Levi

It was obvious Tessa was avoiding me. I hadn't seen her since we had lunch with everyone on Sunday. After that, she ghosted as soon as she could, staying with Charlotte and Colin, saying it was to help with wedding prep.

I knew the truth. I spooked her, and now, I was paying the price.

Tessa probably assumed I was just messing with her, playing some childish game, but that wasn't my intention at all. I wanted to help us both out by letting off some steam- preferably naked in my bed- but she took my advances the wrong way, and I've been left with blue balls all week.

Sure, I have two perfectly functional hands- trust me, they've been getting a workout- but it's not the same. Nothing ever is compared to my night last summer with Tessa.

I just need a repeat of that night, so we can both let out all of our frustrations and go on about our merry way. The way Tessa responded to me at the restaurant, I have a feeling she could use that release too. If only she'd stop avoiding me.

When Jason and I got home Wednesday, I fully expected another Tessa-free night, thinking she'd keep up her disappearing act the rest of the week. I was shocked as hell when I pulled into the driveway and saw her car parked behind Charlotte's Tahoe on the street.

Jason and I walked inside to find the two women laughing about something as they sipped wine, cooking something that smelled delicious. At the sight of his woman, J perked up, beaming from ear to ear as he hurried over to her, scooping her into his arms as I watched his sister from the sidelines.

To say I was stunned would be an understatement. That was the last thing I thought I'd see when I walked into the house today.

No, scratch that. Tessa eyeing me like a piece of meat from across the kitchen was the last thing I thought I'd see.

She was, though. I watched as her gaze drew long strokes down my body, filling me with an intense heat that shot straight to my dick. She slowly sipped from her wine glass, lapping up the last drop with her tongue as she removed the cup from her lips.

I was entranced by her, still unsure if it was a dream or reality. Fuck, I hoped it was real and not some messed-up form of torture from my muddled brain.

"This smells incredible! You two didn't have to do this," Jason said, pulling my attention away from Tessa.

"We just wanted to surprise you guys. What better way to do that than with a tasty dinner and some wine." Charlotte smiled at Jason as she poured him a glass.

I hadn't seen Tessa ease closer to me with an extra glass in hand. "Here's one for you, Levi," she said to me.

Her words hit me like a soft caress, sounding more sultry than they likely were. I nodded my thanks as I took the glass from her hand, noticing how she let hers linger. The simple contact was enough to drive me insane. After several days of unsatisfying self-sessions, I needed a thorough release.

I instantly thought of far more enticing places she could let her hand linger, regretting the thought as soon as it came. My pants were suddenly uncomfortably tight, and the lustful look in Tessa's eyes was only making it worse.

If we were alone, I'd probably take my chances and pull her against me, lift her legs around my waist, and make her scream my name right there on the counter. But there were other parties present who wouldn't take kindly to my unbridled show of passion- namely, her big brother.

Instead, I downed my wine and excused myself to take a shower- a very, very cold shower. It helped only minutely, and I was forced to return to dinner with a semi that threatened to become a full-on erection with every step I took closer to Tessa.

My situation only grew worse when I sat down next to her. Instead of putting space between Tessa and me, Charlotte insisted that she and I sit right across from her and Jason. For a more intimate dinner and conversation amongst the four of us.

She was right about intimate- halfway through dinner, I felt Tessa's hand start to tease me under the table. I almost jumped out of my seat in shock. Was that how she felt the other day at lunch?

Karma's a real bitch sometimes, and I guess it was my turn to feel her wrath.

I could hardly hear a word that came out of J and Char's mouths after that. All I could concentrate on was the hand stroking my thigh, brushing seductively against my balls with each movement.

Tessa never actually touched my dick, though. No, her movements were meant to torture, to drive me wild. Mission fucking accomplished!

By the time everyone finished eating, I was hard enough to cut diamonds, and my balls were aching. Tessa smirked as she offered to take my plate to the sink, knowing full well what my situation was under that table.

