My Dad's Bestfriend novel Chapter 43

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?"

"Young lady, if you curse again, we might 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'd like to avoid that now, I suggest you stop cursing."

"You're such a dog!"

"And you're my favourite treat," he chuckled, utterly unfazed by my words. Without warning, he picked me up just like he did in the morning, throwing me over his shoulder as if I were a sack of potatoes.

"What the—"

"Watch your mouth, Evelyn," he seemed to enjoy this a bit too much.

"You need to break this habit of yours! You can't just pick me up like this whenever you feel like it. I'm not a bag of potatoes."

"Of course, you're not. Just look at you. Who would ever call you that?" His words made me blush crimson.

Come on, Evelyn, don't let his charm get to you this time.

"You can't escape the consequences by giving me a flimsy compliment!"

"You're always so fiery. Your temper..it’s just like your father's," he laughed. "You know, it's amusing when someone so small like you gets angry."

"Excuse me, I am not small!"

"Okay," his laughter clearly indicated that he didn't believe me.

However, before I could speak again, I found myself gently placed back on the ground. My feet touched the cold floor, and a soft gasp escaped my lips. The room's lighting was dim, with nothing but emptiness behind Jacob.

And behind me? I did not know what he had prepared until he turned me around by the shoulders, "There we go."

My brows shot up in astonishment, and my lips parted in awe—before me, lay a canvas, paints, and brushes—the very tools I had abandoned the day I gave up on my dreams.

"I suppose this room was originally intended for your dad's peculiar hobby, which occasionally resurfaces—playing the piano. However, he never got around to buying one for this place; he just had the room made," Jacob chuckled. "So, I decided to put it to good use."

"Jacob...this," My words trembled, and I couldn't quite understand why I was suddenly so emotional. Perhaps 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 games, and ultimately, the simple joy of having a family.