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."

guess you've

they were

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

if he frightened her off and she ran straight into someone else's arms in

to your door. You probably

"Yeah."

safely cross the

hot

she suddenly

standing under a tree. She was

you haven't

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

but it's

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

was puzzled. "Do you... want

"Sure, thank you."

"You're welcome."

steering wheel. Even waiting at a red light

...

other end, causing Corley to frown. "Corley,