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."

I guess you've

Roseanne speechless. She felt they

realized it wasn't wise

frightened her off and she ran

you to your door. You probably wouldn't want

"Yeah."

her safely cross the

the hot

when she

under a

haven't gone up

gaze fell on the hot cocoa in her

regular thing, but it's nice once in

cocoa, curiously asking, "I've never tried

puzzled. "Do you...

"Sure, thank you."

"You're welcome."

rhythmically on the steering wheel. Even

...

the car's Bluetooth system picked up automatically. Loud rock music blared from the other end, causing Corley to frown. "Corley, what have you