventional relationship?" I

time together, expectations rise, your life revolves around your partner, and eventually, love fades

there might be mysteries, secrets, or perhaps even traumas he carried within. Unlike me, he was not an

a range of

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

at me, his gaze

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

I felt him

hummed softly, his nose gently

you think a relationship would complicate your life, or is

silence and the soft sigh that escaped his lips, I found

It was love.

thumb. "Have you ever been in love before?" I inquired, searching his eyes. The brilliant green in them could rival the

the feeling that there was something

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

to tell me now," I reassured him, offering a gentle smile as I planted

softly as the tension in his muscles

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

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

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 lips

he thrust his tongue into my mouth. The kiss began getting

my neck, assaulting it with hot and heavy

inside my crop top and he cupped my breast over my bra. I threw my head backwards, and a quivering

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

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

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

to hide a smile, "You might be even

struggled

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