The restaurant was finally winding down. Lights dimmed. Chairs upturned. Teresa wiped her forehead with the back of her hand as she checked off the final tasks on her closing list. She was tired, but the thought of seeing Andrea again made her stomach flutter.
"Ready?" his voice broke her thoughts gently.
She looked up to see him leaning against the counter, his dark eyes playful. He had changed into something cleaner, dark jeans and a linen shirt, unbuttoned just enough to look effortlessly hot.
"Yeah," she smiled. "You waited?"
"I said I would, didn't I?" he grinned, pulling his car keys from his pocket. "Come on. Let me show you what a friendly outing feels like."
⸻
Instead of heading straight to a restaurant, Andrea drove her to a small fancy boutique tucked in a quiet part of the city. Teresa glanced around, confused.
"What are we doing here?"
"You're not going to that steak place in your uniform," he said, stepping out and opening her door.
"I look fine."
"You look edible," he said under his breath, then smirked when she gasped. "But trust me."
Inside, racks of gorgeous dresses filled the boutique. Before she could protest, a sales lady approached.
"Something soft, elegant… purple," Andrea said, already scanning the options.
"Andrea—"
"Shhh," he teased, placing a finger on her lips. "Let me spoil my friend."
She blushed but allowed herself to be led to the dressing room. A few minutes later, she stepped out in a lilac slip dress that hugged her curves and flowed around her thighs like water.
Andrea stood still, then slowly exhaled. "Yeah… you're not real."
She looked away, embarrassed. "You think it's too much?"
"I think I'm going to have a problem keeping my eyes to myself."
⸻
A Fancy Steakhouse
The restaurant was upscale, with velvet chairs and soft jazz playing overhead. Candlelight flickered across their table. Andrea ordered them both filet mignon with truffle mashed potatoes, and a side of grilled asparagus. Teresa kept stealing glances at him as he spoke to the waiter like he belonged there, confident and sure.
"You've done this a lot, haven't you?" she asked.
"Taken girls out?" he smirked. "Yeah. But this… feels different."
She smiled. "Because it's friendly?"
"Exactly," he teased.
Over dinner, they talked and laughed. He told her stories about his wild college days; she told him about sneaking novels behind her father's back and reading under the covers. He loved the way she told stories, soft and expressive.
And when she laughed? God, it wrecked him.
After dessert, she leaned in, resting her chin on her hand. "This has been the best night I've had in a long time."
"Then let's not end it yet."
She smiled
———
He drove her to his house.
They pulled into his driveway and she looked around, realizing where they were. "I don't even know why I followed you here," she said softly.
He shut off the ignition and turned to her with a smirk. "Maybe… because you wanted some alone time with me?"
She rolled her eyes but laughed.
The night had been better than she expected.
Teresa sat cross-legged on Andrea's couch, twirling the last drop of wine in her glass, still glowing from laughter. Her new dress clung to her in all the right places, a soft purple silk that Andrea had chosen with a quiet smile, one he wore again now as he watched her from across the room.
"You've been staring," she teased, giggling.
"You've been glowing," he replied, reaching for his own glass.
They had gone for steak. A fancy restaurant lit by soft jazz and golden chandeliers. He had ordered for her, the gentleman he so rarely let himself be. They'd shared dessert. Laughed. Teased each other like old friends. But now the night was winding down, and the air between them had shifted.
When Teresa stood up to explore the room, she noticed the half-full bottle of whisky on a glass shelf.
"Ohhh," she grinned mischievously, "Is that the fancy drink you never share?"
Andrea looked up. "That's aged. Expensive. And not for drunk little waitresses."
"Too late," she said, popping it open. "I've had wine. I feel invincible."
Before he could stop her, she took a sip and shuddered dramatically. "It burns!" she said through a laugh.
But she took another.
Moments later, Teresa was dancing barefoot on his soft rug, hair wild, cheeks pink, laughing at a joke she hadn't even finished telling. Andrea couldn't take his eyes off her. She was loose and giddy in a way he rarely saw, like all the tension she carried had floated off her shoulders.
"Tessa," he warned, chuckling as she spun and nearly tripped, "come sit down before you fall."
She ignored him. Instead, she gave him a long, lingering look. The kind that says everything without a word. Her eyes were lidded, curious… and filled with something warmer.
Desire.
She walked toward him slowly, like she was testing her own courage. Then, without a word, she slipped onto his lap, straddling him.
