Tessa

It was loud inside the club. The music was blaring, and strobe lights danced across the floor as Colin led us through the crowd. We were meeting Jason and Landon here, but finding them in this mess looked to be difficult.

"Jason said they're halfway between the DJ and the main bar," Charlotte shouted over the music.

I nodded, standing on my toes to look in that direction. I couldn't see anything. We all stayed close as Micah and Colin pushed through the crowd to find our missing friends.

Jason and Landon spotted us immediately as we broke through the writhing bodies on the dancefloor. J smiled widely at Charlotte, closing the distance between them as he ushered us to the small table they were flanking.

"Do you need new drinks?" Landon asked, nodding to the glasses we each held.

I held mine up, shaking my head. It was a miracle I didn't spill the whole thing shoving my way over here. As I took a sip of my vodka cranberry, I saw Landon's eyes flit to Leah. Something passed between the two before he looked away.

I turned my head to Leah, who gave me a tight smile that she tried to mask. I guess there's more to her fling than she's let on.

I make a mental note to ask her about it later when Colin grabs my arm suddenly, spinning me to face him. He smiled wide, holding me at arm's length. "You look incredible tonight, Tess."

"Of course I do. This amazing stylist I knew hooked me up today." I chuckled at his reply.

"You can say that again! No, seriously, say it again."

I laughed harder, pulling him in for a hug. "Happy birthday, bestie."

Colin returned my hug, telling me, "Thank you, Tess. I'm glad you're here."

As we separated, his eyes darted over my shoulder. His smile turned into a smirk. He leaned in just as I was about to ask what was going on. "I got you a little something," he said.

My head tilted, and Colin nodded to something behind me before I could question him.

When I spun around, I came face to face with Levi. He looked immaculate, like he had stepped out of the center of a men's fashion magazine. Colin obviously cleared his outfit for tonight too.

Wow.

Levi moved closer slowly, telling me with his eyes that he enjoyed the clothes I was wearing. His gaze seared my skin as he took his time wandering over my hips, my legs, and my chest. He swallowed hard, the movement making his Adam's apple bob deliciously.

"Tessa, you look amazing."

"So do you. I'm glad you're here," I told him honestly.

"Yeah?"

I nodded. "Yeah." My words came out quietly, but I knew he heard me when his face softened.

I'd been struggling to decide what to do about Levi since his appearance at my house all those weeks ago. His admission made me want to give him another chance, but my mind was still cautious.

Today, not getting to talk to him, not knowing if I'd see him during this trip- it sucked. It brought some terrifying facts to light. The biggest of which- I was still very much in love with him, and I wasn't ready to give up on us.

All day, I missed him. All I wanted was to see him, to hear his voice, to feel him hold me close. The second I saw him standing behind me tonight, that all became very clear. My heart wouldn't settle for anyone else. She only wanted Levi.

The music changed, and someone grabbed my arm. "Oooo, I love this song! Let's go dance," Leah shouted, pulling me with her to the dancefloor.

We stayed close to our friends, just on the edge of the floor. We could still see where they were, and they had a perfect view of us as we swayed our hips to the beat. I noticed with pride as one set of eyes stayed glued to me as I let myself get lost in the beat.

I moved my arms down my sides as I locked eyes with Levi. He looked content to sit back and watch me all night, and for several songs, he did. But the moment I crooked my finger at him, coaxing him to me, he complied immediately.

Everyone was on the dancefloor now as Levi slid behind me, placing his hands on my hips and pulling me to press his chest to my back. We swayed in unison as the beat thrummed around us.

It can't get better than this.

The thought had me beaming as Levi pressed his lips to my ear. "I love you, Tessa."

Maybe it can.

I smiled, letting myself melt into his arms. I lifted my head, getting a good look at his ocean blues. "I love you too, Levi."

His strong hands spun me around to face him, and he rested his forehead against mine. We stayed like that for the longest time, breathing one another in as the world faded around us.

He didn't try to kiss me or push me further. It was as if he was content just being close to me, holding me in his arms. And I was okay with that. Having Levi close was all that mattered to me right now. Knowing we were getting another chance was all I needed to be happy.

Several songs later, the alcohol finally hit bottom, and my bladder couldn't take anymore. I took Levi up on his offer to escort me, following behind him as he led me to the secluded part of the club.

The lights and the music were dim as we walked down the hallway leading to the restrooms. "I'll meet you right here when you're done," he told me.

I hurried to do my business, eager to spend more time with Levi. Before leaving, I checked my appearance in the mirror, fixing any smudges in my makeup and smoothing the tangles in my hair.

When I opened the door to the hallway, I found Levi immediately. He was leaning against the wall opposite me, looking like sin personified. He was sexy as hell... And he wasn't alone.

My gaze zeroed in on the bimbo, reaching out with her poorly manicured hand to touch his forearm. She wanted him that much was clear, but the look of disinterest in his eyes told me all I needed to know- he didn't want her or anyone else but me.

He quickly snatched her arm before she could touch him and batted it away, telling her he wasn't interested or available. I watched her pout as she sulked away. My heart blossomed as he looked my way.

He's mine.

He stood from the wall, coming to meet me. The look he held was worried, tense. "Nothing happened with that girl, Tess. I promise."

I gave him a sweet smile. "I know. I saw you, Levi. I heard what you told her. I know who you want."

His back hit the wall as I pressed into him. I melted into his hand as it formed against my cheek. "I only want you, Tess. It's only ever been you."

"I know," I told him, running my hand up his chest. "I only want you too."

As I stared up at him, I could feel us pulling closer. I didn't want to stop it. I didn't want to fight this anymore. So, I didn't.

The moment our lips connected, everything felt right again. We let ourselves get lost in each other, hands roaming, hair tangling, tongues exploring. It was just like the first time- like every time with Levi.

When he pulled away to catch his breath, I leaned into his neck, planting a trail of kisses until I met his ear. "You want to get out of here?" I breathed, my voice heavy, sounding like a moan.

The nod of his head was all I needed. I grabbed his hand, pulling him toward our friends to say goodnight and grab my things.

We told Colin happy birthday again and let him and everyone else know we were heading out. I saw the smug look on his face as I told him- he knew what he'd given me, and he knew I'd be forever in his debt for it. Just before we turned to leave, I mouthed a sincere thank you to my best friend.

I knew what I wanted to do next. I just hoped Levi was up for it. 

A/N: 

Yay! Finally! They have their shit together for the moment. Now, will it stay that way? And what is Tessa planning...