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.

can do to help?" Owen retracted his

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

kitchen, being in an old, compact house, felt instantly more spacious with him out

or did the air seem to cool down

Twenty minutes later-

the

get it." He didn't wait for a response, already heading to

Roseanne glanced at his

figure, mom

fridge. After

she stood and

cans of beer.

found herself caught in Owen's calm gaze, feeling inexplicably sheepish. "Um... Leda

wondered why she felt the need to justify

evasive look, a hint of amusement flickered in Owen's eyes. "I've got lab work this afternoon, better

looked at

"...maybe I shouldn't

"Right. Let's eat."

no other choice, Roseanne reluctantly put

a deep breath, standing up to address