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?"

it a try and

you and Murray..." Weren't the

continued, "You and Murray have broken up. I like you, and I'm boldly going after what I

If Murray

said, "I don't like

was like

seem upset. Instead, he even smiled as

of relief, he spoke again. "That's why

know what to say in

people don't recognize a good thing when they see it, but I do." Corley stepped closer, "I've seen your kindness, attention to detail, and

stepped back instinctively. "No matter what you say, I won't fall for you. This so-called pursuit is

had never considered

of anything happening with anyone

his