My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 36 Rendezvous In Secrecy

Evelyn

"Whoa, is this yours?" I asked, my eyes locked onto the sleek motor yacht resting gracefully at the marina. It was beautiful. Having ventured on numerous yacht tours due to my father's unwavering affection for coastal areas, I thought I had seen it all. But this vessel was a real beauty.

"No, it's not mine. If you want to see mine, you'll have to accompany me to Italy," he replied, his fingers intertwining with mine as he guided me aboard, "However, for tonight, it belongs to us. I've arranged for its booking."

"Wow, it's absolutely stunning," I marveled, stepping inside, "I've never come across anything quite this beautiful."

"Hey, my yachts are even better," he chuckled, walking towards the bridge, "This was the closest match I could find here."

"Sure thing," I rolled my eyes, trying to get on his nerves as usual, "You talk a big game. I bet your taste isn't that great."

"Careful now, young lady," he said with a sudden change in tone, grabbing my jaw and gently pressing me against the wall. His eyes held a challenge, but there was a hint of amusement as well, like he knew exactly what I was up to, yet opted for the chance to intimidate me.

Holy shit!

His other hand reached out, fingers toying with the hem of my top, "You should already know how good my taste is," he whispered, his lips brushing against my earlobe. "Don't you see yourself in the mirror? What a shame!"

My heart raced, and a subtle blush warmed my cheeks as I tried to stifle a smile, "I'm not falling for your tricks. You can save them for someone else."

He chuckled softly, the sound sending shivers down my spine. "Oh, but you've already fallen, my love. In fact, it happened a long time ago."

I parted my lips, intending to respond, but, unfortunately, no words emerged.

"What? Cat got your tongue?" He grinned, leaning in to pepper my face with kisses. His lips danced from my cheeks to my chin and then my nose. "Hey, cut it out."

"Why? Is someone ticklish?"

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are," A mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes as he challenged me, a knowing smile playing on his lips. He leaned in again, this time trailing kisses down my throat.

A gasp escaped my lips as my breath quickened. He held me closer, teasing and playfully nipping at my skin, leaving his marks behind.

"We're going to be late..." I managed to breathe out, my voice tinged with a mix of urgency and reluctance. "You mentioned it's a long journey."

I could feel his reluctance to stop, but eventually, he relented, "Unfortunately, you're right," he sighed, his nose tracing a gentle path along my cheek, "We have to return early, or else your dad will go crazy, and now that your mother's here, she'll be concerned too."

Suddenly a thought hit my mind at the mention of my mother.

That day when she came....Jacob told me a story- one that had quite a different narrative than today's one

something to ask

"What is it?"

You told me a story- your mum died the day you were born," I began, "And today you said something different, I can for sure say that, today's one wasn't a lie but-" I left my words hanging in the air and saw him pressing his lips together as if suppress

then?!"

exactly a lie. My emotions were genuine," he responded, clearing his throat and nervously scratching the back of his neck. "I just wanted to uplift

"Jacob... you..."

late, Evelyn," he hastily moved to start the yacht's engine, "We can talk about

talking about now, " And I followed

***

stupid lies. We had

eyes fixed on the island in

was remarkably pleasant, with gentle breezes caressing my skin as if in a delicate

within me has shifted. Was it the serene nature or was

you like it," he spoke from behind me, his arms enveloping

secluded than the others nearby," I inquired, stealing a glance

acquainted with this spot because, hopefully within the next three months, it will

what?" My jaw practically hit

island has been a long-term project of mine, and it's actually personal. It's not just

hands around his neck, "I can understand you, Jacob. There was a moment in my life when I experienced

might you mean by that, young

was impossible to contain the smile that now spread across my

see," I began, tracing my index finger lazily along the side of his face before trailing downward, reaching his chest where I pressed my hand, "there's a man, an Italian man who also happens to be my dad's best friend, unfortunately. The same feeling you have about this island, I

he drew me closer, his hands finding their place around my waist, effectively closing the gap between us,

my head, "That 'old

leaning in closer to my face, "Seems like you're getting out of bounds,

ancient Egyptians," a soft laugh escaped my lips, "Yet here you are, taking advantage of

cruel old man?" His lips twitched as if fighting a grin, and then he let out a sigh, "Evelyn Fernandez, it seems you need

surrender,

playful glint dancing in his eyes, "An old thing, huh? Let me show you just what this 'old thing'

caution, I started

do I always do

watched him begin to advance. His hands hinted at a tickling assault, or more

"Evelyn, wait!"

you're planning to toss me into the pool," I sprinted past him, his fingers nearly brushing my side as

catch on quickly," his laughter echoed as I felt his presence hot on my

defeated in no time, and

bedroom, trying to evade his imminent grasp. He seemed to relish the chase, like a