Levi

Tessa was rolling her hips to the music as everyone gathered around our table at the lake's best dive bar. It became our watering hole each year we returned, partly because it's so close to the house and partly because we get discounted drinks thanks to Leah's cousin, Missy, who tends the bar there.

I was on drink number three as I turned my attention from the discussion between Landon and Micah about which team in the NHL had the best lineup this year to the woman who starred in my dreams almost every night. She wasn't alone on the floor now; Leah and Charlotte had joined her, letting loose and dancing to the music like no one was watching.

It was a great night. I could feel it; something big was going to happen. The cool glass of my beer bottle met my lips as I scanned Tessa's body, slowly memorizing the way her hips swayed and her eyes closed as she fell deeper into the rhythm of the music. She was a knockout, and she had me absolutely enchanted.

My mouth twitched as I thought about everything I admired about her. Not only was she beautiful, but she was also intelligent, bold, and sassy. She loved her friends and family so deeply, and she always seemed to find a way to make everyone around her smile.

She was fucking perfect.

And I was hopelessly in love with her.

I think I always have been, but I was always too worried to mess things up by making a big move. We grew up together, we studied together, and we became good friends over the years. For all those reasons, I was too chicken shit to tell her how I felt, too worried my confession would wreck everything.

That changes this week.

I planned everything out. Tomorrow I'm going to make my big move. I'm going to tell her how I feel over a romantic picnic by the water under the stars. There will be candles, wine, and the soft sound of the waves crashing next to us. I'll hold her in my arms and pour my heart out as I look deep into her emerald eyes.

I can't wait!

Tessa catches my eyes, and a sweet smile curves on her luscious pink lips. My grin widens as I look at her. It's like we're the only two people in this place- just me and Tessa. And all feels right in the world.

A strong arm pulls me to the side, and I hear Landon in my ear. "So, you gonna go out there and dance with her, or are you gonna stay here and keep drooling?"

I shove him away, making him laugh. My glare is only half-hearted as I stand, taking another swig of my beer. I shoot Landon a cocky look before flipping him off and heading to the dancefloor.

Our little bar is more packed than usual with tourists looking for a good time. I ease through the crowd, coming to a stop directly behind Tessa. She looks over her shoulder when I place my hands on her waist, smiling when she sees me.

"Thought you could use a dance partner," I tell her. My lips graze her ear as the words leave my mouth.

Tessa pushes closer to me as the beat picks up. "As long as it's you, I'm happy, Levi."

Her words warm my heart as she grinds against me, getting lost in the music. I bring my hands to rest against her stomach, needing to feel as close to her as I can.

"You are so amazing, Tessa," I whisper, wishing we were alone somewhere.

Tessa grips my arms tightly, letting her head fall against my shoulder. Her easy smile tells me she's enjoying this as much as I am. Feeling brave, I lean in, kissing her temple softly as I deeply inhale her scent.

I feel intoxicated by her. One look, one touch, one dance- that's all it takes for me to bow down to the goddess I'm holding in my arms.

After all these years, it finally feels like the pieces are falling into place. I have my girl right where she belongs, and I don't intend to ever let go. Tessa already has my heart, whether she wants it or not.

The night passes quickly as Missy and her coworkers keep our glasses full. Everyone had a great night, but it's time to head home. We pile into the vehicles as our two sober companions- Micah and Jason- take the drivers' seats.

I'm in the back of Charlotte's Tahoe with Tessa under my arm, and Leah passed out on her shoulder. Tessa's hand rests comfortably on my thigh as she looks close to falling asleep herself. I rest my head against hers as Jason heads down the dark road toward the house, holding Char's hand in his own.

Everything just feels right.

~

Almost too soon, we reach the driveway, and Jason softly wakes the girls, letting them know we're back. Leah groggily removes herself from Tessa's side and stumbles out of the car. Jason and Charlotte are quick to help her inside, leaving me with Tessa.

She lets out a sleepy yawn, trying to hide it behind her hands. "Sorry, guess I'm more tired than I thought."

"Dancing will do that to you, love. Come on, let's get you inside." I place another soft kiss on her head before helping her out of the car.

We make our way to Tessa's room with her nestled close to my side. She stumbles over her shoes a few times, giving me an excuse to hold her even tighter- I'm just worried for her safety, of course.

The closer we get to her room, the more I don't want this night to end. I want to keep holding her in my arms until the sun is high in the sky. Having her so close feels so right; I don't ever want it to end.

