My Dad's Bestfriend

Chapter 203

Evelyn

"You know, Evelyn... you're the only woman I've ever met who complains about shopping too much," Jacob chuckled, his deep voice resonating with amusement as we strolled down the pavement hand-in-hand.

I rolled my eyes, but the smile tugging at my lips betrayed me. After a marathon of "extra shopping" we'd stuffed the car's backseat with bags and parked nearby for a walk-because I insisted, of course.

As we wandered through the peaceful evening, enjoying the crisp air and easy conversation, my eyes suddenly caught sight of a street-side ice cream shop. I stopped mid-step, my gaze locking onto the neon-lit counter like a moth to a flame.

Jacob noticed immediately. "You want ice cream?" he asked, already grinning.

"Yes, please!" I chirped, tugging him toward the shop.

When we reached the counter, Jacob, knowing me better than anyone, placed the order without hesitation. "One cookies and cream, please."

"And," I added, "a mint chocolate chip."

He raised a brow at me. "Evelyn, I don't even want ice cream right now."

"No one needs ice cream, silly," I retorted, reaching up to brush his messy hair back. "They want it."

"Well, I don't want it either."

"You think you don't, but you do."

"Evelyn..."

"Your order, sir," the shopkeeper interrupted, handing over two cups before Jacob could argue further.

I grabbed the cups, thrusting his toward him before scooping a spoonful of mine. Anticipation turned to confusion as I frowned at the taste.

"What's wrong?" Jacob asked, his brow furrowing.

"It's... off," I said, my disappointment palpable.

He reached for my cup. "Let me try."

After taking a bite, he shook his head, amused. "Tastes fine to me. Classic cookies and cream."

"Really?" I snatched it back, determined to give it another shot. But no, it still tasted strange. The smell was right, the texture perfect-but my tastebuds were betraying me. What was wrong with me these days?

I sighed in defeat. "Maybe today just isn't my ice cream day."

Jacob offered a sympathetic smile. "Want to try somewhere else? I know a few good spots." He hesitated before holding up his untouched cup. "You could even have mine, but..." His tone turned teasing. "You've always hated mint chocolate chip."

My gaze drifted to his cup. The creamy green swirl suddenly looked... tempting.

"Can I try it?" I asked, surprising even myself.

want to

shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "What's wrong with trying

eyes as he handed me his cup. "Here. Let's see

delightful mix of refreshing mint and rich chocolate that made

I not know this

ruffled my hair. "Because you're

hand away.

in to kiss my cheek. "Fine. So,

"An adult, obviously!"

earned a full,

you laughing?"

tone light with

think they're

I just fucking tell you that I am not a

scooped up a generous dollop of ice cream

with disbelief. For a heartbeat, neither of us moved. Then, unable to hold it in, I burst into laughter. "Oh my

with the slow precision of someone plotting

mistake hit me. Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel and

Evelyn!" Jacob's voice rang out behind me, followed by the sound of his

could, weaving through the narrow street, my heart racing from

caught up, effortlessly grabbing

he said smugly, his eyes

tried to wriggle free. "Fine! You win!

too late. He smeared what was left of his ice cream across my

I squealed,

he wiped a smudge of mint chocolate chip from his own

along with him. Moments like this— carefree,

***

to stir, despite my best efforts to stay asleep. It was still late at night—I could tell by Jacob's steady breathing beside me. He was always the first to wake up in the mornings, and feeling his warmth now, deep in slumber, confirmed it was either the

slowly, my gaze

smile tugged at my lips as I leaned closer, placing a featherlight kiss on his. My heart swelled with a quiet kind of happiness as I lay back down, facing him. I could do this forever-watch him, savor the peacefulness of these moments. There was a serenity here, one

hands ached to touch

the line of his jaw, thread through his soft hair, and caress the

knewid wake him if

indulged, so I

wearing his shirt. I like smelling just like him, it made me feel like his strong arms were around me all the time.

air greeted me as I stepped onto the balcony. My fingers gripped the railing as I stared into the quiet city below. Most apartments were cloaked in darkness, save for a few dimly lit windows. Above, the

in the stillness and the soft whispers of the breeze against my skin. Then, suddenly, a pair of warm arms slid around

back against his chest, his chin resting on my shoulder as his

murmured, his voice soft

and fire, soothing and electrifying all at once. The shirt I wore had done little to shield me from

warmth.

of a puzzle

are you awake?" I asked, glancing over my shoulder. "I