The Summer Before

Chapter Three

Levi

I wake up with a pounding headache. My antics last night have really taken a toll on me this morning. After exhausting myself with my date for the night, I ordered her a ride home and sent her on her way.

Now, the only thing I want is a large cup of strong coffee, some ibuprofen, and a heaping plate of bacon. I find my phone on the nightstand and open a text from Jason. He had to leave last night to go somewhere with Charlotte. I only read the first line before my head starts throbbing again.

I really need that coffee.

Setting my phone back on my nightstand, I slide out of bed. I quickly peek out the window, checking for Jason's car outside before heading for the kitchen. I don't even bother putting clothes on. No one's here anyway, and I have more urgent matters to take care of right now- namely, this hangover.

I step out of my room, planning to make a large pot of coffee and an entire package of bacon the second I reach the kitchen. As I pass the bathroom, I stop short. The light is on, and the water is running.

Shit, did I leave that on all night?

I run a hand through my hair, checking for any sign that I showered last night, and find none. The gel is still there from yesterday, and I still smell like what's-her-name's perfume.

Is she still here?

I could have sworn I ordered her a ride home before I fell asleep. Guess I was wrong. A smile creeps over my lips as I slowly open the door.

I suppose coffee can wait a little bit. Why not go round two with this chick while she's still here?

A cloud of steam hits me as I open the door. All I can see is the bare backside of my pretty little brunette. She's running her fingers through her long, dark hair as the water washes over her.

Damn, was her hair really that long? It looked shorter at the bar.

I shrug the thought away as I creep toward the shower door. My plan is to surprise her, fuck her up against the shower wall- if she's down-, then send her on her way. A great way to start my morning.

The shower door opens silently, and I slip in behind my soapy playmate, easing my way through the steam. As I get closer, she tilts her head up, letting the water run over her face.

Damn, I may actually have to get this one's number. Her body is fucking out of this world. How did I not notice last night?

I still can't see her face as I press myself against her back, but my dick has seen enough to become fully alert. He pokes her as my arms slide around her stomach, pulling her close. I lean in, whispering seductively in her ear, "You're so sexy."

Time stands still as she lets out a blood-curdling scream. I instantly let go of her, holding my hands in front of me so she can see it was just me.

When she stops screaming and finally turns to face me, my stomach drops. I'm dumbfounded as I stare into a round pair of emerald eyes. The same emerald eyes that have haunted me since last summer. Eyes belonging to Tessa Rhodes.

Oh, fuck!

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Tessa

When I woke up this morning, all I wanted to do was take a quick, relaxing shower, grab a bite to eat, and disappear before Levi woke up. I figured he'd be sleeping in today as late as he stumbled in last night.

I heard Levi and his flavor of the week when they arrived. They ambled up the stairs around 3:00, trying- and failing- to be quiet as they pinballed to his room. I covered my head with a pillow and prayed for temporary hearing loss. Luckily, his room was far enough from mine that I didn't hear anything once they closed the door.

Thank God!

I assume little miss giggles a lot left a short while later. When I grabbed a glass of water this morning, the heels she loudly removed at the bottom of the stairs last night were gone. Not that I care.

Levi can do whatever or whoever he wants. And so can I.

I tilt my head toward the ceiling looking at the spot just under Levi's room. I hope his hangover is brutal. It's the least he deserves.

A satisfied smirk decorates my lips at the thought, and I set my empty glass in the dishwasher. As I head upstairs, I listen for any signs of life coming from the room at the end of the hall.

I need to shower and get going before the king of one-night stands wakes up.

I shudder at the thought of running into Levi. I have zero desire to interact with him without a buffer around. The two of us are likely to strangle one another.

I quickly gather a change of clothes and head to the bathroom. Once the water is nice and hot, I let myself relax under the soothing streams, letting all thoughts of Levi Daniels melt away.

The shower steam is thick, surrounding me like a velvet cloud as I get lost in a daydream. A sexy stranger is with me in the shower as I lather my skin with coconut-scented body wash. He runs his big, strong hands through my thick hair, gently tugging so he can better access my sensitive neck.

I tilt my head, letting the water wash over my face as my dream man lets his hands roam. I bite my lip to suppress a moan.

Wow, my fantasies are getting more vivid.

It's almost as if I can actually feel his hands snaking around my stomach. I can feel the hair of his arms slide over my skin as his callused hands gently caress my skin. I can even feel his arousal poking into my back.

Wait a minute. This is too real.

That's when I hear him. "You're so sexy."

I immediately snap from my fantasy, grasping I'm not alone in this shower. Reality hits me like a ton of bricks, and a loud scream escapes my lips.

The intruder lets go of me, holding up his hands in surrender. I back as far away as I can, putting as much distance between me and the creep as possible. When our eyes meet, a shockwave pulses through my entire body. I'm standing naked, staring at a ghost from my past- an equally naked ghost...

Levi fucking Daniels.