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."

you've used this move to charm lots of girls." "Wrong. You're the

Roseanne speechless. She felt they were too close and subtly

attempt to slip away. He realized it wasn't

and she ran straight into someone else's arms in

head back. I won't walk you to your door. You probably wouldn't

"Yeah."

safely cross the street

hot cocoa,

she

standing under a tree.

haven't

fell on the hot cocoa in her hand.

but it's nice

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

was puzzled. "Do you... want

"Sure, thank you."

"You're welcome."

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

...

the other end, causing Corley to frown. "Corley, what have you been