Tessa

Char, Jason, Colin, Micah, Leah, and Landon were already gone by the time I got dressed and ready for my night with Levi. I don't know what to call it, really. Is this a date? I'm not sure. He didn't call it a date, but this definitely feels like one.

I'm nervous and excited about what this evening will bring. It feels like I've waited my whole life to have a night like this with Levi, and here it is finally happening. I feel like I could scream; I'm so pumped.

I smooth out the front of my dress as I head toward the living room. I can already smell something delicious. I had no idea Levi could cook.

The scent has my mouth watering as I slowly pace toward the man I've fantasized about for years. He's standing at the stove, finishing up what looks like steak and vegetables, and fuck does it smell delicious. The lights are dim, and he has the table set for two, complete with candles and two glasses of wine.

If I weren't already in love with him, this would definitely tip the scale in his favor. Wow, I can't believe I just thought that.

Okay, maybe I can. I mean, everyone pretty much knows it already. I've always loved Levi. He's always been my friend, my protector, my knight in shining armor. Of course, I'm in love with him. He's hard not to fall in love with. And from his behavior this week, I'm starting to think he may feel the same about me.

I hope he does.

Levi peers up at me as he puts the finishing touches on our meal. I watch as his eyes rake over my outfit, moving slowly, hungrily, as he admires the way this dress hugs my curves. I can't help but smile at the way he's looking at me like he wants to devour me right here on the counter. It sends shivers down my spine.

When his eyes trace back to reach my own, he clears his throat. "Dinner's ready."

"It smells amazing, Levi," I tell him as he delivers our plates to the table.

As I reach my chair, Levi pulls it back, offering me my seat. "My lady," he says with a grin and a dramatic bow.

A chuckle bubbles inside me as he pushes my chair back in for me. "I didn't know I was dining with a real gentleman tonight."

Levi, placing a hand over his heart, replies, "I will always be a gentleman for you, Tessa."

"Except when you're tossing me off rafts or tickle torturing me," I interject.

He sends me a sheepish grin. "Except for those times. But in all others, I will be the perfect gentleman."

I hope that doesn't include the bedroom.

I smile to myself at the dirty thoughts that start drifting through my head. That's when I notice a shift in Levi's demeanor. He's gripping his fork with so much force that his knuckles are turning white. And I see when I chance a look at his face that his eyes are hooded over, and he's staring me down like a man possessed.

The look in his eyes is primal, almost as if he heard my thoughts and wants nothing more than to show me just how ungentlemanly he can be between the sheets.

Oh shit!

He did hear me, didn't he? I actually said that out loud.

My eyes widen as the realization hits me. I'm so embarrassed. I can't bring myself to meet his gaze any longer, so I focus on the meal in front of me.

The meat is so tender and juicy as I bite into it. My tastebuds celebrate each nibble as Levi's masterpiece caresses my tongue. A sound of appreciation rumbles in the back of my throat, making Levi freeze as he cuts his next bite.

I can't say for sure, but I thought I heard his breath shudder when he did that. Is it possible that he's just as affected by me as I am by him?

I watch as Levi wets his lips, his hands still frozen in place as I take another bite. This time, I close my eyes, savoring every burst of flavor inside my mouth. "Mmmm. This is incredible, Levi."

Call me wanton, call me a tease, call me whatever you want, but I had to know if my suspicion was true. I needed to know Levi and I were on the same page.

When he stayed silent, I opened my eyes, fixing them on his gorgeous face. His mouth was slightly open, and his thumb was tracing his lower lip, slowly, seductively.

When our eyes met, he gave me a weak smile. "Thanks, Tess. I don't cook a lot, but when I do, this is my favorite."

This must be torture for him. I know it is for me. All I want is to crawl across this table and into his lap. I want him to hold me as I run my fingers through his hair and kiss him senseless.

My face must be giving me away because Levi clears his throat again and looks back at his food. "I'm very happy you agreed to stay with me tonight, Tessa."

"So am I."

Slowly, a sweet smile creeps on Levi's lips, making them even more tempting as I try to make it through dinner.

