My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 43 Colours Of Love

Evelyn

Finally. Finally something good.

He kissed me back instantly, his hands snaking around me, pulling me closer. Our bodies pressed against each other, and his warmth seeped into my skin, replacing the icy cold with a warm fluttering sensation. I no longer felt as though I were on the verge of breaking apart.

Amidst all the chaos, he was my sanctuary.

As we broke the kiss and pulled away, he spoke with a smile playing at his lips, "Well, if I had known you were missing me this much, I might have considered slipping some sleeping pills into your dad's drink," he brushed my hair strands away from my face, tracing his thumb over my flushed cheeks, "Your cheeks are flushed. Did you just run?"

"Practically, yes," I exhaled. "Your ex is a bitch."

"What did she do?" he asked, his expression cautious, "Did she say something to you?"

Well....No! I couldn't tell him the truth, not now. It just didn't feel right.

"Um, not really," I shrugged it off, "I just don't like seeing her around."

"Are you hiding something from me, Evelyn?"

"No, Jacob. I just saw her out there by the pool, and I hurried back here to ensure I didn't end up losing my temper with her," I fabricated a lie with practised ease, "That's all it is, I promise. Trust me."

"God, you scared me, Evelyn," he admitted. "Just ignore her, okay? She's not worth the trouble," Breathing a sigh of relief, he pressed his lips against my forehead, "I don't want you to get hurt by anything she might end up saying. She's never careful with her words."

Of course, she isn't. Nor is she careful with the people in her life. Or else, who in their right mind would ever let go of a man like Jacob? That person would have to be an absolute idiot, and that's Chloe. "I'll steer clear of her, but if she ever dares to hurt you again, I swear to God, I'll—"

Jacob didn't let me finish my sentence. He silenced me by pressing his finger against my lips. "No more talking about someone who doesn't matter. Besides, she won't get a chance to worm her way back into my life, so there's no way for her to hurt me."

"But-"

"Evelyn, be good and come with me." He grabbed my hand and began to lead me out of my room.

"What? Where are we going?"

"Somewhere."

"Jacob, don't beat around the bush. Where are the fuck are we going?"

have to stop right here in the middle and do something about that mouth of yours-maybe filling it would be the best way to keep you quiet." His threat sent a shiver down my spine, and well, I couldn't say I'd mind it too much. "So, if

"You're such a dog!"

utterly unfazed by my words. Without warning, he picked me up just like he did

to enjoy this a

me up like this whenever you feel like it. I'm not a

not. Just look at you. Who would ever call you that?"

Evelyn, don't let his charm get to you this

by giving

father's," he laughed. "You know,

I

his laughter clearly indicated that he didn't

cold floor, and a soft

not know what he had prepared until he turned me around

a canvas, paints, and brushes-the very tools I had abandoned

he never got around to buying one for this place; he just had the room made," Jacob chuckled.

it was because these paints, this canvas, and these brushes were once the instruments through which I painted my shattered dreams-a new home with Mom and Dad, my birthday celebrations with them, family

to be crying about this

said, making me look at him, cupping my face in his hands. "I know it's been hard for you, but as far as I remember, you've always been a wonderful artist, Evelyn. You used to create flawless portraits at the age of six, and if I remember correctly, even though you believe you haven't painted in

Every stroke of the brush led me back to memories I had shared in family court, witnessing them divide my life into two parts with joint custody. Fortunately, I got to stay with just one parent instead of being shuttled back and forth

mother may not have respected the family we had, but she

I hadn't realised had escaped until now, "So, do you believe that broken dreams can create new ones?" he asked, "Because I do. It happened when I took the first step toward my new family. When I saw my sister happy, when I made new friends. It's always about those first steps. It's never about the destination, because those steps will always lead you somewhere beautiful-just like the steps I've taken in my life led me to you. And I am so fucking grateful to have taken those steps and

aren't you the charmer?" A smile

back, "Well, if you say so. I won't deny it." Pulling me closer, he brushed his nose against mine, "So, what do you think we're

much my assistant can

not underestimate me, because I actually have an art degree. I used to enjoy painting as a kid," he grinned.

to paint, you Asshole!" I pushed at

his strong arms,

Well-built jerk.

didn't sound like

flares up at your nose, huh?" he chuckled. "I see it

at him. Any genuine anger I felt would always dissipate within a few

moving to my neck. A soft gasp slipped past my lips as he grazed his teeth against my skin-his touch felt so fucking good, "Or maybe, I love the way these beautiful sounds slip past these

now I was unsure whether we were

"I'd say it's yours, because you're the reason I can't keep my hands to myself. Hell, Evelyn, if it weren't just me, you would have sent an entire generation of men to hell," he let out a deep, throaty chuckle, "You're too good to