My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 107 Tyler's Ploy

Evelyn

"You're leaving?" I murmured, pushing myself upright, still groggy, and rubbing the sleep from my eyes. I squinted, piecing together the sight of him fastening his watch and slipping on his coat.

"Yeah, love," he said, walking over to plant a soft kiss on my cheek. "Go back to sleep. It's too early for you to be up. I've got some business at the office. I'll make sure breakfast is on its way for you, alright?" His touch lingered on my cheek.

Truth be told, I didn't want him to go. But was it right to hold him back? Not a chance.

His work mattered, and I understood the dedication he had towards what he'd built, despite how unaffected he tried to appear yesterday. Tyler's antics had rattled things for him, and as much as I craved his presence-right here, close to me-I couldn't ignore that it would be selfish.

The last thing I wanted was to exacerbate his problems any further.

"You haven't had breakfast yet, have you?" I blurted out.

"I'll grab something on the way, don't worry," he reassured, attempting to step away, but I caught his arm.

I knew he wouldn't. I knew him too well to believe that. He was the kind of person who forgot about himself when consumed by something, whether it was me or his work.

Jacob Adriano was never his own top priority. But he was mine.

"You've got fifteen minutes to spare?" My gaze softened. "I can whip up some pancakes. It's not much, but at least you won't be wandering around on an empty stomach. Please?"

"Evelyn... it's too early for you to be up anyway," he sighed, trying to coax me. "You don't have to do this. Just lay back and get some sleep. I'll be fine."

"I didn't ask if you'd be fine or not, Jacob. Do you have fifteen minutes? You wouldn't say no if I asked for a cuddle."

I saw defeat flicker across his face before he let out a resigned sigh, probably realizing I wouldn't give in today. "Fine. I'll stay."

A smile crept onto my lips, and I leaned in to plant a quick peck on his lips. "I'll be right back. Wait here for me."

I swiftly tied my hair up with a claw clip and made my way to the kitchen. I'd scoped out Jacob's kitchen before it wasn't exactly equipped. He seemed to live off fast food or restaurant meals. Pasta was a staple, but I couldn't justify cooking that for breakfast. That was more of a dad move-probably the only person in the world who'd indulge in morning pasta.

back to the discussion-Jacob's less-than-functional kitchen miraculously had some pancake mix, much

But luckily, the packet had clear instructions, and I knew enough to turn on the stove. That, in itself,

my waist, and a chin rest

my ear. "You know Samuel will kill me if he finds out about this. He'd love to think I'm making his

do hard work," I chuckled, sliding one pancake

similar 'hard work,' especially now that he's newly married," he laughed. "Can't blame us for that. But let's

his stomach with my elbow, unable to

I wouldn't mind sharing those details with him, but I doubt he'd let me off the

devil,

into my neck, planting a kiss

leave him to his own, I continued making the rest of the pancakes, frying

nestled into

regardless of age, were simply oversized babies-I

what I have

I moved to the shelves and grabbed both bottles, meticulously checking the dates. I couldn't trust Jacob with this who knew if he had expired food in his house?

Let me guess-you're less interested in breakfast and more interested in squeezing me tight."

he protested, looking at me with mock

But enough of the arm talk; you need to eat your breakfast," I said, attempting to separate the plates. He suddenly turned me

his nose, trying to turn away, but

to

sounded so

I couldn't believe him.

about to

I chuckled, turning around and drizzling chocolate syrup

the other hand

hop onto the counter, drawing me closer as he looped my legs around his waist, the plate sitting

I teased, cutting a piece of pancake and offering it to his mouth. He took a bite, and we couldn't help but break into smiles-there was a magical essence to this moment, to him, to

said, taking the fork from my hand and offering a piece to