The music pulses through the room, bass shaking the floor as Amara Steele sways in the center of the party. Her friends circle around her, laughing, dancing, hyping each other up. A drink in one hand, her other hand tossing her dark curls back, she's glowing confident, magnetic, unstoppable.

Then she spots him. Leaning against the wall like he owns the place without even trying. Drink in his hand, relaxed posture, eyes scanning the crowd. He's not chasing the party; the party is flowing around him.

Amara bites her lip, smirks, and makes her way through the crowd. Amara: "You look way too calm for a night like this.""And you look like you've had more than enough fun for both of us." Amara: (laughs) "Maybe. But that's the point - you should join me. One dance. I'll even let you lead.""Not much of a dancer." Amara: "Lucky for you, I am. All you have to do is keep up."

She tugs lightly at his hand, but he doesn't move - just watches her, clearly amused. She shrugs, smirking, and heads back to her friends, making sure to glance at him over her shoulder.

As the night goes on, their paths cross again - in the kitchen grabbing refills, in the hallway when the crowd shifts. Each time, there's a little more talking, a little less space between them.

Amara: "So, what's your deal, mystery man? Too cool to dance, too quiet to talk... are you here to actually have fun, or just watch me?""Maybe I like watching you." Amara: (grinning) "That so? Well, I like being watched... but I like company better."

Eventually, he gives in - just a little. One drink turns into two, a slow song comes on, and somehow they're standing close on the edge of the dance floor. She rests her hand on his shoulder, his hand finds her waist, and the rest of the party fades into the background.

By the end of the night, they're laughing in the corner like old friends, trading secrets they'll both pretend they didn't mean to share, the attraction between them undeniable.