Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

He chuckled softly, disbelief painting his features. "I'm not mistaken."

Roseanne seemed lost, her eyes briefly clouded with confusion.

Then Corley spoke again, "I want to kiss you."

Roseanne was dumbfounded, speechless for a long moment. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, and for a second, she couldn't tell if this scene unfolding before her was reality or a dream because it was absurd!

Corley's smile had a roguish charm, his handsome face carrying a hint of recklessness and indifference, mixed with the slight buzz from the alcohol on his breath, giving off a vibe of defiance. "Surprised, huh?" Surprised was an understatement. Roseanne felt her brain had short-circuited.

"You... you..." She tried to speak, but no coherent words came out.

"Yes, I have a thing for you."

"What are you talking about? How could anything happen between us?"

give it a try

and Murray..." Weren't the two of them

have broken up. I like you, and I'm

her. She had to admit Corley was tall, handsome and carried an air of gentle nobility If

sorry," Roseanne said, "I

was like

he even smiled as if he had expected her

sigh of relief, he spoke again. "That's why I'm pursuing

what to say in

when they see it, but I do." Corley stepped closer, "I've seen your kindness, attention to detail, and talent, and I

closer!" Watching his overwhelming frame approach, Roseanne stepped back instinctively. "No matter what you

had never considered

happening with anyone

his best friend.