Before they could say another word, one person grabbed Dolores hand, another took Dustin s arm, and the pair was gently pulled back toward the party.

Come on, let s dance! You ll forget whatever it was after a few spins!

As they were swept into the rhythm of the music, someone else added, Yeah, couples fight all the time. Don t say things you ll regret. Cool off first then talk it out.

Their words hit Dolores all at once and she realized they had misunderstood completely. She blinked, stunned. Wait what?

She quickly spoke up. No, no! We re not a couple!

Dustin was equally surprised. He hadn t seen that coming at all.

But when Dolores denied it so fast, a quiet sting settled in his chest.

The others picked up on his face and exchanged knowing looks.

Oh! So, you re still working on it? Well, don t blow it, man. Rule number one don t make her mad before she s even yours, one of the guys said with a smirk as he clapped Dustin on the shoulder.

Dustin flushed. His ears turned red, then the blush spread across his whole face.

Being mistaken for Dolores boyfriend didn t bother him.

But hearing them talk like he was chasing her made his heart race and not in a good way.

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You he stammered, lost for words.

Anyone who knew Dustin the cool, smooth-talking player would have been stunned to see him like this.

Dolores, seeing how flustered he looked, assumed it was just the teasing getting to him.

With a carefree smile, she slung an arm over his shoulder and laughed. Come on, don t be ridiculous! We re just friends. No way we d date. He s not my type!

She said it fast, loud, and with zero hesitation.

Dustin stared at her, stunned. Her laugh rang in his ears, but all he could feel was the sharp ache in his chest. It hit like a slap, clean and unexpected.

The group glanced between the two, amused.

Whatever was going on between them it was clearly something worth watching.

No matter what, we met by fate tonight so let s have a good time! one of them declared with a grin, their energy still buzzing.

Before Dolores or Dustin could even protest, hands grabbed theirs and tugged them along. There s drinks, barbecue, and music inside! Nobody s going home till we ve all had our fun!

Dolores, ever the social butterfly, was quick to fall in step. Within minutes, she was laughing and chatting like she had known them all for years.

Meanwhile, Dustin wasn t so lighthearted. He sat quietly, still mulling over what Dolores had said earlier.

She caught a glimpse of him his expression dark, shoulders low, not even a flicker of amusement on his face.

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