"Tessa," he said softly, startled.
She leaned in, brushing her lips against his. A whisper of a kiss. Then another, firmer. Her hands toyed with the collar of his shirt, tugging it open. He gently grabbed her wrists.
"Don't you want me?" She said
"You don't how badly I wanna have you but not when you're drunk," he murmured. "Please. Not like this. When you're sober… I want it to be real."
"Why'd you think I got drunk in the first place" she bit her lower lip
She kept kissing him, her lips brushing along his neck, her fingers sliding into his hair. Her innocence made her movements clumsy, but there was no mistaking the want in her eyes.
Andrea's restraint was slipping. Her scent, her breath, the way she held onto him like he was the only safe place in the world, it all pulled at something deep inside him.
"Tessa," he whispered again, like a prayer.
But when she cupped his face and kissed him with everything she had, he gave in.
He lifted her gently and carried her to the bed, the world slowing around them. Her laughter softened to gasps, her touches grew more curious. Clothes were removed between kisses, not in haste, but with reverence. Like they were discovering each other, one heartbeat at a time.
Her skin trembled under his fingers. His touch was gentle, exploring every inch with care. When he kissed her chest, her breath hitched. When he finally settled between her thighs, there was a pause.
A moment of uncertainty.
"It might hurt," he whispered, brushing her hair away from her face.
"I know," she breathed.
He looked into her eyes. "Are you sure?"
She nodded, and that was all he needed.
The moment was tender, full of both hesitation and need. There was a sharp gasp from her as he entered, and he stilled immediately, placing soft kisses on her lips, her forehead, her hands. She clung to him, trusting, and slowly the pain eased into something warmer. Something deeper.
They moved together in the dim light, clumsily at first, but real. Soft moans, breathless kisses, fingers interlocked. He whispered her name like it was sacred.
And when it was over, he pulled her into his arms, brushing her hair behind her ear as she lay against his chest, quiet, flushed, dazed.
And in that moment, nothing else existed, not the world, not their pain, not even the past.
Just them. Wrapped in warmth, hearts racing, breaths aligned like it had always been meant to happen.
————
Sunlight leaked lazily through the curtains, painting golden stripes across the room. Teresa blinked against it, her lashes fluttering as her eyes slowly opened.
She was warm. Her head was on Andrea's chest, one leg draped across his. His arm was wrapped around her waist, strong and possessive even in sleep. His bare skin against hers was still radiating heat, and for a moment, she didn't move.
Because it felt too peaceful.
Too good.
Then the memories trickled in the wine, the way she climbed onto his lap, the way he whispered her name like it hurt. The way her body had ached and bloomed all at once. How he'd kissed her through every second of pain, like he was kissing her soul.
Her cheeks burned. She buried her face in his chest and let out a muffled groan.
Andrea stirred. His hand tightened slightly around her, and then his voice, husky, low rumbled in her ear.
"You regret it already?" he mumbled.
She looked up at him. His hair was messy, his eyes heavy with sleep, but he was smiling gently. No smugness, no teasing. Just him.
"No," she whispered.
"Good," he said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Because I don't either."
They stayed like that for a moment tangled in bedsheets and silence.
Then Teresa sat up, the blanket slipping off her bare skin, and immediately pulled it back up with a gasp. "Oh my God. I'm naked. I'm actually—"
Andrea chuckled, reaching for her waist. "You were a goddess last night."
"Shut it," she said, face flaming.
But her eyes sparkled. Despite the awkwardness, there was something else, pride. A quiet glow in her chest.
Andrea leaned on his elbow, watching her. "How do you feel?"
She bit her lip. "Sore… but okay."
He smiled. "Do you want to shower? Or breakfast first? Or crawl under the bed and pretend it never happened?"
She smacked his arm, laughing. "I hate you."
"No you don't."
"I do."
"Then why are you blushing like that?"
She rolled her eyes and got off the bed, wrapping the blanket around her like a cloak. "Because I slept with my emotionally unavailable boss's son." She said as she put on a shirt and walked out of the bedroom.
Andrea's smile faltered for just a moment. But he stood up and pulled on sweatpants.
"The kitchen is that way" he gestured
"I don't want to be that guy to you anymore, Tessa."
She paused.
His voice had softened.
"I'm a better person now."
Teresa looked down at her hands. She wanted to believe him. She did believe him, in this moment. But she also knew that words were easy. What mattered was what came next.
She nodded slowly as she entered the kitchen.
