My Dad's Bestfriend novel Chapter 170

Evelyn

Dad’s idea of the picnic to lighten the mood was a total flop. After my conversations with Jacob and Cameron, not a single part of me felt light. I felt heavy—really heavy. It was as if a crushing weight was pressing down on my heart, threatening to tear it apart from within. Throughout the picnic, even though I managed to force a smile, I couldn’t genuinely enjoy or feel happy, even for a moment. That was just it—I am not gonna lie—my mental state was getting worse.

After Cameron’s comforting words, I hoped I could relax and enjoy this mini vacation with my friends and family. But that sense of ease, which Cameron had offered me on a silver platter, vanished quickly. With each passing second, and with Jacob’s presence in front of me, I was starkly reminded that the person I might end up hurting could be… Cameron.

But I didn’t want it to be this way.

I’d do everything fucking possible to ensure I didn’t return to Jacob.

As beautiful as the memories with him were, the trauma he inflicted through his words, indifference, and actions was equally horrific. The scars were still there, and I didn’t know how to erase them. With Cameron, at least I could try to ignore that pain, that ache that often rose from the deep marks on my skin.

Despite the chaos in my mind and whatever the fuck I was saying now—both rational and irrational—my decision was to avoid both Jacob and Cameron. Yeah, I was ridiculous for doing that. But…

That’s how the entire picnic went, and surprisingly, both men respected my choice and understood my situation without needing an explanation. They didn’t barge into my comfort zone or brush past it.

Now, as I stared at the ceiling, at three in the morning, I could say I had officially spent a day without seeing either Jacob or Cameron. And I still couldn’t determine if I felt any better. I felt worse, unable to pinpoint whether it was the guilt of not contacting Cameron or my body’s addiction to Jacob’s presence—the sight, scent, and touch.

With a sigh, I slowly got off the bed and headed outside.

A stroll in the garden wouldn’t be a bad idea, would it?

I didn’t have time to think. My feet were already moving, and before I knew it, I was outside my room and heading to the garden. Thankfully, no one was in sight—well, part of me had expected him to be here, like last time. His absence was a relief, but the other part of me felt a twinge of disappointment.

I could say, the title of the most confused human being in the world would go to me if there was any such thing.

In the garden, I wandered among the flowers, lightly brushing my fingers over the soft petals and wiping away the dew. The weather was cool and calm, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me. There was always a war between my mind and my heart and I was tired of constantly trying to adjust to it.

I didn’t know when would this end but surely not so soon.

As my thoughts drifted, I suddenly felt a pair of arms wrap around my waist, pulling me into a warm, solid chest. His masculine, comforting scent enveloped me, and I froze, my mind momentarily blank.

He nuzzled my hair, inhaling deeply, his hands circling my waist. His touch ignited a warmth I had missed so much. Without thinking, I leaned into him, placing my hands over his as they rested on my belly. His fingers brushed against the bare skin exposed where my top had ridden up slightly.

Fuck the whole 'avoiding' shit I’d thought as my savior. I needed his touch more than I’d realized.

“How’s the injury?” he asked softly.