Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

It's not like Corley couldn't see the sparks between him and Roseanne. Even if they were subtle, they were unmistakably there. And if there was something there, it certainly wouldn't escape his notice.

He suddenly stopped in his tracks and turned around.

Roseanne, trailing a few steps behind because of his sudden halt, nearly collided with him.

She steadied herself just in time.

"Sorry," Corley said, looking down at her. "Forgot something."

Roseanne looked puzzled.

The next second, he handed her a cup of steaming hot cocoa.

The warmth spread through her palms, leaving her momentarily stunned.

"Hold on to it. If you spill, I'm not cleaning it up."

Roseanne was confused. "When did you buy this?"

They had been sitting face to face the whole time, and she hadn't noticed him ordering anything.

Corley smirked. "Secret."

did that, I guess you've used this

left Roseanne speechless. She felt they were

it wasn't wise to pressure

if he frightened her off and she ran straight into

to your door. You probably wouldn't want

"Yeah."

her safely cross

hot cocoa, was pondering over

when she

a tree.

you haven't gone up

gaze fell on the hot cocoa in her hand. "Do you

regular thing, but it's nice

at the cocoa, curiously asking, "I've never tried

you... want to try

"Sure, thank you."

"You're welcome."

in a good mood, tapping rhythmically on the steering wheel. Even waiting at

...

frown. "Corley, what have you been up to lately?" Cliff moved to a quieter