*Last summer*
Levi
The first few days of vacation flew by. We had a fully stocked kitchen, a gorgeous view, and not a care in the world. This was our own private slice of paradise.
The eight of us spent most of our first days out by the lake, cruising around on the boat, floating on the water, and soaking up the summer rays. It was glorious.
Up until today, the weather had cooperated. When we all woke up this morning, it was dark and cloudy outside, putting a damper on our plan to take the boat out again. Instead, we'd have to hunker down inside and entertain ourselves. I was A-okay with that.
It meant putting myself in closer proximity to Tessa for an entire rainy day. Sure, we'd been hanging out with everyone since we got here, but being forced inside for the day would mean we'd be tucked closer together. It would feel more intimate in closed quarters than it did out in the open.
I smiled at the thought of cozying up with her on the couch as the rain pelted the windows. We'd snuggle up in the corner of the sofa, watching movies, laughing, and joking as the day passed. I'd eventually muster the courage to put my arm around her and pull her close, so she could lean on my chest when her eyes finally grew tired.
It was a dream that I could make a reality. Scratch that- it was a dream that I would make a reality. This was the summer I'd make my move. Our stars have finally aligned, and this summer, I will get my girl.
Thunder rumbled outside as I hopped out of bed, excited to see what the day would bring. I heard voices in the kitchen as I made my way downstairs. Immediately, I could smell the savory aroma of bacon. Someone was making breakfast.
As I got closer, the smells only intensified, making my mouth water. I saw our chefs dancing around the kitchen as I leaned my bare shoulder against the entryway. Tessa, Micah, and Jason were quietly preparing a breakfast feast for everyone.
I watched as they piled plates full of eggs, meat, fruit, and pancakes. I was suddenly starving, and everything smelled amazing, but the food wasn't what held my focus. Tessa was.
Micah said something quietly to her and Jason, making her laugh as she pulled cartons of juice from the fridge. She looked beautiful, standing there smiling in her tank top and sleeping shorts with her hair piled on her head in a messy bun.
That was the Tessa I'd always known and loved- the easy-going, kind, girl-next-door. I could see her like this a million times and still be blown away by her beauty. She's a knockout even without a single drop of makeup. Tessa somehow gets more breathtaking each year, making me fall a little harder for her with every passing summer.
I'm still standing at my post when I hear feet shuffling behind me. I turn to find a yawning Colin approaching, followed by the rest of our friends.
"Mmmm, something smells amazing," Leah coos as she walks past me, taking a seat at the table.
"You got that right. I'm starving," Landon adds, sitting across from her.
Jason chuckles as he starts setting plates around the table. "Glad you could all join us. We figured since we're probably stuck inside all day that we should start out on a high note."
As Charlotte makes her way to the kitchen, Jason pulls her into a loving hug, kissing the top of her head.
"Good morning, love," she tells him, smiling into his chest.
"Morning, baby." I avert my eyes, giving my best friend and his girl some privacy.
When I do, my gaze shifts to Tessa. She looks at me with a bright smile before flitting her attention to my naked chest. I see her eyes widen as she realizes I'm shirtless, noting the hint of pink in her cheeks. My ego thrums at the sight.
Feeling bold, I move next to her, leaving very little space between us. "Did you really get up early to make all this for everyone?"
Her green eyes stun me as she replies, "you know I did, Levi. With some help, of course. We thought it'd be a nice way to start the day."
My right cheek quirks up as I look at her. "Seeing you in the morning is a nice way to start any day."
A shy laugh leaves her lips as her face turns a brighter shade of pink. Satisfied with her reaction, I let my fingertips brush hers as I take the bowl of fruit from her hands, walking it to the table as she watches from under her long lashes.
By the time Tessa makes her way to the table, everyone else has claimed a seat. The last open spot is right next to me. I grab her glass, filling it with orange juice while she adds food to her plate, shooting me a grateful smile. Our hands touch again as I pass her juice over. This time I let them linger, enjoying the sensation of her skin against mine.
The moment is interrupted by Landon elbowing me in the ribs. "Hey, can you pass me the syrup?"
I reluctantly remove my hand from Tessa's so I can pass the syrup to Landon, hoping he doesn't notice the annoyed face I give him. "Thanks, man," he says, pouring a heaping amount onto his pancakes.
When I sneak another peek at Tessa, I see her eyes close as she bites into Micah's famous flapjacks. The image of her lips wrapped around her fork, paired with the hum of approval that sounds deep in her throat, is enough to send a wave of excitement to certain parts of my body.
I quickly look away, trying to stave off embarrassment as I will my dick to behave. That's the last thing I need- to pop a boner at breakfast because my crush made a sexy moaning sound over hotcakes. I'd never hear the end of it.