We don't talk much more through dinner, but the sexual tension is mounting. I see it in his eyes every time he glances my way, and I feel it every time I look at him. If I had any doubt that he wanted me before, that's gone now. As if the last several days weren't confirmation enough.

After asking if I'm finished, Levi clears our plates, rinsing them off and depositing them in the dishwasher. "More wine?" He asks, holding up the bottle.

I nod, lifting my glass.

"I need to do something before I show you what I have planned next. Do you mind waiting here for me?"

Setting my glass down, I shake my head, wondering what Levi has up his sleeve next.

His lip quirks, and he plants a quick kiss on my temple before disappearing outside. My heart is beating frantically at the too-short contact, wishing he'd kissed me somewhere else instead.

The minutes pass, and I nurse my wine until Levi reappears inside. "It's ready," he tells me softly, offering his hand to me.

I happily place my hand in his and let him lead me to the dock. A soft glow of candlelight surrounds a blanket decorated with pillows, wine, and a small basket. I steal a glance at Levi, who's watching my reaction expectantly.

"What is all this?" I ask as Levi walks me to the center of everything.

He sits down, gently pulling me next to him as he tells me, "This is a romantic starlit picnic."

I watch as Levi opens the basket, revealing bite-sized portions of gooey fudge brownies, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. "A dessert picnic," he continues, smiling as I take everything in.

"What are you thinking, Tessa?"

My mouth lifts as I look at everything Levi has set up for us. How did I get so lucky? "I think this is amazing, Levi. You planned all of this out for us?"

I feel my cheeks heat as he leans in, moving my hair from my face, tucking it behind my ear. "I did this for you, Tess. Everything tonight was for you."

At his words, tears well in my eyes. Thank you, universe, for this amazing man. I don't know what I did to be worthy of him, but thank you!

When I look up, our noses are almost touching. I can't stop the pull of his lips to mine as I lean closer. "You're incredible, Levi. This whole night has been incredible." My words ghost his lips before I move forward, pressing my lips gently against his.

The kiss is soft and sweet, turning more passionate with each sweep of our tongues. Too soon, Levi pulls away, leaving me breathless. "Strawberry?" He asks, plucking a large berry from the basket.

I feel he's holding back, trying to slow things down to an agonizing pace. It's maddening. If only I could entice him to break his reserve, I could show him how amazing we could be together. I could show him how badly I've wanted him all these years.

Levi waits for my answer as I watch him through hooded eyes. I nod my head, and he dips the fruit into the bowl of cream before bringing it to my lips. I smile seductively at him as I open my mouth, letting him feed me the juicy fruit.

I moan as the berry bursts in my mouth, flooding my orifice with sweetness. Levi watches as I take another bite, letting my tongue graze his fingers, making sure he feels me on his skin. He swallows hard as he focuses on my mouth, desire swelling within him.

He studies my face as I slowly trace my tongue over my lips, soaking up every bit of his attention. "Do you want me to feed you next, Levi?" My voice is laden with need as he flits his eyes to mine, then back to my lips.

"Actually," he starts moving closer, "you have a little something right here."

My breath hitches as I feel his lips on the corner of my mouth. He sweeps his tongue across my skin, lapping up the remnants of my dessert, making me dizzy with lust. This time, he doesn't stop.

He presses me lower onto the blanket, positioning himself on top of me. I feel the warmth of his mouth against mine as his tongue begs for entry. Without hesitation, I open myself to him, deepening our kiss instantly.

I tangle my hands in his thick hair, holding him close against me as his talented lips massage my own. Our breath becomes one as we press harder against one another, begging for more contact.

When I can't take it any longer, I trail one hand down his back, pulling at his shirt, hoping he will quickly dispose of it. To my immense disappointment, Levi halts my actions, breaking our kiss in the process.

His breathing is ragged as he stares down at me, his hand still covering mine at the base of his shirt. "Not here, Tess."

Feeling bold, I make my demand. "Then take us inside."

A/N:

How's that for sexual tension? Lol. Can't wait to see what happens next? Stay tuned for Wednesday's chapter. Will they go inside? If so, will everything be magical, or will something grind things to a screeching halt? 

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