"So you own this big house"
"Yeah it was a birthday gift from my mom"
A beat of silence passed.
"Wow" she said
"You were really drunk last night."
Then, she looked up at him, smirking. "Next time, no whisky."
He grinned. "Noted."
She stood up and walked past him, trailing her fingers along his arm. "But maybe next time," she added over her shoulder, "don't make me beg for it."
Andrea caught her waist, pulling her gently back against him.
"I plan to make you beg," he whispered in her ear. "Just not with whisky in your system."
She blushed furiously, shoving him off with a laugh, but he kissed her neck before letting go.
Andrea's lips brushed against the curve of her neck, sucking it, soft and slow, not teasing, not rushed. Just… wanting.
Teresa let out a quiet moan before she could stop herself, her body melting against his. The sound seemed to set something off in him.
He pulled her tighter by the waist, his breath grazing her ear. "You drive me crazy, you know that?"
She turned to face him fully, but the moment their eyes locked, the tension snapped.
Andrea gripped the back of her thighs suddenly, lifting her effortlessly and setting her down on the edge of the dining table. She gasped, clutching at his shoulders, her legs instinctively parting to make space for him.
His hands were all over her firm, hungry, moving beneath the oversized t-shirt she wore. His thumbs traced up her thighs, drawing soft circles, igniting sparks. When his fingers brushed her underwear, she flinched slightly, not from fear, but from how much she already needed him.
"Dre…" she whispered, voice already breathless.
"Shhh." He tilted her chin up and kissed her slow at first, then deeper. Their mouths moved like they remembered every detail from last night and wanted more. His hand slid up, grazing her belly, then her breast, cupping it gently through the fabric.
"Fuckkkk," he murmured against her lips.
He bent down, kissing her collarbone, then lower, drawing the t-shirt up and over her head in one swift motion. She sat there in nothing but her panties, flushed and gasping, her hair messy and lips red.
Andrea stood back for a second, just staring at her.
"Tessa…"
"Drey, closerr," she breathed.
And he did.
His mouth closed around one nipple while his fingers teased the other, sucking and rolling gently until she arched her back and grabbed his hair with a moan. Her hips rocked toward him. She was wet already, throbbing and he hadn't even touched her down there yet.
He wanted her to beg for him.
He slid her panties aside and dipped two fingers into her body.
"Hmmmm," he muttered, kissing her as she squirmed. "Who own you Tessa?"
"You," she whispered, clutching his jaw. "You're mine" he said as he kissed her.
"I wanttt— I — want you inside me nowwww" she moaned
He smirked while lowering himself, getting on his knees right in front of the table, pulling her closer to the edge. Her legs shook slightly as he kissed the inside of her thighs, "fuckkk drey pleasseee" she squirmed, her whole body was filled with pleasure and desire for him. She wanted him so bad.
He looked up at her and smiled "do you want me" he sad as his mouth met her vagina.
"Yesssss" Teresa cried out, biting her knuckle.
Andrea held her hips steady and took his time, licking and sucking until her moans echoed around the kitchen. She was close. Already. He felt it in the way she trembled.
"Andrea, please…"
He stood, fingers still working her, then pressed his forehead to hers. "You want me inside you?"
She nodded furiously. "Yesss— Pleaseeee"
"But I don't fuck my friends Tess" he teased with a smile.
"You talk to much Andrea" she smiled and rolled her eyes.
"Really?" He dropped his sweatpants, his length thick and hard, already leaking.
"Who am I to you Tessa" He guided himself to her entrance and paused.
Teasing her with his dick.
"You're myy— myyy"
"Say it Tessa" he inserted the cap
"Myy boyfrienddd" she moaned
"Are you sure?"
"I swear, if you don't—"
That was all he needed.
He thrust into her slowly, stretching her inch by inch. She gasped, clinging to his shoulders, her head falling back.
"God—you're so deep—"
"Too much?"
"No… no, don't stop."
He moved inside her, slow and deep, hitting the right spot with every thrust. The wooden table creaked beneath them, but neither of them cared. She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him closer, wanting all of him, every part.
Their breaths mingled, skin slick with heat, mouths finding each other again and again between gasps, moans, and whispered names.
"Tessa… you feel so good. So good—"
She arched beneath him, the pleasure building again, stronger than the night before.
And when her release came, it hit like a wave, full and consuming. Andrea followed right after, his groan deep in her neck as he spilled inside her, holding her like he was afraid she'd vanish.
