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.
He blinked. “You want to try mint chocolate chip?”
I shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “What’s wrong with trying new things?”
Amusement danced in his eyes as he handed me his cup. “Here. Let’s see this miracle.”
The moment the icy sweetness hit my tongue, I froze. It was incredible. A delightful mix of refreshing mint and rich chocolate that made me question every life choice leading to this moment.
“This is amazing!” I exclaimed, diving back in for another spoonful. “Jacob, how did I not know this flavor was so good? I’ve been trashing it my entire life!”
He ruffled my hair. “Because you’re a kid.”
“Hey!” I swatted his hand away. “Don’t call me a kid.”
He chuckled, leaning in to kiss my cheek. “Fine. So, what are you?”
“An adult, obviously!”
That earned a full, hearty laugh.
“Why are you laughing?” I demanded, pouting.
“Nothing,” he said, his tone light with mischief as he started walking again. “Apparently, kids think they’re adults these days.”
“Didn’t I just fucking tell you that I am not a kid?!”
“Yes, you are a-” Before Jacob could finish, I scooped up a generous dollop of ice cream and smashed it against his nose.
He froze mid-sentence, his eyes wide with disbelief. For a heartbeat, neither of us moved. Then, unable to hold it in, I burst into laughter. “Oh my God, Jacob! You look horrible!”
He stood there dramatically, raising his hand to wipe the ice cream from his nose with the slow precision of someone plotting revenge. The ominous look in his eyes made my laughter falter.
“Oh no…” The words slipped from my mouth as the realization of my mistake hit me. Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heel and bolted, trying-and failing-to stifle my giggles.
“You’re not getting away with this, Evelyn!” Jacob’s voice rang out behind me, followed by the sound of his footsteps.
I ran as fast as I could, weaving through the narrow street, my heart racing from equal parts exertion and exhilaration. But let’s be real-there was no way I could outrun him.
It didn’t take long before he caught up, effortlessly grabbing my arm and spinning me around.
“I win,” he said smugly, his eyes glinting with triumph.
Gasping for breath, I tried to wriggle free. “Fine! You win! Now don’t-”
But it was too late. He smeared what was left of his ice cream across my cheek, a victorious grin spreading across his face.
“Jacob!” I squealed, smacking his chest.
“That’s what you get,” he said, laughing as he wiped a smudge of mint chocolate chip from his own nose.
Despite the mess, I couldn’t help but laugh along with him. Moments like this-carefree, silly, and so undeniably us-made everything else fade away.
***
A soft yawn slipped past my lips as I began 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 middle of the night or the early hours of dawn.
Blinking my eyes open, I sat up slowly, my gaze settling on him. As expected, my man was still asleep.
A tender 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 I never wanted to lose. He was my peace. The meaning my life lacked before him.
My hands ached to touch him-to trace the line of his jaw, thread through his soft hair, and caress the slight stubble on his cheeks. But I knew I’d wake him if I indulged, so I forced myself to slip out of bed 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 were around me all the time.
The 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 against a velvet backdrop.
I stood there for a while, soaking in the stillness and the soft whispers of the breeze against my skin. Then, suddenly, a pair of warm arms slid around my waist.
Jacob pulled me back against his chest, his chin resting on my shoulder as his hands settled over my abdomen.
“Hi, love,” he murmured, his voice soft and low, his lips brushing my ear.
His warmth seeped into me, chasing away the coolness of the night. His presence was everything-comfort and fire, soothing and electrifying all at once. The shirt I wore had done little to shield me from the chill, but with him pressed against me, I felt nothing but warmth. He fit against me perfectly, like the final piece of a puzzle I hadn’t known I needed.
“Why are you awake?” I asked, glancing over my shoulder. “I could’ve sworn you were out cold when I left.”
“Without you, the bed feels empty and cold,” he whispered, his lips grazing the shell of my ear before trailing soft kisses down my neck. Each touch sparked a fire inside me, flames that threatened to consume me entirely.
“You’d better get used to it,” I teased, a chuckle escaping me as I turned around to him and slid my hands around his neck, “I’ll have to go back to America, remember?”
He cupped my face with one hand, his thumb brushing against my cheek as his eyes locked on mine. “I won’t let you go.”
I smiled, leaning in to nuzzle his nose. His scent-earthy and comforting, uniquely his-wrapped around me. He was too good to be true, yet here he was. Real. Mine.
“Dad’s given us a strict timeline, Jacob.”
“I’ll beat him up,” he deadpanned, earning a laugh from me.
“And you think I’d stay with you after that?” I challenged.
A mischievous glint flashed in his eyes as he pulled me closer, our bodies flush. His hands rested on my waist, and our lips hovered inches apart. “I know you’d still choose me.”
He wasn’t wrong-but I wasn’t about to admit that. Not tonight.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Adriano, but it’s a no.”
He chuckled, his lips brushing against mine without fully kissing me, leaving me breathless and wanting. “You’re a terrible liar, baby,” he murmured. “Your eyes give you away every time.”
I had no response. With his body so close, his warmth enveloping me, and his lips teasingly near, all I could think about was kissing him. And he knew it.
“And right now,” he whispered, his voice a seductive hum, “I can see exactly what you want.” He whispered, his tongue tracing my bottom lip, sending butterflies fluttering wildly in my stomach. Even after all this time together, he still had the power to make me feel like that same teenage girl with the biggest crush on her dad’s best friend. The same Evelyn who was utterly and hopelessly crazy about him. He still stirred those butterflies, ignited the sparks, and fanned the flames within me-if anything, they burned brighter and fiercer than ever.
“If you know so much,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper, “why aren’t you giving it to me already?”
His smirk deepened. “Because I’m getting used to it,” he said, throwing my earlier words back at me. “You’re going back to America, right? Strict timeline and all?”
But something shifted inside me then. And I had never been more sure about this as I was right now. So, ready, so certain.
Smiling softly, I traced my thumb over his cheek.
“You know,” I began, my voice steady, “I don’t have to go back to America if we do one thing…” I tilted my head, watching as realization dawned in his gaze. “How about you make me your bride, Mr. Adriano?”