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nds. After a few drinks, the buzz of alcohol doing little to dull my thoughts, I spotted Mel across the room. She had changed out of her swimwear and into a stunning red dress that clung to her figure in all the right places. The sight of her sent a jolt through me, and before I knew it, I was crossing the room toward her."Dance with me," I said when I reached her, the words coming out more like a command than a request.Mel looked up at me, her expression unreadable. "I don't want to dance with a jerk like you," she replied, her tone cold as ice.I raised an eyebrow, impressed despite myself. She had guts, I'd give her that. "Fair enough," I said, stepping back and letting her go.But as I turned, I saw Amy walking toward us, a bright smile lighting up her face as everyone applauded the birthday girl. She looked radiant, and I found myself admiring the way she effortlessly commanded the room's attention.Before I could approach her, a young guy stepped forward and took her hand, leading her onto the dance floor. They moved together with an ease that suggested they'd done this before, and I realized I'd lost my chance.Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mel slipping away, heading for the exit. Without thinking, I followed her, my footsteps quickening as I closed the distance between us."Mel!" I called out, reaching her just as she was about to leave. She stopped but didn't turn around."I'm sorry," I said, the words coming out more sincere than I expected. "I shouldn't have treated you like that earlier. It wasn't fair."Mel hesitated, her shoulders tense, but finally, she turned to face me. "Why do you even care?""Because I do," I replied simply. "So, will you give me another chance? Dance with me?"She looked at me, her eyes searching mine for something, maybe honesty, maybe something more. After what felt like an eternity, she sighed and nodded. "Fine. One dance."I smiled and offered her my hand. She took it, and we walked back