Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

He froze suddenly, almost reflexively yanking his hand away from Millie's gentle grasp.

Caught off guard, Millie couldn't help but frown, following his gaze, only to find Roseanne standing not too far ahead.

Murray furrowed his brows, turning to Corley. "You invited Roseanne?"

"Yeah, we're all friends here," Corley smiled innocuously.

Murray pressed, "Why didn't you give me a heads-up?"

Corley shrugged. "Got caught up, I guess. But I didn't think it'd be a big deal."

Meanwhile, Roseanne had spotted Murray, too, but quickly averted her gaze. She was there to drop off her well-wishes and leave. Her time was too precious, buried in books and research, to waste on social gatherings.

Approaching Corley, she said, "Happy birthday. Here's the present for you. It isn't expensive. Hope you like it." She handed him a gift box.

Corley accepted it with a chuckle. "Well, thanks a bunch."

birthday boy, the center of attention, he'd mingled and had

celebrate with a drink, shall we?" A waiter passed by with a tray of wine, from which he took a glass,

the same. After she finished her

an eyebrow. "Leaving so soon? The party's just

hesitation, he quickly added, "How about you stay

"Okay," she agreed.

other guests, so Roseanne asked a waiter for directions and headed toward the garden through an arched doorway. Murray watched Roseanne leave, his face darkening. She hadn't

was about to

to his arm. "Babe,

the weather. Can we find somewhere to sit down, please?"

him like adelicate

moment, Roseanne

had no choice but to step back, his voice tinged with irritation,

path from the living room to the garden wasn't far, lined with lush

Some of these