Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne chuckled, "Oh come on, since when do guests end up in the kitchen?"

"Well, the guest insists he's more than happy to help."

With extra hands, the prep work flew by much quicker.

Once everything was set, Roseanne fetched the bass from the aromatic water, gently laid it on a plate, then patted it dry with paper towels before brushing its surface with olive oil to seal in the freshness. Owen found himself without a task, simply standing by, "Need a hand with anything?"

"Could you grab the steaming rack for me?"

"Sure thing."

He was tall enough to reach it with ease, but the tricky part was that the rack was hanging right above Roseanne's head.

Which meant, to get it, Owen had to stand right behind her.

This brief proximity, as if enveloping her within his arms, thankfully lasted just a moment - too quick to be awkward. "Here you go." Roseanne reached out.

Owen passed it to her.

Their fingers brushed accidentally during the handoff, causing him to catch his breath.

Roseanne, however, didn't seem fazed as she took the rack, placed it in the pot, and began steaming the fish.

else I can do to help?" Owen retracted his hand, clearing his

counter, saying, "Hmm... All the sides are ready, and the seasonings are all set. Why

kitchen, being in an old, compact house, felt instantly

imagination, or did the air seem to

Twenty minutes later-

stove, removed her apron, and brought the dishes to the table.

soup still in the kitchen? I'll get it." He didn't wait for a

Roseanne glanced at his

figure, mom

fridge. After

stood

cans of beer.

feeling inexplicably sheepish. "Um... Leda

and Roseanne wondered why she felt the need to justify

eyes. "I've got lab work this afternoon,

just looked at

swallowed. "...maybe

"Right. Let's eat."

no other choice, Roseanne reluctantly put

table, and Roseanne took a deep breath, standing