Levi

It took all I had not to run back to Tessa's room after I was done helping the guys finish bringing everything inside. Had Landon not interrupted us, she and I may have finally done what I've been dreaming of doing for years. We were so close. I was throwing caution to the wind and going for it.

Then came Landon, blowing in like a hurricane, ruining the moment. He didn't even seem to realize that he'd walked in on something massive happening between Tessa and me.

I guess I should be grateful for that. If he'd realized what was happening, he wouldn't have stopped giving me shit about it, and he probably would have made it awkward.

I wander to my room, still thinking about what almost happened downstairs with Tessa. How would she have tasted on my lips? Would she have stopped me at the last second, or has she wanted it for as long as I have?

I blindly grab for my bag as I reach my bedroom but only find an empty space where my things should be. My eyes shift toward the floor. There's nothing there. That's when I realized I'd left my stuff in Tessa's room earlier.

Well, here's my excuse to venture back down there.

I turn toward the door, planning on making a beeline straight for Tessa's room. I make it one step before stopping in my tracks. To my great surprise, I find Tessa staring at me from the doorway, my bags in hand.

She gives me a quick smile. "You left these downstairs. I thought you might need them."

I chuckle lightly as I approach her. "You thought correct."

Our fingers brush as I take my bags from her hands, sending sparks through my arm. Her eyes are wide as she stares up at me, neither of us moving to make room between us.

Without meaning to, I lean forward, bringing our faces only inches apart. "Thank you, Tessa."

I watch as her throat bobs with a swallow. Her lips part slowly as those beautiful eyes focus on me. "You're welcome, Levi," she whispers.

Our eyes lock as I will myself to say something, to do something. I'm frozen in place, unable to muster up the courage I had earlier. I feel my chance slipping away as Tessa shakes her head, breaking free of the trance we were locked in.

I hear her inhale as she takes a small step back, putting too much space between us. With that, I feel my window of opportunity slam shut. I've missed my chance again!

"See you downstairs?" Tessa's voice halts my brooding.

"Of course. I'll head down in a minute," I tell her.

With another smile and a nod, she disappears into the hallway. I lean against the doorframe, staring after her. The shuffling of feet to my left catches my attention. I look over to find Colin heading slowly for the stairs. The smirk on his face as he looks from me to where Tessa disappeared from my view tells me all I need to know.

He knows my secret.

Colin shoots me one last glance before stepping onto the staircase. His smirk only grows as he makes his descent.

Fuck, I've got it bad!

I'm usually better at masking my emotions, especially around Tessa, but since she showed up this summer sans Benji, my usual plans have gone out the window. I feel like such a sap, practically drooling after her every time we interact. She just seems to have that effect on me.

"Levi! Where you at, man? Come to the kitchen," Jason shouts from the kitchen.

I peel away from the doorframe, bracing myself for what I'm about to walk into. As I get closer to the kitchen, I hear liquid sloshing as my friends pour drinks into empty glasses. Their laughter fills the halls as I turn the corner, finding everyone with a fresh shot in their hands.

"About time, dude," Landon shouts from across the island.

I give him my middle finger as a shot glass is slid into my hand. I look down to find Tessa standing beside me. "We waited for you. Landon insisted we take a shot before we kick things off," she informed me.

My lips quirk as I lift my glass. "Thank you."

I feel eyes on me as I look at Tessa. With difficulty, I tear my gaze away from her, scanning the room, and lifting my glass higher. "To the best summer ever!"

Echoes of my words ring around the room as everyone cheers. The whiskey burns as it slides down my throat, warming me from inside. I set my glass down, looking over at Tessa, who's cringing.

I can't help but laugh as I reach for a chaser, knowing she doesn't usually drink whiskey. I hand her a bottle of Sprite which she quickly accepts.

"Thank you," she gasps, setting the half-empty bottle on the counter.

"No problem. I know whiskey isn't your spirit of choice," I say, playfully nudging her arm.

Sweet notes of laughter spill from her mouth as she replies, "You've got that right, Levi. I tend to go for... Well, anything else," she says, laughing harder.

The sound is infectious, making me join in with her. As we giggle like school children, I hear Jason. "Alright, everyone, we need to make our grocery run before we get too crazy. Who wants to go?"

Suddenly, everyone went silent. When no one jumped at the opportunity to make the grocery run, I volunteered to go with Jason and Charlotte.

"I can go too," Tessa piped up next to me.

Jason smiled our way. "Perfect! Does anyone have any special requests?"

"Ooooo, grab some of those peanut butter protein bars I like. You know the ones with the wafers inside," Leah told Charlotte.

"And don't forget the oat milk. Extra creamy," Colin added.

"And can you grab some of those bacon skewer things? The barbeque flavor," Landon chimed in.

Jason stares at the three of them as Charlotte jots down the requests. "Okay..."

"Oh, and some of that fancy cheese we got last time," Leah interrupts.

Landon starts to add something else when Jason stops him. "How about you all come with us. That way, everyone can make sure they get what they want."

I heard Leah and Landon sigh before Landon exclaimed, "We need to do a liquor run too! That bottle in the kitchen isn't going to cut it for tonight."

Jason nodded his head as he ushered everyone outside. "Alright, I think Landon, Leah, Colin, Charlotte, and I should get the groceries. And Levi and Tessa can do the booze run. Sound good?"

"Aw, why can't I go on the booze run?" Landon tutted.

Jason flashed him a too-sweet smile. "That's because you had special requests for groceries. They know what you like to drink," he said, pointing to Tessa and me. "It'll be faster and easier this way."

"Wait," Leah started, "what about Micah?"

"I volunteered to get the patio set up and make sure the boat is ready to go in case we want to take a cruise later," Micah informed her with a grin.

Colin mumbled under his breath, making Tessa chuckle as we walked to the cars. Jason and Charlotte jumped in the front seats of her Tahoe as everyone else filtered into the back.

I unlocked Landon's Jeep before opening Tessa's door for her. She smiled gratefully at me as she slid into the passenger seat. Who said chivalry is dead?

We followed behind Jason, making small talk as we made our way to the small town about fifteen minutes from the lake house. At our last turn, he veered left as Tessa and I took a right, heading our separate ways to secure our provisions for the trip.

It was easy to slide into our usual banter, just like old times. That's how things are with her- easy, smooth, comfortable. We go together so well, almost like we were always fated for one another. This summer, I'm determined to find out if I'm right.

This summer, I'll do things differently. 

A/N:

Thank you for taking the time to check out The Summer Before. If you are enjoying so far, don't be afraid to vote and/or comment and let me know :)

Every vote and comment helps elevate the story so others will be more likely to find it on Wattpad and hopefully enjoy it as much as you all have.

What do you think happens between them this summer? I love to hear your theories.

Til next time, have a wonderful day!

❤️