They stayed like that for a moment, tangled, breathless, still connected.
Then Teresa let out a soft laugh.
"What?" he asked.
"I can't believe we just did that on the dining table."
He chuckled, pressing a kiss to her shoulder. "I'm burning it after this."
She grinned. "No, you're not."
"I'll just never eat on it again." He smiled
She kissed his cheek, still flushed and glowing. "Liar."
He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, his eyes warm. "You make me want to be a better person, you know that?"
Teresa blinked.
This time, the words weren't playful.
She stared at him, heart stammering because for the first time, Andrea's voice didn't sounded so serious.
"So i'm your boyfriend?" He smiled
"No you haven't asked me out properly yet" she blushed
"Okay, noted"
"I love you" he said as he stared deeply into her eyes.
"I love you too" she smiled
Teresa lay back slightly, breath ragged, lips parted, her flushed skin glowing beneath the kitchen lights. She was still bare, chest rising and falling as she tried to catch her breath. But Andrea didn't move. He just stood there, staring down at her like she was the only thing in the world that made sense.
His eyes trailed over her every curve, every freckle, the sweat glistening on her collarbone. She met his gaze, bold and unashamed.
"You're just so perfect," he muttered under his breath, swallowing hard.
Her lips twitched into a soft, breathless smile but then her eyes flicked down, and she gasped lightly.
"You're hard again…"
Andrea exhaled slowly, brushing her thigh with the back of his fingers. "You did that to me."
He leaned forward, his face hovering close to hers.
"You wanna go again?" he whispered, voice dark and rough.
Teresa didn't hesitate. "If you don't make me beg for it again."
"Turn around," he said lowly, voice commanding.
She obeyed, slipping off the edge of the table and turning around. Her palms pressed flat on the surface, legs slightly apart, spine arched. Andrea stood behind her, his eyes roaming her exposed back, down to the curve of her waist, the roundness of her hips.
He leaned in and kissed the back of her neck slowly trailing down, placing soft, deliberate kisses along her spine… lower… lower, until he reached the dip above her backside and pressed a kiss there too. She shivered, gripping the edge of the table tighter.
Then, without a word, he positioned himself behind her, one hand on her waist.
And he entered her again this time in a single, firm thrust.
Teresa cried out, her voice echoing through the room.
There was no slow build this time. No teasing. Andrea's pace was rough, desperate, hungry like he needed to feel her again. His fingers dug into her hips as he drove into her over and over again, the sound of skin meeting skin filling the kitchen alongside Teresa's moans.
"Do you want me to stop" he groaned
"No, don't stop" she moaned
Her head hung forward, lips parted, eyes shut as her body trembled beneath the waves of pleasure. She couldn't speak. Could barely think. All she could do was feel every thrust, every gasp, every heartbeat.
"Say my name," he growled, gripping her tighter.
"Andrea," she cried. "Oh God—Andrea—don't stop—"
He didn't.
She reached her climax fast, body convulsing as her knees nearly gave out. He came right after, chest pressed to her back, moaning into her ear as they both rode the high until their bodies stilled, breathless and shaking.
For a long moment, neither of them moved.
Then Andrea kissed the back of her shoulder, gently, and pulled out. Teresa barely had the strength to stand.
Without a word, he lifted her into his arms in bridal-style and she rested her head against his chest, boneless and warm.
He carried her to the bedroom, laying her gently on the bed and pulling the sheets over her. She was already drifting off when he pressed a kiss to her forehead.
"Rest baby," he whispered. "I'll bring you something eat."
And just like that, Andrea slipped into the kitchen, making her breakfast with nothing but sweatpants on, his body still humming from what they'd just shared.
In the next room, Teresa lay quietly, eyes fluttering open now and then her lips curving into a sleepy smile as she let herself believe that, maybe, for a little while… she was allowed to feel this good.
The smell of eggs and toasted bread floated into the room before Andrea did.
Teresa stirred beneath the sheets, blinking at the light that seeped through the curtains. Her body ached in ways that made her blush, and a small, involuntary smile tugged at her lips as she shifted slightly, recalling every touch, every moan, every whispered plea from the moment before.
The door creaked open gently.
Andrea stepped in, balancing a tray of eggs, toast, a mug of coffee, and a small glass of orange juice. He wore nothing but grey sweatpants, hair messy, chest bare, and a seductive smirk playing on his lips as he looked at her.
