The Summer Before

Chapter Fifty-Five

Levi

It was music to my ears when Tessa asked if I wanted to leave. All I wanted was to be alone with her, but I wouldn't push her to leave Colin's party, not after he'd invited me to surprise Tessa.

The second those words left her mouth, I agreed. We said goodbye to everyone and headed for the exit. "Do we need to get an Uber?" She asked once the cool night air hit our skin.

I shook my head. "No, I drove myself tonight."

Her lip quirked. "Didn't think you'd be staying long?"

"I wasn't sure you'd want me to."

Tessa's face fell. "I'm sorry, Levi. I'm sorry it took me so long to get here. I just needed to sort some things out in my mind before I could give you an answer."

I shook my head, pulling her to my chest. "Don't you dare apologize, Tessa. You only asked for what you needed. I would have waited forever for you. I'm sure about this. I just wanted you to be too."

Her smile slowly came back as she looked up at me. "I am. I'm sure about us."

My heart swelled at her words, and I couldn't wait to get her to my car. I leaned down, pulling her lips into mine. I kissed her slowly, deeply, showing her how much those words meant to me.

Kissing Tessa was quickly becoming my new obsession. The way she lets herself free in those moments- fuck, it's incredible. She lends herself entirely to me when I hold her in my arms and let our passion explode. If I could, I'd never stop kissing her.

With a grunt, she pulled away, smiling at me as a desperate sound escaped my lips. "Let's go," she said, holding her hand out to me.

I followed close behind her through the parking lot, eager to get to my car. Once inside, I turned to her. "So, I take it we're going back to my place?"

Tessa shook her head. "Actually, I'd like you to take me to my parents' place."

"Oh. Yeah, no problem." My face fell in confusion. I thought she'd want to stay with me tonight, but she had other plans. I tried to mask it a second too late.

Tessa's eyes widened as she watched me. "It's just- there's something I'd like to do, and I want you there with me."

She reached over the center console, grabbing my hand. "Trust me?"

It was a plea, one I'd easily give in to. She was giving me another chance. I'd give her anything she wanted. "Of course. Anything you want, Tess."

She sunk into the seat, still holding my hand. She watched me as I drove us toward her parents' house. It was challenging to keep my focus on the road as she smiled at me from two feet away.

She has her smile back. And I have her. I'll do anything in the world to make sure she keeps it. Anything at all.

I parked my car in front of Tessa's house, unsure where things would lead from there. When I looked over at her, she was leaning back in the seat, watching me with a soft smile on her face. I couldn't help but smile back.

A few seconds passed before Tessa unlatched her seatbelt and popped open her door. When I didn't immediately follow, she leaned down, tilting her head toward the house.

"Come on."

I hurried out of the car, stopping next to her as she grabbed my hand and led us toward the backyard. It didn't take long for me to figure out where she was taking us. As soon as the old treehouse came into view, I knew exactly what Tessa was doing.