"You guys wanna watch a movie?" Jason asked, leaning over the island.

"I need to shower, but you go ahead," Tessa replied, shooting me a subtle message as her eyes flitted to me, still sitting at the dinner table.

"Yeah, I think I'm gonna hit the hay," I added, hoping not to sound too excited to get to bed.

Jason looked at me, his face full of confusion. "Seriously? It's not even nine-thirty."

I tried to sound beat as I answered, "Yeah, but I have this bad headache that just won't go away. I think an early bedtime is just what the doctor ordered." I quickly glanced at Tessa, making sure she understood exactly which head I was talking about.

Her returning smirk was all the confirmation I needed. Message received.

J studied me for a second with a suspicious stare before Charlotte came to my rescue. "That means we get the couch all to ourselves. And we can watch that movie I was telling you about without a running commentary."

She shot a playful look at Tessa.

"Hey! You love my running commentary."

Charlotte winked back at her. "Most of the time. Come on, babe, let's get cozy."

She pulled Jason behind her to the living room, giving me space to finally vacate my seat.

As soon as I did, Tessa smiled and headed up the stairs, leaving me to follow. I could feel my anticipation mounting with each step we climbed. I couldn't believe this was really happening.

I followed close behind as Tessa opened her door. She eyed me with a sultry look as she grabbed some clothes from the dresser- I noticed the lacy black thong she held and shuddered with excitement.

I stayed quiet, waiting for her to make the next move. It would be just my luck that I'd ruin this for myself by saying something stupid and spooking her again.

After grabbing a shirt and shorts, she tilted her head at the door, beckoning me to lead the way out. When I replied with a confused stare, she clarified, "I have to shower. Remember?"

Oh, fuck yes!

I mirrored her sexy smile as we left the bedroom in favor of the bathroom. I'd fantasized about this moment several times since that first morning with Tessa. Now, it was finally going to happen.

My adrenaline was pumping. I was ready to go. Sure, it wouldn't last long after the torment I endured at dinner, but that's what rounds two and three are for. Hell, maybe even more if she's up for it.

With one foot in the door, I was halted in my tracks. Tessa spun around, stopping me with the palm of her hand. "You didn't think you were joining me, now. Did you?"

I sputtered, my mind forgetting how to form words as all my blood supply was diverted to other parts of my body. Her answering smile, accompanied by the drag of her perfectly manicured nail down my chest, confirmed my worst nightmare.

She was only teasing me.

Her hand stopped right above my waistband, and I watched in agony as her green eyes trailed up to meet mine. "You should probably lay down, Levi. Take care of that headache you've got."

With one last cruel smile, she shut the bathroom door in my face, locking it for good measure. I stood there stunned for a while before marching to my room.

What the fuck just happened?

One minute, I'm about to get lucky; the next, it's like a bucket of freezing cold water is dumped on me. Tessa was teasing me the whole time.

Why the fuck would she do that?

Then it dawned on me. Of fucking course.

She thought I was just messing with her, so now she's messing back, trying to get even. She had no idea I was serious. Now she just wants to play these stupid games.

I was pissed off and horny. Somehow, the thought of her playing those stupid games with me only turned me on more. What the fuck is wrong with me?

I took care of that headache as I dreamed of all the ways I'd get even with Tessa. How I'd play her little game, make her as hot and bothered as she made me, then leave her hanging. She'd retaliate, do something similar to tonight, or worse.

Just thinking about it got me off. How fucked up is that?

I knew one thing. Eventually, someone would crack. If she wanted to play the game, fine. I'd play too, but I'd play better. She'd be crawling to me, begging for it when I was done with her. When that day came, fuck, the fireworks would be phenomenal.

Game on, Tess.

A/N:

Who else is grabbing popcorn to watch what happens next? I know I am. Who will win the "game"? I'd love to hear your predictions. 

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