Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

For Roseanne, that was a rare opportunity.

"If you're interested, you can take this back and have a look." He pulled out a flash drive and laid it before her, "It contains all the experiment details."

Roseanne looked up, her bright eyes sparkling with excitement. "Thanks, I'll give it some thought."

By ten o'clock, it was about time for Roseanne to head home.

Owen walked her to the door.

"I just live across the hallway. You don't have to walk me out," Roseanne said with a chuckle.

Yet, Owen glanced at her inadvertently exposed finger, gently reminding her, "You shouldn't keep that band-aid on for too long. Clean it with the iodine, and it's best to let it breathe."

Roseanne instinctively curled her index finger, "Thanks. I'll remember that."

Owen didn't say much more, just nodded slightly, then turned to pick up a small pot of pink succulents. "This is for you."

the palm-sized plant with its chubby leaves that faded from green to pink, so adorable. "Really? For me? It's

it up. Consider it a thank you for that fish dinner you treated me to last time." Roseanne smiled. "I'll accept it then. But really,

clear night sky, full

Owen felt a soft flutter in

...

planned a visit to the hospital room early in the

was carrying a lunchbox with something that resembled care and precision. "Murray, don't say I don't look out

chef get up early to make this. Don't be fooled

then at York's smiling face, barely suppressing a smirk, wondering if York was there to deliver food or stir

wasn't fond of soups except for the stomach-soothing oatmeal Roseanne used to make. Anything else was as good as

tasted it before grimacing and tossing the spoon aside. "Forget it! It tastes weird! Where did you find this chef? Can't

expressionless. "Then

chef's a big, tough guy, and he just doesn't match up to

Weet

violently, trying to