"Hi princess," he said softly with his deep voice, walking over.
She sat up slowly, pulling the sheets around her bare chest. "You made breakfast?"
"Yes," he said, placing the tray in front of her on the bed. "You were so weak, I figured you needed something to eat." He smiled
She giggled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Thank you my friend"
"Say that again and I'll teach you a lesson." Andrea gave her a look, the kind that made her stomach flutter. "You drive me crazy, I keep wondering how you do that"
She burst into laughter, covering her face with one hand as she blushed. "Stop," she whispered, laughing harder.
"I'm serious," he said, sitting beside her. "
They both laughed.
He picked up a piece of toast, bit into it, then offered her a slice. She took it, their fingers brushing briefly.
"Thanks," she said softly, eyes meeting his.
Andrea's face shifted then the playfulness fading into something gentler, more real. He looked at her like she wasn't just a girl he wanted, but someone he'd been waiting for without even realizing.
"I liked waking up to you," he said.
The confession hit her heart differently. Her smile faltered just a little, eyes scanning his face. He was vulnerable maybe even nervous, but honest.
She swallowed. "I liked waking up here too."
A quiet moment settled between them.
Andrea reached up and brushed his thumb along her cheek. He leaned in and kissed her forehead, then her cheek, then her lips slow and warm, like a promise. Her hand found his, fingers locking between his.
They ate together in soft silence after that. No pressure. No expectations. Just the comfort of shared presence.
At one point, he plucked a crumb off her lip, smirking as she swatted his hand away. When she asked for more coffee, he jumped up without complaint, teasing, "Anything for my lady."
She watched him leave the room and thought, for the first time in a long time, that maybe she could be safe with someone. Not just cared for, but seen. And God, how terrifying and beautiful that was.
When he came back with the refilled mug, she scooted over and patted the bed beside her. "Lie down."
He slid back under the covers, pulling her into his chest, one hand stroking her hair as they curled into each other.
"I could stay like this forever," Teresa whispered.
"You can," he murmured. "Just say the word."
She didn't answer but the way her fingers clung to him said enough.
They fell asleep again in each other's arms, warm, full, and quietly happy.
Teresa's phone buzzed against the nightstand.
She picked it up lazily and squinted at the screen.
Priya: Hey babe, just wanted to let you know I told your mom you slept at my place 'cause we closed late and my house's closer. She called this morning said she couldn't reach you.
Teresa's heart skipped. She hadn't even thought of checking in. Quickly, she typed back:
Tessa: You're a life saver. Thank you so much. I'm at Andrea's.
She set the phone down, smiling faintly. The thought of being caught sent a brief chill down her spine but knowing her friends had her back warmed her right up. She owed Priya one.
"Everything okay?"
"Yeah," she said, stretching a little as the sheets slipped from her shoulder. "Priya covered for me. Told my mom I slept at hers."
Andrea raised a brow, amused. "Remind me to send her flowers."
Tessa laughed and stood, wrapping the blanket around her naked body. "I need a shower."
"I was about to take one," he said, stepping closer. "Wanna save water?"
She rolled her eyes, smiling. "That's such a lazy excuse to see me naked again."
He smirked. "I don't need an excuse."
She laughed again, but the truth was she didn't mind. Not even a little.
A few minutes later, they stood under the warm spray of the shower together. Steam curled in the air, wrapping around their bare skin. Andrea stood behind her, hands gently gliding over her arms, helping her lather soap over her shoulders, her back, her hips. There was no rush. No urgency like last night. Just warmth. Intimacy. Care.
"Turn around," he whispered.
She did, slowly facing him, water trickling between them, their eyes locking. Andrea's gaze traveled down her face, then her body, and back again.
"You're beautiful," he murmured, brushing wet hair from her cheek. "I've never met anyone like you."
Teresa's heart thudded.
He leaned down and kissed her — not hungrily, but deeply. Sweetly. Like he was trying to memorize her taste, her mouth, the feel of her against him.
Their bodies pressed together under the stream, skin to skin, heartbeat to heartbeat. Teresa felt his hands cup her face as he kissed her again, and her own arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him close like she never wanted to let go.
They didn't speak much.
Andrea grabbed the sponge and gently rubbed her skin, slow and thorough. She did the same to him, giggling when he flinched slightly at the ticklish spots near his ribs.
"You're really gonna let me scrub your back like a housewife?" she teased, grinning up at him.
"I'd let you do anything," he whispered, eyes on her lips.
