Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

He had just finished class, hurrying over from the lecture hall, textbooks still in hand.

Jen said, "So, Sammy and Roseanne were having a math-off earlier. They bet that the loser would treat everyone to dinner. And well, someone lost, and now we're all buzzing about what to munch on tonight." Owen glanced around, catching Roseanne's eyes twinkling with laughter, the group's spirits high.

It was like all the awkwardness just melted away, and she really became part of the group.

A smile naturally spread across Owen's face. "Alright, let's knock off early today then, wait for Sammy's treat."

"Eh?" Jen looked puzzled. "Professor, I didn't even say who lost, how did you know it's Sammy's treat?"

Owen replied, "Isn't it obvious Sammy lost?"

Jen said, "... Yes."

Sammy was totally speechless!

"Hey Liz, you coming?" Jen casually asked.

Liz replied, "Nope."

up being at a cozy roadside

most vocal about treating, when it came down to choosing the spot, she thoughtfully considered Sammy's

improved, yet he still sent money home every month, so his budget was tight.

the restaurant Owen had chosen last time, its

Owen drove with ease,

glimpses of her

Mr. Stoddard, he just gave away his prized math notes... I'm really over the

not voice it, but she was acutely aware of

weren't overt in their actions, but the subtle differentiation was

however, she felt that gap had

Owen turned to see her gleaming

contained

A

to touch her

I saw, you did

gentle, devoid of any presumption, his

Roseanne looked up suddenly,

him. Her breath caught and she awkwardly looked away touching her flushed