The Summer Before

Chapter Fourteen

Levi

It took all I had not to run back to Tessa's room after I was done helping the guys finish bringing everything inside. Had Landon not interrupted us, she and I may have finally done what I've been dreaming of doing for years. We were so close. I was throwing caution to the wind and going for it.

Then came Landon, blowing in like a hurricane, ruining the moment. He didn't even seem to realize that he'd walked in on something massive happening between Tessa and me.

I guess I should be grateful for that. If he'd realized what was happening, he wouldn't have stopped giving me shit about it, and he probably would have made it awkward.

I wander to my room, still thinking about what almost happened downstairs with Tessa. How would she have tasted on my lips? Would she have stopped me at the last second, or has she wanted it for as long as I have?

I blindly grab for my bag as I reach my bedroom but only find an empty space where my things should be. My eyes shift toward the floor. There's nothing there. That's when I realized I'd left my stuff in Tessa's room earlier.

Well, here's my excuse to venture back down there.

I turn toward the door, planning on making a beeline straight for Tessa's room. I make it one step before stopping in my tracks. To my great surprise, I find Tessa staring at me from the doorway, my bags in hand.

She gives me a quick smile. "You left these downstairs. I thought you might need them."

I chuckle lightly as I approach her. "You thought correct."

Our fingers brush as I take my bags from her hands, sending sparks through my arm. Her eyes are wide as she stares up at me, neither of us moving to make room between us.

Without meaning to, I lean forward, bringing our faces only inches apart. "Thank you, Tessa."

I watch as her throat bobs with a swallow. Her lips part slowly as those beautiful eyes focus on me. "You're welcome, Levi," she whispers.

Our eyes lock as I will myself to say something, to do something. I'm frozen in place, unable to muster up the courage I had earlier. I feel my chance slipping away as Tessa shakes her head, breaking free of the trance we were locked in.

I hear her inhale as she takes a small step back, putting too much space between us. With that, I feel my window of opportunity slam shut. I've missed my chance again!

"See you downstairs?" Tessa's voice halts my brooding.

"Of course. I'll head down in a minute," I tell her.

With another smile and a nod, she disappears into the hallway. I lean against the doorframe, staring after her. The shuffling of feet to my left catches my attention. I look over to find Colin heading slowly for the stairs. The smirk on his face as he looks from me to where Tessa disappeared from my view tells me all I need to know.

He knows my secret.

Colin shoots me one last glance before stepping onto the staircase. His smirk only grows as he makes his descent.

Fuck, I've got it bad!

I'm usually better at masking my emotions, especially around Tessa, but since she showed up this summer sans Benji, my usual plans have gone out the window. I feel like such a sap, practically drooling after her every time we interact. She just seems to have that effect on me.