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.

blinked. "You want to try mint chocolate

shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "What's wrong

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

my tongue, I froze. It was incredible. A delightful mix of

another spoonful. "Jacob, how did I not know this flavor was so good? I've been trashing it

hair. "Because you're a

his hand away. "Don't call

to kiss my cheek. "Fine. So, what are

"An adult, obviously!"

a full, hearty

are you laughing?"

he said, his tone light with mischief as he

think they're adults

tell you that I am not

a—" Before Jacob could finish, I scooped up a generous dollop of ice

moved. Then, unable to hold it in, I burst into laughter.

hand to wipe the ice cream from his nose with the slow precision of someone plotting revenge. The ominous look in his

mouth as the realization of my mistake hit me. Without waiting for a

voice rang out behind me, followed by the sound

through the narrow street, my heart racing from equal parts exertion and exhilaration. But let's be real-there was no way

before he caught up, effortlessly grabbing my arm and

win," he said smugly,

I tried to wriggle free. "Fine! You win!

his ice cream

squealed,

said, laughing as he wiped a smudge

but laugh along with him. Moments like this— carefree, silly, and so undeniably us-made everything else fade

***

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 middle of the

slowly, my gaze settling

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

hands ached to touch

soft hair, and caress the

knewid wake him if

indulged, so I

instead. My smile deepened when I realized I was still wearing his shirt. I like smelling just like him, it made me feel like his strong arms

cool night 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 sky stretched endlessly, stars scattered like glitter

the breeze against my skin. Then, suddenly, a pair of warm arms

chest, his chin resting on my shoulder as his hands settled over my

soft and low, his lips

night. His presence was everything-comfort and fire, soothing and electrifying all at once. The shirt I wore had done little

warmth. He frt

a puzzle

glancing over my shoulder. "I could've