I help Tessa to her bed, sitting her on the edge so she can remove her shoes. She's a little wobbly from the alcohol, so I stay close in case I have to catch her.

She looks up at me and smiles, asking, "can you hand me the clothes on top of the dresser?"

Looking behind me, I find what she's asking for. I walk to her dresser and grab her tee shirt and shorts. When I turn back around to hand them to her, I see she's not only rid herself of her shoes but her dress as well. Tessa is smiling sleepily at me as she sits on her bed, looking sexy, wearing only her bra and panties.

I swallow hard as I step closer to her, extending my arm with her pajamas, so I don't have to get too close to the vixen. Is she doing this on purpose? She didn't have that much to drink tonight.

Tessa takes the clothes from me, pulling her shirt over her head and wiggling into her shorts. She pulls them halfway up her thighs when she falls sideways onto the bed, erupting into a fit of giggles.

Okay, maybe she's had more than I thought.

I rush to her side, helping her sit up. "Are you alright, Tess?"

Tessa hums lightly as she looks at me. "I'm okay, Levi. Thank you."

She looks down at her lap. "Um, can you help me stand? I need to pull these up more."

My eyes automatically follow her gaze. A twinge of embarrassment hits me as I realize her lace panties are still on display. I nod, helping her stand so she can adjust her bottoms, hoping she can't hear the wild beating of my heart in my chest.

"Thank you," Tessa tells me, resting her hands on my arms that are still holding her in place.

Our faces are so close. Just one move forward, and our lips would touch. Neither of us moves, standing face to face as we stare at one another. I watch as Tessa's eyes drift down to my lips, then slowly upward.

I couldn't help myself. I leaned in just as she did, closing the gap between us. The soft skin of her lips felt like silk against mine. We moved in sync as we explored one another, parting our mouths to deepen the kiss.

I moaned against her as I tasted the alcohol on her tongue. Fuck!

With some difficulty, I pulled away, ending the kiss. "Tessa, you've had a lot to drink tonight. We shouldn't...."

Her hand gently covered my mouth. "I didn't have that much. I know what I'm doing, Levi. I want this."

My eyes searched hers, looking for any ounce of hesitation. I found none.

"Please," she whispered, begging me to pick up where we left off.

I was weak for her already, and I couldn't unhear the desperation in her voice. She wanted me just as badly. So, I gave her what she wanted- what we both so desperately needed.

Our mouths met in a frenzy as we crashed them together, falling back to her bed. Tessa grabbed my sides, pulling me closer to her as her tongue danced with mine. I could feel her hips rocking as she wriggled beneath me, tempting me to take things further.

I pressed myself against her, making her moan into my mouth while she continued her assault on my lips. My jeans grew tighter with her every movement. She seemed just as eager to continue as I was, but that little voice in the back of my head stopped me from taking things too far.

I knew if we didn't stop now, we never would. Our tongues were still intertwined as I forced myself to stop. I pulled away, panting as I held my weight with my forearms. Tessa whimpered, trying to pull me back down.

Fuck, she's going to be the death of me.

"Tessa, we have to stop. If we don't, we may take things too far and regret it in the morning," I told her through gasps of breath.

She frowned, trying to kiss me again. "I won't regret it, Levi. Please."

I closed my eyes, pushing myself out of her reach, hoping to keep my resolve as I slowed things down. "I want us to both be sure, Tess. I want to do this right. And I want you to be a bit more sober when we go there."

Tessa sighed, but her eyes softened at my words. "You're too good, Levi. Too fucking good."

She gave me a reluctant nod, and I rolled off her, quickly getting to my feet. I pulled back the covers and patted the empty space, coaxing her to bed before I changed my mind about claiming her right here and now. Tessa crawled under the sheets, allowing me to tuck her in with a smile.

I placed a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she stared at me with those gorgeous eyes. She pulled me in with a smile, begging for one last kiss.

I happily obliged, placing a gentle peck on her lips. "Good night, Tessa."

Her smile widened. "Good night, Levi."

Seconds later, I rested my back against her closed door, replaying the passionate kiss we shared minutes earlier. Just the thought had my heart racing again. One thing was for sure after tonight- things between Tessa and I would never be the same.  

A/N:

Happy Friday!! Here's another chapter to start your weekend off right. 

Who's falling for Levi? If you are, let me know with a vote. He's such a stud, and he mentioned the L word?!? Swooning. More Levi and Tessa coming Monday. 

Have an amazing weekend everyone!!