The Summer Before

Chapter Nineteen

Levi

It was like lightning coursed through my veins as Tessa slammed against me. I probably could have pulled her more gently, but after she purposely stomped on my foot, all bets were off. She wanted to play rough? Fine, I'd play rough.

After she fed me her fake-as-shit apology, I knew what I was going to do. For the rest of the class, I threw Tessa around the dancefloor like a ragdoll, not being delicate with my movements. She'd snap into place wherever I sent her, glaring wickedly at me through those green eyes.

I took it as a challenge, adding a little more effort with each spin, pull, and twirl, daring her to call me out, to make a scene in front of everyone. She held her ground, taking each of my actions with a surprising amount of grace.

It was almost impressive- almost.

By the time the last song began, I could tell Tessa was feeling at least as frustrated as I was. Her glares were getting fiercer, her jaw was firmly clenched, and the grip she had on my hand was growing tighter every time I moved her. I could almost feel the heat rolling off of her when I spun her out as hard as I could.

She almost tripped but caught herself at the last second. I knew by the look on her face she really wanted to knee me in the balls. It was a real shocker that she hadn't already. I'm sure she'd save that for later when there were fewer witnesses.

For now, she was still playing the part of little miss perfect. She can't afford to taint her image, to let everyone here know what she's really like. They'd never look at her the same, but I know the truth.

I know the real Tessa.

The thought ignites a fresh fury of anger within me, and when it's time to pull her back in, I do so with a vengeance. I pulled harder than I had all class, forcing Tessa to launch toward me with vigor.

She came careening into me, forcing our bodies closer than they'd been since last summer. I held her close, making sure neither of us toppled to the ground. That was a mistake.

In doing so, I could feel her heart beating wildly and her breathing becoming ragged. It brought back bitter-sweet memories, reminding certain parts of me what it felt like to hold her close again.

I met her eyes and saw a mix of emotions- anger, confusion, curiosity, lust. The same sentiments were running rampant through me, begging me to let her in again, to give her another chance.

I wanted to. Fuck I wanted to! But deep down, I knew that would only lead to heartache and regret, like last time.

My conflicting thoughts were interrupted by Miss Josephine's instruction to finish strong and dip our partners as we'd practiced. I adjusted my hold on Tessa, placing my hands on her neck and lower back before bending her low to the floor.

She was forced to look at me as I gripped her neck in my left hand. Our faces were inches apart. Her face softened as her eyes glazed over as if she expected me to lean in. She wanted me to. Tessa wanted me at that moment. We both knew it, but she wouldn't get her wish.

I held firm, keeping us in place until Josephine called out the end of the song. My right hand dug into Tessa's skin, aching to get closer until we were finally set free. It would probably bruise- a souvenir of our time together.

Fuck, I wonder how it will look. Will she remember how she felt at this moment as she delicately washes her skin later? Will she think of me while she showers tonight?

Before my thoughts could get too far away from me, our instructor released us from our pose. Not a moment too soon, either. Had she waited any longer, I'd be limping out of here with a painful erection.

Hell, I may anyway.

Fucking Tessa!

I couldn't wait to get out of there. I needed to put distance between myself and Tessa. There was sure to be a lonely woman hanging out at my usual haunt, waiting for me to swoop in and make her night. That's where I was planning to go the second the class officially ended.

Then, I remembered I had ridden with Jason. There was no way he'd want to spend the rest of his night at some dingy bar tonight. Maybe he'd be willing to drop me off.

"Hey, man, thanks again for doing this. Char and I appreciate it," Jason said as he snuck up beside me.

I nodded like it was no big deal. "Sure thing. Anything to help you guys out, dude."

Jason smiled in return. "So, the others are down to go out for the night. You in? Or is there somewhere else you've got to be tonight?"

Shit.

My best friend looked at me hopefully. I couldn't let him down, not when I've made this promise to make myself look more dependable and drama-free than Tessa. If everyone else was going, I had to too.

I'll have to grin and bear it. "Yeah, bro, I'm in. Always," I added, trying to sound enthusiastic.

It was hard to miss the wave of relief that washed over my friend. He thought I'd bail. That was clear. It hurt me to see what my attitude had done to my friend. In my defense, I wasn't like this until his sister came back to town. If not for her, I wouldn't be acting so distant when he needed me most.

I'd been an ass, and I knew it, but I didn't have to keep it up. I made a silent vow not to act like such a flighty douche the rest of the time Tessa was here. I knew things would still be difficult, but I could be more supportive for Jason's sake. I didn't have to keep avoiding the house and dipping out early for work.

I would be more present for Jason, even if it meant seeing more of Tessa.

I would try anyway.

Everyone filed out of the studio, making plans to meet up in an hour at the club. Landon and Leah took off in their separate vehicles, followed shortly by Colin and Micah.

Jason and Charlotte were saying their quick goodbyes as I tried not to look at Tessa. I was worried about what I might see when I looked back into her eyes. I was also trying to calm my nerves from everything that transpired inside the studio.

I heard J's car door open. "Alright, let's roll. Tessa's getting ready with Charlotte. We'll swing by when we're done to pick them up," Jason informed me as he slid into the driver's seat.

"Sounds good." I chanced a quick look toward the passenger side of Charlotte's Tahoe and found Tessa looking at me with a peculiar expression.

She didn't look hostile anymore but maybe contemplative. I didn't let myself dive down that rabbit hole, quickly averting my eyes and getting into the car.

This was going to be more challenging than I thought. I hope this night goes fast. 

A/N:

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