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?"

fall in love, spend more and more time together, expectations rise,

that there might be mysteries, secrets, or perhaps even traumas he carried within. Unlike me, he was

hadn't heard such a range of

there's another side to the story," I began, "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

me, his gaze searching and

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

warmth. Shortly after, I felt him close his eyes too. "Will you tell me something,

softly, his nose

your life, or is it love itself that

soft sigh that escaped his

It was love.

back 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

there was

Suddenly, he appeared

now," I reassured him, offering a gentle smile as I planted a light, tender kiss on his

nodded, exhaling softly as the tension in his

in 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 was

the fabric of his t-shirt, and our lips met, closing the distance between us. A warmth spread through me as our lips moulded together and he slid his hands down to cup

I allowed him, he thrust his tongue

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

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

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

my lips once he finally broke the kiss.

replied, my breath uneven as a chuckle escaped

hide a smile, "You

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

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