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."

smoothly you did that, I guess you've

felt they were too close and

He realized it wasn't wise to pressure her too much at that

he frightened her off and she ran straight into someone

you to your door. You probably wouldn't want me

"Yeah."

safely cross

still holding the hot cocoa, was pondering over

when she

standing under a tree.

you haven't gone up

fell on the hot cocoa

it's nice once in

the cocoa, curiously asking, "I've never tried it. Is

you... want to try

"Sure, thank you."

"You're welcome."

rhythmically on the steering wheel. Even waiting at

...

called, and the car's Bluetooth system picked up automatically. Loud rock music blared from the other end, causing Corley to frown. "Corley, what have you been up to lately?" Cliff moved to a quieter