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 used this move

She felt they were too close and

her subtle attempt to slip away. He realized it wasn't wise to pressure

if he frightened her off and she ran

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

"Yeah."

watched her safely cross

the hot cocoa, was pondering

when she

standing under a tree. She

haven't gone

His gaze fell on the hot cocoa in her

it's

looked at the cocoa, curiously asking, "I've

you... want to

"Sure, thank you."

"You're welcome."

tapping rhythmically on the steering wheel. Even waiting at a red light seemed

...

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