Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Several times, Millie had made her move, yet Murray remained restrained. She couldn't wrap her head around it. What was his deal? Did he fancy himself a knight in shining armor for Roseanne's honor? Ridiculous!

Murray switched off the lights in the room, ready to hit the hay, but when his eyes shut, his mind was all images of Roseanne and Corley laughing and drinking by the seaside.

He tossed and turned all night, sleep a distant dream.

The following morning, he dragged himself to the breakfast area, dark circles under his eyes, Millie clinging to his arm, cautious.

And there was Corley, popping out of another elevator, trouble clearly brewing.

Just then, Roseanne and Leda entered from another door, and Corley immediately approached with a smile. "Hey, ladies, good morning. How did you sleep last night?" His greeting was smooth and effortless.

But Murray could smell the cunning from a mile away.

Leda nodded. "Not too bad."

Roseanne smiled. "Just a bit bothered by some mosquitoes, but other than that, fine."

Corley suggested, "Shall we grab breakfast together?"

Leda agreed, "Sure."

trio moved on, leaving Murray in

Corley turned, "Oh, I forgot something. You guys head in.

waved off. "Okay,

going back for anything.

do you

dropped the line and headed toward the emergency

sensed it was about Roseanne. After a moment's hesitation,

Leda noticed Roseanne's unusual

Corley

canteen. "I saw that.

give anyone

time of day.

Murray

of heart, ready

into the dating pool?"

about? He helped me

just shrugged. "Fine, it seems you've