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."

"seeing how smoothly you did that, I guess you've used this move to charm lots of girls." "Wrong. You're

felt they were too close and

away. He realized it wasn't wise

ran straight

you to your door. You probably wouldn't want

"Yeah."

cross the

the hot cocoa, was pondering over

when she suddenly

a tree.

Reynolds, you haven't gone

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

but it's nice once

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

"Do you... want

"Sure, thank you."

"You're welcome."

rhythmically on the steering

...

end, causing Corley to frown. "Corley, what have you