Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne's gaze shifted as she noticed the man's hands first. They were slender and well-defined, contrasting the ready meals in his shopping cart. When she looked up, she found him already looking down at her.

Roseanne chuckled. "You're not seriously going to call that dinner, are you?"

With a slight cough, Owen replied, "Sometimes, after a long day, I can't be bothered with takeout. These are quick and easy."

"I did the math. These provide enough protein, vitamins, and carbs for a day," he added with a seriousness that made her laugh.

"Looks like Mr. Reynolds has figured it out with scientific calculation and precision," Roseanne teased. "But, what would it be if you had to choose between these and a fresh, hot meal?"

Owen fell silent. The answer couldn't be more obvious. No one would choose a microwave meal over something freshly cooked.

With a sly smile, Roseanne said, "So, Mr. Reynolds, how about I cook dinner tonight? In return, you only need to do one thing for me."

Half an hour later, Owen was staring at a fish on the cutting board, "This seems a bit tricky to deal with."

Roseanne cleared her throat. "Usually, the supermarket has a butcher to handle this, but they're too busy today. If you prefer..."

rolling his sleeves and removing his glasses,

hoping to cut a corner with the tricky

in the kitchen, she suddenly felt guilty, wondering if it was

her earlier thought. Far from being

do?" Owen

rival a professional chef

includes some dissection, so... ahem!" Roseanne bought

dinner, Owen insisted on washing

everything, Roseanne spoke, "It's getting late. You'd better head back. I'll take care of the

but it was nearly midnight,

had napped earlier and thought she'd struggle to sleep, but she drifted off soon after Owen left. She slept soundly, waking up refreshed

I have to go on a blind date first thing in the morning," Leda complained while applying her makeup in front of the mirror,

don't you join me at the library instead?"

"I'd rather go on the blind

had never been