It takes a great deal of effort to keep my favorite appendage in line throughout the rest of breakfast as Tessa periodically hums in approval of the food she helped prepare. I try to distract myself with idle banter with everyone, but it barely works.
After our leftovers are put away, and our dishes are loaded, we head toward the living room. The sky outside had grown darker while we ate, making the scene behind the windows look ominous.
A flash of lightning illuminates the sky as a massive crash of thunder echoes around the house. Leah lets out a startled shout, nearly jumping into Landon's arms, making him chuckle.
"Hey, there, don't worry. I'll protect you from the storm," he tells her, putting his arm around her.
Leah rolls her eyes in response but doesn't push him away as she watches warily out the window. The rain starts to fall harder, banging loudly against the house, making her nestle even closer to Landon. He smiles widely as he walks her to the section of the couch farthest from the windows, settling down next to her under a blanket.
I watch them with slight envy. Tessa isn't afraid of storms. She isn't scared of anything. If she were, I could use this moment to do exactly what Landon did. I could pull her close and tell her I'll protect her from the thunder and lightning. We could cuddle under a thick blanket as I hold her in my arms, hugging her tightly each time the storm surges outside.
Instead, I'll have to wait for my chance to sling my arm behind her- pretend I need to stretch or something just to give myself an excuse to get closer to her.
The enormous sectional is almost full as everyone settles in. Charlotte and Jason sat on the opposite end of Leah and Landon. Micah and Colin claimed the spot next to the latter, leaving the large corner space open for Tessa and me.
I was secretly grateful. We would be forced close together to share the space comfortably, and she didn't seem to mind by the look on her face.
Tessa snuggled into the corner as I grabbed a blanket for us to share. She made room for me, smiling as I sat beside her. "I thought we might need this," I stated, holding up the blanket.
She giggled, rubbing our arms together as I spread the fleece over us. "How thoughtful of you."
I kicked my feet up on the ottoman, barely listening as Jason and the others decided what to watch. It was hard to focus on anything with Tessa slowly scooting closer to me. She tapped my arm lightly before quietly saying, "if it's more comfortable, you can put your arm around me."
She didn't have to tell me twice. Once the offer was out there, I went for it, sliding my arm behind her. I'd forgotten I was shirtless until her bare shoulder connected with my chest. Instantly, I could feel the heat between us as she made herself comfy against me.
My heart raced as Tessa's head rested on my shoulder. I could feel the warmth of her breath as she relaxed into me. The silky feeling of her skin under my fingertips pulled me deep into a trance.
This is how things should be. She was always meant to be mine.
The movie Jason put on was hardly registering in my mind as I held Tessa close. Nothing could ruin this moment for me. Nothing.
Seconds later, the loudest crash of thunder I've ever heard sounded outside, startling me. Yeah, I'm embarrassed to say it made me jump, and my jolt of surprise didn't go unnoticed.
I could feel the vibrations of Tessa's laughter in my chest as she tried to hide beneath our blanket. She thought it was hilarious.
Pulling the blanket away from her face, I poked her. "You think that was funny?"
She pulled her lips between her teeth, trying hard not to let more laughter spill out as she shook her head innocently. That only lasted a second or two before she was shaking again with amusement.
"Oh, is that how it is?" I said with mock frustration.
"Okay, let's see how funny it is when I do this." I plunged my fingers into her sides, tickling her mercilessly.
Tessa squealed as I ruthlessly attacked her sensitive stomach, making her flail wildly as she tried to escape my grasp. I held her tightly, refusing to let her escape as my fingers continued their assault.
Before I knew it, she was wriggling in my lap, begging me to stop. We were both laughing and out of breath when I finally gave in and stopped tickling her. I'd almost forgotten anyone else was there until Landon spoke up.
"Get a room, you two!"
"Seriously," Jason said, throwing a pillow at my face, "we're trying to watch a movie here."
I knew he wasn't really upset by the look on his face. The smile he sent my way told me all I needed to know- he was happy I was finally making my move after all these years.
Tessa was still calming down from her fit of giggles, sitting with her back pressed against my chest. She made no move to shift positions, seeming content at where she was. I wasn't about to move her. I liked the feeling of her in my lap, leaning into me.
It felt right.
I adjusted the blanket and wrapped my arms around her waist, enjoying the way she felt on top of me. When she finally stopped chuckling, her body relaxed further against me. Her head nestled under my chin, and her hands met mine under the blanket.
My heart swelled as she let out a quiet hum of contentment. With Tessa in my arms, nothing could get me down. I smiled against her hair before placing a soft kiss, getting lost in the moment. All felt right in the world.
I had my girl in my arms, we were surrounded by friends, and our summer was just getting started. Things could only get better from here.
A/N:
Last summer Levi is such a sweetie isn't he?
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