Levi

I came downstairs to find Leah, Charlotte, and Colin sipping mimosas at the breakfast bar. I couldn't help but notice that Tessa was missing. No matter how big or small the crowd, I always notice her presence or absence. That ability has only grown stronger over the years, and after last night, I'm sure it will only get more obvious from here.

Tessa has always been a part of my life, and now it feels like she's become a part of me- engrained into my very being. She already has a special place in my heart, but this feels different. This feels deeper somehow. After tasting her on my lips, I think she's become my body's new addiction. Now other parts of me crave her, not just my beating heart.

As I make my way to the fridge, I mutter a quick good morning to everyone, noticing Colin sending me a strange look. Before I have time to unpack what that's about, someone else enters the kitchen, not just any someone- her.

Tessa breezes by, claiming the open seat by Colin, not even noticing me until she's sipping her freshly poured mimosa. It takes a tremendous amount of self-restraint, but I manage not to turn my entire body her way, pretending to concentrate on by breakfast options in the fridge.

Out of the corner of my eye, I still manage to see Colin lean in and whisper something to Tessa, making her blush and elbow him in the ribs. Immediately after, she glances my way nervously.

I wonder what that's all about.

Not wanting to take too long in front of the open fridge, I grab a plate of leftovers from yesterday and warm up my meal. Two minutes later, I see Colin and Tessa whispering furiously as I approach the table.

I start to set my plate at one of the open seats, but Colin stops me. "Here, Levi. Take my seat. I need to freshen up our drinks anyway."

He sends a subtle smile to Tessa before pulling his chair back for me. "Uh, thanks, man." I try not to sound too suspicious as he coaxes Charlotte and Leah to help him in the kitchen.

Tessa is glaring at her friends when I settle beside her. They're definitely up to something. After everything last night and everyone's strange behavior this morning, the tension in the house is starting to rise.

Hoping to alleviate some of it, I lean toward Tessa. "You ever get the feeling they're trying to get us alone around here? I feel like we're on some weird reality dating show."

A stifled giggle escapes Tessa's mouth before she starts shaking with laughter. Mission accomplished.

"I know the feeling," she tells me. "It's like they're trying to play matchmaker. Which is totally unnecessary."

"Yeah, I think we've finally figured out that we're meant to be." I smile when Tessa snaps her head my way, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Don't you agree?"

My cheeks widen as I watch her reaction to my words. She looks like a deer in the headlights, trying to decipher if I'm messing with her or not.

When she sees the sincerity written on my face, Tessa starts to relax, letting a small grin grace her lips. She nods slowly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah, I think you're right, Levi. You've hit the bullseye there."

Our breakfast is long forgotten as we stare at one another, uncaring that we have an audience hanging on our every word. The pull to kiss her, hold her close, and never let go is as strong as ever as I lean forward. Tessa's eyes flutter as she waits for our lips to meet.

I feel her hot breath getting closer. Our lips are almost touching when a loud shout snaps us apart. "Woo oooo!"

Landon turns the corner into the kitchen, completely unaware of what he's just interrupted. "Who's ready to par-tay!"

Leah rolls her eyes. "Landon, it's not even eleven."

"And? We're on vacation. Plus, you guys already started drinking," he scoffs.

"It's a mimosa. It's hardly alcohol," she fires back.

"Still counts, Le. Besides, it's five o'clock somewhere, baby! Woooo!"

I hear Tessa sigh as the rest of our friends filter in behind Landon. Colin looks exasperated as he glares at the offender. Charlotte sends Tessa and me a sympathetic smile as Jason hugs her to his side. We were so close. So freaking close.

As much as I love the kid, I could strangle Landon right now. I let out my own defeated sigh and turn back to my breakfast, watching as Tessa pushes food around on her plate. She's just as disappointed as I am.

I'll just have to make it up to her later.

~

The rest of the morning and afternoon carried on much like the rest of our vacation, consisting mainly of booze, music, sun, and fun. When Landon mentioned we were running low on beer, I made a stealthy escape to get provisions for tonight. I offered to make a run to the store, using the opportunity to my advantage.

No one knows what I have planned for Tessa tonight, and I can't wait to set everything up for her. I just need to convince her to stay back with me while everyone else hits up the bar later. But I have an idea for that already. I hope it works out the way I've imagined.

When I return from the store, I quickly stash my goods for tonight before joining everyone in the water. "Missy said there's a fair going on a few towns over. They have a decent lineup for tonight's concert. Do you guys wanna go check it out?" Leah asks from her spot on the dock.

Crap! If everyone wants to go to the fair, Tessa may not want to stay behind with me. It would be so much easier to convince her if they were going back to the usual dive.

"I'm always down for music," Landon quickly replies.

Jason nods. "What time does it start?"

"And is there alcohol?" Landon adds.

I see Charlotte and Tessa chuckle as Leah replies, "the concert starts at six, but we probably want to get there early to beat the traffic and find our seats."

I started to feel my perfect night with Tessa slipping out of my reach.

"Is there alco-," Landon starts.

"Yes, Landon, there will be alcohol," Leah sighs.

"Can we get tickets online?" Micah asks.

"Yeah, Missy said there was a bunch left when she looked this morning."

I had to think quickly. There had to be a way to convince Tessa to stay with me tonight instead of going to that concert.

As Leah and the others started making plans for the night, I sat next to Tessa. She smiled at me sweetly. "Are you looking forward to the concert?" She asked.

I knew I had to come up with a good excuse to stay back, and it needed to be compelling enough to get Tessa to remain behind with me. What am I going to do now? She seems excited about the concert.

I wracked my brain for anything that would help my case, finding it difficult to come up with something that would entice her more than a concert. But what if...

"I was actually planning on staying behind," I opted to tell Tessa the truth- at least, part of it. I couldn't tell her everything I had planned, but maybe if I told her just enough, she'd want to stay back on her own.

Her eyebrows furrowed. "Really? You don't want to go to the fair?"

Not wanting anyone else to hear, I leaned in close. "I wanted to have some quiet time while everyone else is gone. There's a blanket, some good wine, and a night under the stars in my future."

I watched Tessa's face soften, melting before me as the bait I laid for her started to lure her in. She imagined herself out on that blanket with me. The glassy look in her eyes and the way her lip folded under her tongue gave her away.

"That sounds wonderful, Levi," she breathed, eyeing my lips as I stunned her with my best panty-dropping smile.

She's on my hook. Now I just need to reel her in.

"You know, I have enough room for two on that blanket of mine. And it would be a shame to keep that wine all to myself...." I hoped my seductive words would work their magic. Leaving tonight up to chance was risky, but if she accepted, I'd take that as a good sign from the universe.

Tessa was leaning close, looking dazed as my words filtered through her ears. She swallowed nervously. "I mean, if you wanted, I could stay with you tonight."

Oh hell yes!

"It would be awful lonely on that blanket without you," I tempted.

"Then I guess I have no choice," Tessa cooed, "I'll just have to stay behind and keep you company."

My heart was beating in double time. I couldn't believe it worked. Not only did Tessa offer to stay behind with me, but she also seemed eager to do so. I don't know which of us is more excited for tonight at this point. All I know is that tonight will be the most amazing night of my life. And it's all because of her. 

A/N:

Aww snap! A romantic night alone under the stars? What more could a girl ask for? 

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