When they stepped out of the shower, he wrapped her in a thick towel and kissed her damp forehead.
"You're glowing," he said.
She giggled. "Shut up."
But she was. She felt it. Glowing, radiant, like the world outside didn't matter for once.
Andrea picked her up bridal style again making her squeal and protest as she clung to his neck.
"You're crazy."
"Only for you," he said, carrying her to the bed like she weighed nothing. He laid her down gently, kissed her one last time, then went to grab her uniform and his giving her a bit of space.
And as she sat there, towel around her, watching him move around like they'd done this a hundred times before, something strange and soft curled in her chest.
Andrea walked out of the bathroom, shirtless, towel hanging loosely from his hips, holding a fresh pair of underwear in his hand.
"I hope this fits," he said, handing it to her with a crooked grin. "Technically, it's a men's boxer brief, but it's clean. Brand new, actually."
Tessa raised a brow and laughed. "You're giving me your boxers?"
He shrugged. "Bought a fresh set last week."
She rolled her eyes but took it with a shy smile, holding the soft fabric up with a playful sigh. "You're lucky I'm not picky."
"I'm lucky in a lot of ways," he murmured under his breath, eyes traveling slowly over her bare back as she turned to get dressed.
She stepped into the bathroom for a little privacy, and a few minutes later, emerged fully dressed, uniform pressed, apron tied, and Andrea's boxers hidden beneath her skirt. Her damp hair had been loosely braided, and she smelled faintly of his cologne. She looked effortlessly beautiful, even in the same uniform she wore every other day.
Andrea was already dressed in black jeans and a white tee, his watch strapped on, keys in hand. But the moment his eyes landed on her again, he paused.
They stared at each other.
Tessa broke the silence first, stepping toward him with a soft smile. "Thank you… for everything."
He leaned in and kissed her slowly, savoring the sweetness of her lips. One hand cupped her cheek; the other slid down to rest on her lower back… then her ass. He gave it a teasing little spank.
She squealed and pulled back with a mock gasp. "You're impossible."
"You love it," he said smugly.
She tried not to smile. Failed.
⸻
Outside, Andrea opened the car door for her like a gentleman. She got in, still feeling the warm flutter of the kiss in her chest. He rounded the front, climbed into the driver's seat, and started the engine.
The morning air was calm. The streets were still waking up.
As he turned out of the driveway, Andrea glanced over at her… then paused. His eyes narrowed slightly.
A smug grin stretched across his face.
"What?" she asked.
"You're glowing, sunshine," he said, eyes flickering down to her neck. "And… marked."
Her brows furrowed. "Huh?"
He reached for his phone, tapped the camera open, flipped it to the front camera, and handed it to her.
"See for yourself."
Tessa angled the phone toward her neck — and gasped.
There they were.
Deep, violet-toned love bites trailing from the curve of her collarbone to the base of her throat. Some higher than others. Some still faint red. Obvious. Bold. Unmistakably fresh.
"Oh my God," she whispered, reaching up to cover them with her palm. "Andrea! Why didn't you say something?"
He chuckled, eyes back on the road, clearly enjoying her panic. "I just saw it now."
"People will see—my friends? They'll tease me for weeks—"
"At least now they'll know," he cut in, smirking proudly. "You belong to someone."
She blushed furiously and shoved his shoulder, but her lips twitched.
"I can't go in like this. I look like I got attacked by a damn vampire."
"You did," he said, grinning wider. "And you liked it."
"Ugh!" she groaned, sinking into the seat, trying to adjust her collar to cover the worst of it.
But Andrea just laughed. That deep, boyish laugh that shook his chest and made her want to both slap him and kiss him again.
She crossed her arms. "This isn't funny."
"It is to me," he replied. "You should see your face. Priceless."
"Remind me never to fall asleep next to you again."
"Oh, you'll be sleeping next to me again," he said, eyes flicking to her with something more serious beneath the teasing. "A lot more times."
Tessa didn't respond.
But the smile creeping across her lips gave her away.
⸻
As they pulled into the restaurant's parking lot, Tessa was still fussing with her collar, mumbling about makeup and scarves and death-by-parent. Andrea, meanwhile, leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, grinning like a man who had just won the lottery.
"Relax," he said, placing a hand on her thigh. "You look beautiful. Even with the bites."
"I hate you," she muttered, reaching for her compact mirror.
"No, you don't."
He leaned over and kissed her. She sighed.