Chapter 14. Not for Me

Evelyn

The evening unfolded, setting the stage for a casual barbecue on the patio. Mason and Eliot had taken up the roles of chefs, with Mason offering his help, albeit in a manner that made me wish he hadn’t bothered. Outside, the air carried a chilly bite, the grass beneath my feet teasing my skin with its gentle tickle. Jacob’s gaze seemed to linger on me persistently, subtle yet undeniable.

This felt good. At least, distracting enough.

Jacob, Clara, and Dad had joined us just half an hour earlier, settling comfortably on the patio. It had been Jennie’s suggestion to invite them, and they graciously accepted, offering a few guidelines to navigate our somewhat chaotic cooking session.

Slipping on a loose white shirt over my bikini, leaving a few buttons undone, and allowing my messy hair to fall over my shoulders, I took a seat beside Cameron. He lit a cigarette, the smoke curling lazily as his blue eyes met mine. The simple act of him placing the ci