Chapter 4 (Paths Crossed

Austin's POV

Mel moved backward as I stepped closer, her eyes narrowing with each step I took. She was cornered, but the fire in her eyes had dulled, her anger was fading, replaced by something else. Fear? No, more like uncertainty. I could see her resolve wavering as I approached, her back pressing against the wall. I stopped just inches from her, pinning her between me and the cold surface behind her."Go ahead," I taunted, my breath brushing against her cheek. "Do it. Slap me again."She looked away, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Get away from me," she muttered, her voice lacking the bite it had earlier.I chuckled, a low, amused sound that echoed between us. "You talk tough, but you're not making a scene at Amy's party, are you? Such a good friend." I leaned in closer, feeling her tense under my presence. "But let's be honest. You're only talking big because I let you go. You wouldn't say a word if you were still pinned to this wall."She said nothing, her silence speaking louder than any words could. I could feel the tension crackling in the air between us. I stepped back, giving her the space she so desperately wanted. "Smart move," I said with a smirk, walking away and leaving her standing there, her fists clenched at her sides.I made my way back to the main hall, where the party was in full swing. The lights were low, casting a warm glow over the room as people mingled, danced, and laughed. I spotted Jackson near the bar, surrounded by a group of guys, drinks in hand. He waved me over, and I joined them, trying to shake off the strange encounter with Mel.But no matter how much I tried, I couldn't get her out of my head. Her face, that mix of defiance and vulnerability, kept flashing in my mind. It wasn't like me to get hung up on a girl, especially one as complicated as Mel seemed to be"Hey man!" I stretched my hand for a shake towards Jackson and said Hi, to the rest of the guys. Jackson introduced me to the rest of his friends. 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 to the dance floor, the music slow and soft now, perfect for the kind of dance I had in mind.As we moved together, I could feel the tension in her body, the way she avoided looking into my eyes. "Hey, are you shy?" I teased, trying to lighten the mood."Just focus on the dance," she muttered, her gaze fixed on a spot somewhere over my shoulder.I did as she asked, guiding her gently through the steps. The song ended, and Mel pulled away quickly, as if being close to me was something she couldn't bear any longer. Without a word, she turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd.I watched her go, this girl was getting under my skin in a way no one else ever had, and it was both exhilarating and maddening.Before I could dwell on it any longer, Amy approached me, her bright smile back in place. "So, you do go to school here?" she asked, her tone playful but with a hint of curiosity.I smiled back, but there was a mischievous edge to it. "If you want to know anything about me, you'll have to throw a coin."Amy scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Seriously? That's the best you've got?"I shrugged, still grinning. "I thought it was pretty good."She crossed her arms, a playful glint in her eyes. "Maybe, but you should apologize for disrupting my birthday."Before I could respond, the guy who had danced with Amy earlier approached us, a protective look on his face as he stood by her side."Is this guy bothering you?" he asked Amy, his tone firm.I could feel the tension in the air, but I just smiled, holding up my hands in mock surrender. "Not at all. We were just talking."Amy glanced between the two of us, her expression unreadable. "We were just having a conversation," she said, though there was a slight edge to her voice. "But I think we're done here."I nodded, taking the hint. "Fair enough." I looked at the guy, giving him a small nod before turning back to Amy. "Happy birthday, Amy. Hope the rest of your night is better than the start."